Neck, upper arms and left hip go into muscle spasms while sleeping. I believe it happens in the early morning hours. It causes the morning pain to be very bad.
Are muscle relaxers being prescribed to help this? My rheumatologist prescribed cymbalta this week just for the pain and depression. I forgot to tell her about the muscle spasms. I think I probably need flexeral too.
You need to get some blood tests done to rule out electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium). The magnesium isn't necessarily significant - the blood level can be OK even though the muscles are depleted. It is worth trying magnesium supplements, Epsom Salts baths or even magnesium sprays.
Personally I would doubt that oral muscle relaxants would help - they never did for me and they relax everything, not the muscles that are spasmed. A physiotherapist or therapeutic massage therapist could probably do some manual techniques that would release the spasms. IMHO there is far too much reliance on a pill to cure an ill when there are better and more effective options which don't have nasty side effects.
Thank you for this info, I have had this happen to me in my left thigh twice in the last month. The pain is excruciating. Will try magnesium supplement. At Doc app. yesterday I gave him a list of all the painful and not so much, I have had in last month. No suggestions other than stay on the 11mg for a month. I had already raised dose from 10 to 11 myself anyway.
It is a start - and if it works the problem is solved. If not - ask for a physio appt. Though that will probably take months too!
Will do, though when I asked before was met with blank stare, and told not the solution. I was told that they hold off recommending other practitioners as cost comes from Practise funds.
When I went to book next app for four weeks time, was told my Doc would be leaving on that day, just when I had found one who listens. Have managed to get with another whom I have met before and liked. So 🤞not anywhere else as could be painful 😖
I'm sure cost comes into it - but if they can't do anything themselves they want to get their thinking caps on. It IS their job after all. And excuse me - how do THEY know a physio may not have the solution? Have you had a physical examination?
No, now I have to move onto another in the practice, further up the ladder, will be starting afresh with my list of aches, pains and what have you’s.
Not easy is it, no continuity anymore, though must admit didn’t push for a physio as the last one caused it in the first place.But true to form it won’t be the same one next time!!!
Hi Leeleep. I had horrible back spasms, especially when I laid down at night when I was tapering from 15-7 ish mg. Two things helped. Magnesium lotion which my hubby kindly applied to my back, and moving my Magnesium/Calcium supplement to taking it in the evening. Back stretches and strengthening exercise also helped. Hope you find relief. I know how painful it can be!
I often think it's nerves that spasm. I get it.
White vinegar I've found is best. Keep it by bed. Costs nothing. Dump the quacks.
Chest spasms
Muscle Strain long recovery time ? 
Follow-up: ER Visit for Excruciating Back Spasms
Anyone had back (muscle) spasms? Is it linked to PMR?
