Many people with multiple sclerosis have stiff muscles and spasms, a condition called spasticity. It happens mostly in the muscles of the legs and arms, and it may keep you from moving your limbs freely.
You might feel spasticity either as stiffness that doesn’t go away or as movements you can’t control that come and go, especially at night. It can feel like a muscle tightening, or it can be very painful. Spasticity also can make you ache or feel tight in and around your joints and low back. How you feel can vary depending on your position, posture, and how relaxed you are.
What Causes Spasticity?
Spasticity happens because of an imbalance in the electrical signals coming from the brain and spinal cord, often when multiple sclerosis has damaged the nerves there. This unevenness makes your muscles contract on their own and makes them tense.
The condition can get worse when it’s too hot or cold, when you have an infection, or if you’re wearing tight clothing.
Treatment for MS Spasticity
Physical therapy, medications, surgery, or a mix of these treatments can ease spasticity when you have MS. To decide the best way to help you, your doctors will think about your overall health, how severe your symptoms are, and:
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