What kind of a doctor deals with muscle spasms?

Posted by ksdm @ksdm, Jul 27 6:31pm

Does anyone know what kind of a doctor deals with muscle spasms? I get one in one spot on my back about every three months. They are unbearably painful and they last for 4-6 weeks during which time I have to sit in my chair with my heating pad and do nothing. I am 82 and this is not how I planned to spend my last days! I cry.

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celia16 | @celia16 | Jul 29 4:41pm

In reply to @ksdm "What do you know about the Botox injections? I've heard of it, but know nothing.." + (show)

I never got the Botox in my back, because the muscle knot released just prior to me getting it. I’ve read that they are effective, though I guess it varies by person.

Now, I did get Botox in my forehead and had great results! Lol May get some more pretty soon.

raebaby | @raebaby | Jul 29 7:59pm

I have peripheral neuropathy and cramps in my legs. I found that I am greatly helped by drinking more water.

artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | Jul 30 2:33am

My neurologist Botox’s mine. The Botox puts the muscle too sleep for mine three months. Then I have it repeated.

ksdm | @ksdm | Jul 30 5:37am

What a great idea! I will ask about it at my next visit.

celia16 | @celia16 | Jul 30 6:59am

In reply to @raebaby "I have peripheral neuropathy and cramps in my legs. I found that I am greatly helped..." + (show)

How much are you talking about? I think I drink enough, but I’m always curious about whether it’s enough.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jul 30 7:59am

Hi ksdm,

I just had a similar problem with on and off cramping in my hamstrings. I'm very fit and I stretch everyday and I keep hydrated. I didn't know what was going on and didn't know who to see about it.

I checked with my knee surgeon, and he referred me to an MD in Functional Medicine. This Dr is a specialist of sorts - they are sometimes referred to as Sports Medicine Drs. They are indeed MDs and not physical therapists or chiropractors. They are kind of midway between a primary care doctor and a specialist (knee and hip orthopod, for example).

I hope this helps and I hope you get help with those annoying and painful back spasms. Before I go - have you tried massage? This helped me a lot.

All the best. Joe

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jul 30 8:05am

In reply to @raebaby "I have peripheral neuropathy and cramps in my legs. I found that I am greatly helped..." + (show)

Thanks raebaby. Good reminder. I'm generalizing, but I think we don't drink nearly enough water. The right amount is individual, it's probably just a lot more than you're drinking now.

I have also added a lot of fresh fruit to my diet. It is almost all water, and it's a tasty way to stay hydrated. As for water - I like Smartwater, with electrolytes for taste, and to replace sweat.