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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@heyjoe415

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

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I did see one (sports med, dr,) no results! He gave me a script for pain medicine.

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Dear Young 82.
It's not easy growing older and everyday we find 'new' places we didn't even know we had places.
Prayers for strength and hope for a little relief. Let's keep 'pushing'. Good Luck.

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@artemis1886

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

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I was told that my spasm is too close to my spinal column to do Botox.

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@linamend

Have you seen a physician about this condition?

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Have you tried Theraworx Foam. Works for me!

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@ksdm

What do you know about the Botox injections? I've heard of it, but know nothing..

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I take Botox for muscle spasms. I would be lost without it. I have piriformis syndrome and dystonia in my neck muscles. It last three months sometimes longer. When it wears off it hurts.

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@ksdm

I was told that my spasm is too close to my spinal column to do Botox.

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I have had it close to the spine by a neurologist a pain management doctor can do a rhizotomy and cut the nerves. I have it done on the SI Joints.

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@artemis1886

I have had it close to the spine by a neurologist a pain management doctor can do a rhizotomy and cut the nerves. I have it done on the SI Joints.

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Where was this done??

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@ksdm

I take so many meds I drink water all day! It hasn't changed a thing.

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It is possible that one or more of the medications (or an interaction between them) you take are causing the spasms.
Can you ask your pharmacist or your doctor to look at whether some of your meds are actually causing the problem?

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I have had 8 surgeries on my spine, muscle spasms shut me down so often:(
I recently spoke to my neurologist about the spams. He prescribed Baclofin 5mg 3x day to start 1st 3 days, 10mg day 4-6, and if needed I could continue to increase dosage by 5mg up to 20mg. It literally works by day 3! Game changer for quality of life. Side note…
it makes me sleepy but an hour nap refreshes me mid day. He said do what works best for me and honestly beyond relieved!

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Good for you! I hope it will continue to be helpful. It does sound you have a doctor who 'listens'.
That alone, should help you feel a little better. Right? Of course, right.

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