Okay, I know I've posted about this in the past, so I will apologize in advance for repeating myself. It's just that I'm in pain, haven't slept in over 6 days and I'm at my wits end.

I have been dealing with what I thought was spasticity, muscle spasms for almost 3 years now. I never saw my neuro when it started because at the time he was on vacation and I spoke with his PA that was covering for him, told him my symptoms; sharp, stabbing, throbbing pain, muscle tightening and knotting, waking me up, coming sproradically during the day. The PA said it sounded like spasticity and prescribed 4mg Zanaflex nightly. It seemed to take the edge off and over the last 3 years I only take it as I need it. I can go months without any problems, but then, out of the blue it will start up again and last for any amount of time.

So it has started again, and this time it seems more intense and painful than I ever remember it being. I contacted my neuro to see if there was something else he could give me for the pain since the Zanaflex doesn't seem to be having much of an effect. His nurse called me back and said that he wants me to get a new C-spine MRI and have a nerve conduction study, he thinks it's a pinched nerve. I've had a pinched nerve before and it didn't feel like this. I'm just so tired of MRIs and testing..... Oh, and he prescribed Neurontin. Has that worked for anyone with spasticity?

I was also wondering if anyone experienced weird vision disturbances with muscle spasms? When I'm having the pain, it literally feels like my eyeballs are jumping. My vision seems to jump up and down.

Sorry for this long rant... I tend to do that when I'm in pain and sleep deprived.

Isnt Neurontin more for nerve pain? I dont think it's for spasticity. (I took neurontin for burning pain in my feet)

I hope they have something they can give you that will help. (without requiring you to get an MRI)

Hey Kim,

I'm sorry you're having all these sx. Baclofen helps me with spasticity. Neurontin is more for nerve related pain. I checked on the $4 generic list at Kroger and Baclofen is on the list so it's affordable. Hopefully your Neuro will give you a prescription for it.

Yeah, I think that is the problem, my neuro doesn't believe it is spasticity, he thinks it is nerve pain from a pinched nerve... he is so frustrating!

Does anyone know if you can double a dose of Zanaflex to 8mg? I don't want to kill myself, I just want to get past the pain so I can sleep.

I'm not sure about the Zanaflex.....a pharmacist could probably help you with that. Don't ya just love how doctors seem to "know" what our pain feels like?! If the Baclofen doesn't help then he can assume he's right....but it won't hurt to try it.

Should I suggest the Baclofen to my neuro? Can I do that?

Hi dear.. hugs... gentle gentle hugs~!

What you describe is one of my worse symptoms.. worse at night.. so bad I cannot MOVE..I cannot even lay on my side.. the pain takes my breath away with spasms. What ever IT is..

What I now take is Methocarbamol 750 which is a muscle relaxant that does not make you drowsy..and if its really bad I take a neurontin with it. Gabapentin or Neurontin helps me sleep. But usually just take the Methocarbamol with 3 ibruprofin( 200mg)..

Hope you get relief.. and soon!!!

Jan