Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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muscles tensing when I lie down

brianap
brianap
For the past couple nights, when I lie down to go to sleep I get a sort of cramping in my leg. Its not painful like a charlie horse or anything. Just like all of a sudden my nuscle is flexing on its own. It is kind of-very- distracting as I am trying to relax. It doesn't happen durring the day when I'm walking around or sitting. Just when I lie still. Massage helps a little, but as soon as my huband stops, they start up again. I tried ibuprofen so see if that would help relax the muscles, and also taking a hot shower before getting in bed. It was not as bad last night, but still there. Is there anything else to try? Maybe like a muscle ointment? I don't think I want a strong all over muscle relaxer. But I don't know what the options out there are. Has anyone tried a TENS unit for this? I don't know if it would work but was wondering.
thanks for any input.
MSKC
MSKC
First of all, MS can be aggravated by heat, so the hot shower maybe part of the problem. So, cool down the water and see if that helps. Here is what I found that helps me, cause I get the same kinda thing time I lay down at night too. I take one Baclofen and one Neurotin before bed and it has made all the difference in not only the quality of my sleep, but being able to get up with MUCH less spasms and getting up in the morning is so much better in general. I am like you, didn't want to take either for a long time, but found that taking them just at bedtime has made such a difference that I have gotten over the fact that I am taking these drugs. Hope this helps!! Blessings to ya!
marilyn4342
marilyn4342
I too, suffer from this problem. However, the neuron tin that I take at night doesn't always seem to help. I don't know what else to do. Massage does seem to help. Swansons has a cream that can help. Hope this finds you better.

Marilyn
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have recently expreanced the same in my shoulders. They get tighter and tighter untill they feel they will bust. I went and got a massage. The lady said that my muscles were not tight at all. I guess that it was just the wrong signal going to my brain. There is alot I dont understand about MS but I do know that I experiance alot of weard symptoms.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
I don't get this anymore since I started taking magnesium citrate. I take 1200 mgs per day. About 2 capsules, 3 x daily. You're supposed to buil up to a big amount gradually.

The reason i take mg is that I read most adults have a deficiency. Without magnesium to relax the muscles, calcium keeps everything contracting. There is some great info out there.

Good luck with this - I know it is an awful burden.

I can't take Baclofen or other drugs unless I'm in agony - the side effects aren't worth it.
brianap
brianap
Interesting about the calcium-magnesium relationship. I had actually read it was good to take calcium for spasms, so I upped my dose. Things were actually better last night. I have tried magnesium as well in the past, but took too high a dose too quickly. Horrible stomach issues. And I had an MRI that morning. But maybe I'll start a lower dose and work my way up.
AWDESIGNS8
AWDESIGNS8
i heard tonic water will help cramps i dont get them yet but i do strengths for my legs try that love april
LilMargie
LilMargie
That's what the spasticity problem is that you read about. I have the exact same thing but mine hurt usually, because they are so strong.

I take Baclofen for the problem, which is a muscle relaxant. ( 2 tablets a day, 10 mgs each, one in the a.m., one in the p.m.).

If my legs start acting up, I take a half tab, or, if it's almost dosage time, I take a whole tablet early.

Good luck!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks alot of the adivce. Will try the calcium first. Need good sleep soon.
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