How do people manage or control muscle spasms?

[20ajs]

[Hidden]

Hot packs ... injections in my shoulders and neck where the muscles are almost constantly in spasm every 3 months and for the odd day of breakthrough pain after injections ...very low dose diazepam .. A months course of diazepam will last me up to 6 months so my GP lets me have them on repeat prescription as I use them so infrequently....

VG x

[jom277]

Hot packs, electric blanket and diazepam.

[LindseyMid]

Do you know if you have Myofascial Pain Syndrome? It is very common amongst people with Fibro, but needs a different treatment.

Personally, I found MFR (myofascial release therapy), physiotherapy, heat and low dose clonazepam to be most useful.

[Jjudith]

This is the second time I did this, the first answer got lost in cyberspace so if there are two replies eventually you will know why. Yes, I also have MPS, I taught myself trigger point therapy from the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clare Davies, it is like MFR but you can do it yourself and it is cheaper, also when you have pain you don't have to wait to see the therapist.

I also did a holistic massage course and about twice a week I have a long soak in the bath and do a holistic massage on myself - wonderful. I also did a course on meditation and I am doing an advanced course, and I meditate most days, or do yoga. I use hot and cold packs sometimes especially for my back. I am learning Alexander Technique from a therapist and that is all about muscle relaxation.

I also take a low dose of Diazepam and Clonazepam, but that is for bladder spasm due to Interstitial Cystitis, I can't take many medications as I have paradoxical effects or horrible side effects or they set my bladder burning. But it also helps with other muscle spasm, such as in my face.

The reason I do courses is because it is cheaper than going to a therapist, and also, it means you can do it as often as you need, and it doesn't take up so much of your time.

Last but not least, my wonderful TENS machine. I use it on any sore tense places when I go to bed, it takes away the tension and pain and I stay pain free for about half an hour or so after the treatment, so I can get to sleep.

And then my hubby was the naughtiest little boy in his school I reckon, and if I am really tense he tells me funny stories of pranks he got into. That makes me really relax big time - but no, you can't have him. Hugs x

[BenLes]

Has anyone else tried magnesium? It's recommended for the nervous system but does help with relaxing muscles.