Chronic Muscle Spasms

@hmcski it was my teacher who got treated with Botox after nothing else worked…he regained much of the use of his right hand. Personally,I get help from my DO/MD…focused exercises he gives me help.

@hmcski not much testing, just X-rays or MRIs…. For awhile I was a patient of Dr.John Sarno…he helped get rid of my worst pain, which came on after taking care of my husband, losing him and dealing with family issues…in other words—real life tensions that brought on psychological stress…he was a master at helping such problems…now my osteopath is very helpful, and I do stretches and exercises, including breathing exercises to loosen up my diaphragm…a few Tylenol or a pain patch on a few occasions- i manage..live with less than perfect but moving forward.

@littledelights21 : what do you think the botox did to your nerves or muscles to relieve your pain?

For 2.5 yrs post spinal fusion, my back, butt, gluts/hamstrings & inner thighs have all been super tight.. Deep tiss massage 2Xs / wk for last 2 mos helps. Masseur, had worked on Olympians, and a Per Training think my motor nerves are pissed and contantly tell muscles to contract. AND fact the large muscles are over stressed/stretched so constantly fatigued/sore. NO pain meds help.

Dir a 14 day trial E-stim implant. Reduced pain 50%. Envro said need at least 70%+ less pain before they'd do perm implant.

Q:..... I may need to spend another 6+ mos to carefully strengthen all the back, and leg muscles?
I'm a type A+ personality, so very difficult to not over-do stretches and weight machine workouts.

IDEAS ??
TKS
~. Greg, St Pete, FL

@gregda

That is miserable. I’m so sorry!

I was fused T3-L3 30+ years ago for scoliosis. It’s a difficult surgery that changes the way the body functions long-term.

In people with fusions, the calves tend to shorten and become very tight. It throws off the hips, knees, low back, and can even cause plantar fasciitis.

The Botox helps with the giant knots that form over time in your muscles. I get some in my trapezius, some in my lower back, and some in my neck.

Dry needling may have a longer-lasting effect than just massage, especially if they use a bit of stimulation. It can go deeper than even the best massage therapist.

Stretching may not be the answer, either. It sounds like something is unbalanced - too strong vs. too weak.

Have you been able to consult with any clinic that routinely sees post-surgical patients? Your surgeon will see you as “operate or not,” but a practice that deals with those of us who had surgery years ago might be better able to help.

Again, I’m sorry this is happening. We think surgery is going to fix the pain, but then it doesn’t…

I hope something helps you soon.

@nycmusic
So you actually did sessions with John Sarno? What was that like? It makes me wonder if my pain has something to do with a lot of loss and grief also. It did seem to start after a few years though that I lost about 6 of all the significant people in my life and a cat who is a significant person.

@annie1 first, I am so sorry for the many losses, so many ! My first appointment was a full hour with him, a careful exam and history….he tried to get me to open up more, hard to do for me as a very recent widow then….he said that I did not have a serious disease, a huge relief, as the pain was disabling—but felt I would benefit from his lectures and group sessions—true, I did—and read more of his books…I began my habit of journaling, very helpful, and had sessions with a psychologist—all to focus on releasing inner tensions.our family had serious issues then, and all that he offered helped. My pain became far less, even pain free periods… …where I eventually diverged was his ultra strict dislike of patients using any physical comforts -which he believed were distractions from psyche issues- things like nice long hot showers, massage, etc. I believe that overall he helped many people and drew attention to previously ignored factors in back pain…..I remember he was very short and had an amazingly intense gaze, like being looked at by an eagle. All that said, i hope you and so many find relief !!

Before I fall asleep, I get leg contractions in either leg. it has the result of keeping me awake. Does anybody have similar condition? What is the cure? This condition preceded my stroke and back surgery (on the nerves radiating
from l4 and l5).

@charlesstuckey
Hey, Charles.
There could be many causes. Here is a great overview from Prevention Mag which can help you take immediate steps before contacting your doctor.
https://www.prevention.com/health/a20428647/20-restless-leg-syndrome-home-remedies/

@hmcski everyone is different but I have neck/spine instability from hypermobile Ehlers Danlos and therefore my stability muscles behind my shoulders cramp up withe certain movements as they are trying to protect my spine (as my PT explains it). But the PT exercises help a ton. I also get leg cramps that are more related to magnesium deficiency so electrolytes and/or taking magnesium have helped a ton!