[joanh@mweb.co.za]

Hi can anyone help me, I am an incomplete quad last year in May I had a fusion, fixation and decompression on s1, L4 and L5. Now one year later I got shingles. It has been 6 weeks the rash has gone except a few spots but I am suffering with muscular spasms. These spasms are all in my lower back, so bad that I am unable to stand. I am battling to sleep because of the pain. My spasticity has also increased. Any advice?

[mrsD]

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

Cramping and spasms often respond to magnesium supplements.
A good oral chelate (not OXIDE) may help. Also there are creams/lotions you can get, but where you are, they may not be available. (chelates are citrate, gluconate, taurate, malate, etc.)

This is my magnesium information thread for more details:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html
Magnesium blocks the NMDA pain receptors, increases blood circulation to areas in pain, and relaxes spasms and over contracting muscles.

Try some wet compresses with epsom salts in water... 4 oz to a small tub and warm water, if someone can put these on your back for you and refresh them?

If you can get into a bathtub, you can do it that way... 8oz to a tub of lukewarm water. And soak at least a 1/2 hour. This may help.

[Darlene]

joanh,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[joanh@mweb.co.za]

Thank you MrsD, we have a product here called Miracle magnesium, it's in spray form and I have been spraying it on my back. It also comes in liquid form to be diluted in water and you drink it twice a day, will give it a try. I will try anything at this stage.