Dystonia? Anyone else dealing with severe muscle spasms post COVID?

Posted by kimmarie67 @kimmarie67, Apr 10, 2022

Is anyone else dealing with severe muscle spasms that wrack your whole body post COVID? I have been experiencing worsening and more frequent episodes of paralysis since April 21. These spasms just started 3 weeks ago. Today it's been literally constant since 10 pm last night.

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I’m so sorry you are having to go thru this ordeal…it is truly terrible. I had Covid pneumonia in November 2020, and have experienced cramping muscles that eventually resulted in progressively weaker muscles over my entire body and severe all over bone pain. Tried everything, meds, daily soaks in Epsom salt baths, creams, lotions etc., Chiropractic adjustments and massages (which did help) are expensive when you need them at least weekly! My PCP suggested Physical Therapy and it has helped so much. Gently stretching along with light weights and my favorite the underwater treadmill. The warm water provides buoyancy which protects the joints along with the walking, stretches the muscles. This has helped me so much, I was doubtful in the beginning but so thankful I went!
Hopefully after all possible medical causes are ruled out, you can try any or all three (Massage, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy) of the treatments that have helped me. Hang in there and never stop trying to find help and get better. The long Covid after effects are new territory for us all including doctors but the good ones are trying to find the answers that so many people need. Take care!

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I hope the dystonia has resolved. Is your PCP monitoring you and those symptoms? Could your body be reacting to a medication? Years ago, I took Compazine for nausea and it caused dystonia.

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I got Covid four weeks ago and mtg with dr today for referral to long Covid hospital clinic. I also have muscle or nerve pain in legs and arms. I’m not sure which one it is. My general dr recommended Epsom salt baths which I’ve done every night forever before covid, and to start taking magnesium supplement. I’ve done magnesium and it is might be helping but still have pains. Note: With any supply check with dr and for instance I learned my thyroid med has to be taken four hours away from vitamin/magnesium supplements so do check with dr on dosage and timing as there can be interactions or they can lessen benefit of other meds of taken to close to each other. Not big deal if you know but important to ask.

Also I’m going to ask for Prozac anxiety med. I’m hoping if I can reduce my anxiety that might reduce leg pain if it’s nerve related.

The other thing I’m going to to do based on prelim research I’ve done is reduce high histamine foods. I’ve heard that helps long covid people so willing to try that if it works.

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Yes and haven't known why till I just got covid again. Went to ER night before I tested positive due to muscle spasms in arms and legs. They didn't even think to check me for covid and I have it BAD!

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I have had both spasm and tremor for over 2 years now. So much so that the neurologists have diagnosed me with Parkinson's. There are articles and studies out that are connecting COVID with Parkinsonism. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-parkinsons-disease/jpd202211

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@jtb75

I’m so sorry you are having to go thru this ordeal…it is truly terrible. I had Covid pneumonia in November 2020, and have experienced cramping muscles that eventually resulted in progressively weaker muscles over my entire body and severe all over bone pain. Tried everything, meds, daily soaks in Epsom salt baths, creams, lotions etc., Chiropractic adjustments and massages (which did help) are expensive when you need them at least weekly! My PCP suggested Physical Therapy and it has helped so much. Gently stretching along with light weights and my favorite the underwater treadmill. The warm water provides buoyancy which protects the joints along with the walking, stretches the muscles. This has helped me so much, I was doubtful in the beginning but so thankful I went!
Hopefully after all possible medical causes are ruled out, you can try any or all three (Massage, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy) of the treatments that have helped me. Hang in there and never stop trying to find help and get better. The long Covid after effects are new territory for us all including doctors but the good ones are trying to find the answers that so many people need. Take care!

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Hi thanks for sharing. Can you tell me what the underwater treadmill is. Where is this available?thanks

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I know that there is a better definition but it’s just basically a treadmill that is underwater in a self contained tank or pool that is used for hydrotherapy. It’s available at most Physical Therapy clinics, hospitals, sports clubs etc. Check with your PCP as they should know where one is near your location. My PCP wrote an order/scrip for me to help address the issues I’m facing with Long Covid. The underwater treadmill has been the only thing I’ve been able to successfully do as it is low impact, easy on the joints, great cardio and muscle strengthening. I hope you can try it for yourself, I know you will appreciate the many benefits hydrotherapy provides. Google underwater treadmills, there is a plethora of info! Take care of yourself!

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