A spasm is an involuntary and sudden contraction of the muscles. It is usually caused as a result of abnormally sustained muscle contractions that are a result of pain, fatigue, or muscle overexertion. In some cases, however, spasms can indicate an underlying neuromuscular disorder.
Therefore, it’s important to observe the frequency, pattern, and duration of the spasms you’re experiencing. Here’s what you need to know about the causes and triggers:
Spasticity
Spasticity is a condition where certain muscles are contracted continuously, causing them to become stiff. This gradually interferes with a person’s normal speech, movement, and gait.
Spasticity ranges from mild to so severe that it produces uncontrollable spasms, usually in the legs. It also results in a sensation of pain around the joints, usually causing lower back pain.
There are different kinds of spasms caused by spasticity:
- Flexor spasm:The muscles become so tight that the limbs are bent and it becomes difficult to straighten them
- Extensor spasm: The contracted muscles cause the limbs to remain straight and they’re difficult to bend
What causes spasticity?
Spasticity is commonly caused by an imbalance of signals from the nervous system and the muscles. This imbalance is often found in people with traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and spinal cord injuries.
Since spasticity greatly affects the joints of extremities, it is significantly harmful to growing children.
Symptoms of spasticity
Some adverse effects of spasticity are:
- Muscle spasms, causing painful and uncontrollable muscle contractions
- Muscle stiffness, making everyday tasks more difficult to perform; movements become less precise
- Joint and muscle deformities
- Involuntary crossing of legs
- Muscle fatigue
- Increased muscle tone
- Abnormal posture
- Contracture
Triggers
Spasticity is often aggravated by sudden position changes, humidity or infection, extreme temperature or even tight clothing.
Treatment
Treatment for spasticity includes medications, in combination with physical therapy and occasional therapy programs that involve range of motion exercises and muscle stretching.
Local injections of Botox and Dysport for treating lower and upper limb spasticity have shown to be more effective than oral medicines. Deep brain stimulation is also being studied as a treatment for spasticity when other measures fail.
Reach out to Dr. Farzin Pedouim in LA, if you’re looking for a neurologist that specializes in spasticity and dystonia Botox treatments. He offers effective treatments to mitigate the symptoms of muscle movement disorders.
Contact him today to book your appointments.
