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SPASMS & MUSCLE STIFFNESS IN MS – standard and complementary

This is the website link to download the MS Society’s info.



and here’s some other things to consider:

Check you don’t have a urine infection – get your urine dipsticked, and get treatment if leucocytes/nitrites present

Check you don’t have any infection, sore skin, ingrown toenails, clothing/splint/shoes that are chafing, or constipation – treat immediately if so, as all these things can trigger muscle spasm.

Muscle spasm or spasticity is a symptom of MS, so take all actions to help reduce inflammation and help your MS in general.

See a Physiotherapist, and do as much movement exercise as you can, every day, as this has been shown to be the best way to address stiffness physically

If you need to start or increase muscle relaxant medication, ask the pharmacist for a tablet cutter, and start/ increase prescribed baclofen by half a tablet, then another half a tablet 3 days later, until you find the right dose, and to a maximum of 90mg a day, in 3 split doses. Ask your GP to adjust your prescription accordingly, and check that you’re not having undue side-effects. If baclofen causes undue drowsiness or weakness, tizanidine could be tried; you’d need a blood test before & for the 1st 3 months to check your liver can process it. Gabapentin is often used now as a first line treatment, but be aware that weight gain can be a problem side-effect, amongst others.

Sometimes a combination of muscle relaxants needs to be used – see your MS Nurse to discuss.You might need to use pillows in the bed to help get your legs comfortable in a slightly bent position for sleeping. With severe spasm or spasticity, you will need to work with your healthcare team, including physiotherapist, to consider further options, like botox injections, or even the baclofen pump.

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Patrons:

H M Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis

Alastair Compston – Professor of Neurology CBE

Roger Jefcoate CBE Clifton Ibbett

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