Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity - A Basic Guide to Spasticity and Multiple Sclerosis

One of the most common signs of multiplethe amount of damage and the location of the
sclerosis is spasticity, which it the most oftenMS lesions this multiple sclerosis spasticity can also
described as uncontrollable muscle spasms orbecome a permanent part of the patients life.
contractions that do not work in sync with theAre there Treatments for Spasticity?
other muscles in a limb. This particular problem canThe most important thing to remember is that if
also manifest itself as muscles that are stiff andyou do not seek treatment for this multiple
resist latent muscle movement. It can also causesclerosis spasticity you could end up with far
the MS patient to feel a certain amount of pain inmore serious problems such as permanently
their joints and while this symptom can manifestfrozen joints that will not move leaving you
itself in any of the patients limbs it occurs mostlydisabled. Thankfully there are several well known
in the legs.and successful treatments that can help relieve
What Causes Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity?the spasms and tight muscles that can be very
Because multiple sclerosis causes damage to thepainful.
myelin sheath that surrounds both the brain andYou should start out by talking to a
the spinal cord it has a direct effect on thephysiotherapist who works with other MS
transfer of information from the nerves to thepatients, this way they will already have an idea
brain and back again. In some cases these signalsof what your needs are. Because each patient is
move far too slowly to be effective, in othersdifferent he should start by evaluating the
the signals get scrambled as they travel.severity of your spasticity. This is the only way
Fine motor skills are something we develop as wehe can put together a recommendation as the
grow from a baby into an adult and this requirestype of physical therapy you are going to need
the brain to be able to communicate smoothlyalong with any medications you should be using.
with every muscle in our body. With multipleHe will also put together an exercise regimen that
sclerosis spasticity, the brain is no longer able tois designed to keep the muscles as strong and
communicate accurately and smoothly withunder control as possible. At the same time the
certain muscles and the result mixed messagesbest thing you can do for your multiple sclerosis
cause the muscles to spasm or conversely lockspasticity is to start a daily regimen of stretching
up becoming uncontrollable.and exercises to help relieve the spasticity and
These episodes can be brought on withoutkeep it under control. While there is no cure for
external stimulation or they can also be caused bythe spasticity you can at least learn how to keep
something as simple as being overly tired orit down to a minimum so that you can enjoy
wearing clothes that are too tight. Depending onyour life.