I suffer from spasticity and what helps me is stretching....a lot of stretching. The drug called Dronabinol helps with the stiff muscles too.

I have spasticity and it has been gradually been getting worse over the last 5 years. When I was first dx 5 years ago, it wasn't that prominent. I would go on hikes or mountain bike rides (15-20 miles) and my legs would have these little spasms all over but I would rest for 5-10 minutes and my legs would feel great. Tired from the bike ride but overall good. The gradually they just stiffer and stiffer.

I don't MB anymore more due to balance issues and eyesight stuff, but I ride a bike at the gym 2-4 days a week. After ridding the bike and working my leg muscles pretty good, my spasticity seems to ease and then I do yoga and stretch whenever possible. I am taking Baclofen 40mg per day which seems to help with the little spasms in my legs but not stiffness. When I was taking Lyrica it seemed to help a lot but I had to discontinue because my insurance wouldn't cover it (not approved my MS, only fibromyalgia which would work for you) and maybe I can have my neuro diagnose me with fibromyalgia just so I can get Lyrica again. :) Overall, the only thing that I found to work for spasticity is drugs. Lyrica, Gabapentin (generic name), Zanaflex (all muscle relaxers). These help the best for spasticity. Exercising and a deep tissue massage also does wonders!

My first bout about had me on the floor when I got out of bed one day. It was worrisome. The doc sent me for physical therapy. I made a sketch of the different exercises they had me do so that I could continue on my own after my sessions were up. Stretching does wonders. The most helpful for me is before even getting out of bed, lying on my back and pulling up a leg in 90 degree angle _|__ and just pulling by my foot enough to feel the stretching start. Everyone is different though and if that is not an option for you, the doctor may have some better ideas for you.

There are anti-spacticity drugs too although I haven't tried any of those in some time.

Have you ever tried the shiatsu massage? It is accupressure with stretching. It works wonders for me.

Thanks for the advice everyone! Yeah Freddie, I take Dronabinol (Marinol) for it also...along with Zanaflex at night. I was just wondering if the 'worsening' muscle spasms & 'longer durations' of stiffness meant anything?

I was ordered to go to PT (in the therapy pool) about 4 months ago, and it sure seemed to help me. I've tried keeping up with the stretches...especially if I get a chance to get in a pool. I also do stretches with my legs in the shower early in the mornings with my little foot-stool. It just has me worried...that's all. Guess I can't stop the inevitable...irregardless! Thanks again guys...& gals! Lol! ;)
~tj

Alitax, I forgot to thank you for your suggestion also, however, I've had several massage therapist, & even one chiropractor to almost put me in the hospital. Those types of "deep-tissue" massages call for 'experienced experts'....they are hard to find! They always seem to "inflame" my neck/shoulder area, instead of relaxing them!
~tj

I have had spasticity is my feet ankles and pelvic floor for more than 2 years now. It started when I had the full blown attack which diagnosed me with ms. Mine feels like I am walking on rocks and sitting on rocks. My muscles or tendons are so tight and so sore! And real 'lumpy' hard. Stretching helps a lot, The Dr. gives me baclofen but i have found for me the best pain reliever is actually ibuprofen. My new vibrator is helping too. It sure stinks having this constant pain. I can relate to what you are saying. Good luck to you i think you just have to find what works best for you. I hated when people told me that, still do, but it does seem to be reality.

My spinal spasms relate to infection & underlying weakness - spina bifida which is of no consequence it says in online record? & acute utis which are chronic in-between due to neurogenic bladder one ureter too many & abnormal EEG .suspect many of them similar to MS [ don't have] problems which the therapies could help.Do have CFS/fibro the trigger points are where,when acute e.g.: with cardiac arrest , there is weak heart pumping .Many problems also not showing up on Tests as suspect Microvascular. such as oedema lips-lymphoedema , dyspnoea & PAH .

This original post is an older one. Wish DS would fix their issues. Sorry you're having all of this going on skybluepink. I used to get horrible toe cramps and charley horses in my calves. Years ago, though, I caught Dr. Hyman in a book talking about magnesium citrate for muscle spasma and since I started taking it, I was able to refuse meds like "Baclofen." No problems with those in years.

I keep hearing that exercise equals health, ant what we eat is paramount to a healthy body. Needless to say, I never lose hope that something is going to help. (I am convinced that the meds cause more problems than anything else.)

My spasticy was originally dxd as Restless Legs Syndrome. For me, it's an uncontrollable urge for my legs to move, they sort of jump. Baclofen takes care of it for me.

My spasticity is maddening, and my most noticeable symptom. . .my two legs go completely straight & I and the people around me have to make an effort to get them back to a bent position/relax. I probably need to again find more sources of magnesium. . .I take a multivitamin & also magnesium every other day. Got to get back to eating nuts regularly. . .and to figure out how to reincorporate yoga stretching into my routine again. . .