Back Spasms!
 

@#$^%(& ! ! :eek:

What do you do to combat these horrible things?

I am currently on Baclofen - it barely covers the flares, but I still get alot of breakthru.
Also have tried Flexeril, to no avail.

Is there something that might work better?
Any feedback would be very appreciated

Rae
:grouphug:

Hi Rae,

I've answered this in two of the other places you posted it. It partly depends on whether the muscle involved is smooth or skeletal; antispasmodics work better for the former, while muscle relaxants (like Flexeril/cyclobenzaprine work better for the latter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antispasmodic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_relaxer

Baclofen is used for spasticity, which is also generally a skeletal issue but slightly different than spasm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spasm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spasticity

In some situations, like when a myofascial triggerpoint is involved, we've found that myofascial triggerpoint therapy (they call it "massage" but it can hurt like cuss) can work better, and last longer, than meds - other times not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myofascial_release

Doc

hi,

I'm not sure what the exact cause of your back spasms are, but after a cervical spine fusion I get them on a daily basis, and they sure are BRUTAL!!!

Other then the obvious, narcotics, the muscle relaxers in combination with heat or ice (whatever is more comfortable for you) works, and I would also suggest a Tens unit. Just got one and OMG it's a savior for muscle spasms. My health insurance covered 80% and my physiotherapist set the dials just right for me, and I'm so happy with it. It's amazing relief for spasms.

I have tried flexeral and other muscles relaxers, they seem to work better for me with heat, even a hot shower or bath helps.

Also, trigger point therapy helps me, a good RMT can work the knots out and show you how to hit the trigger points at home with a rubber tennis ball laying on the floor.

hope that helps...
Cathie

Thank you Cathie - I've actually tried a heating pad and believe it or not, it made my RSD flare! :rolleyes:
One thing that seems to help is one of those huge vibrating massagers. That'll get down in there and grind the suckers out. But it really isn't feezible to drag one of those to my office. I'm afraid I'd get some 'looks' :p

Thank YOU, Dr.Smith - as you can see, I'm desperate (or perhaps OCD) by posting in 3 different places!
I really appreciate your input. I have yet to look thru the links you've provided. But now that T-day is winding down I'll have time to sit down uninterrupted and do a bit of research.
I still have some company that hasn't left yet....perhaps I can break out the giant vibrating beast to scare them off :D

Rae

Not sure what kind you mean. I've seen/tried some full-back types at different pharmacies (they demo them on the chairs in the waiting area) that sit on the back of a chair, with all kinds of different features. Most were under $100, and we've been sorely (pun intended) tempted.... Some worked better than others. If that's something that sounds like it might work for you at the office, go try out a bunch! :D

Doc

What (general) setting are you using? I've found a pulse setting better for my spasms - it pounds on them until they give up & let go - but my wife just doesn't like the pulse, and I haven't been able to find anything else that works well on either of us.

Doc

Hmm, that sounds rather interesting. Hey, I'll try anything.
The kind I'm referring to is the handheld one with different attachments, depending on what type of sensation works best. It is a bit bulky to handle (for me) and a bit awkward when trying to reach around to my back.
My husband always offers to help, but I'm leary of it since I have a spinal cord stimulator with electrode/lead wires running down my lumbar spine.

I'm thinking that my SCS sensation is pretty similar to the TENS unit.?

Yes, but it goes much deeper than any TENS can go. There are other types of surface stimulators now (the name eludes me) that can go somewhat deeper than a TENS.

The chair massage units I mentioned are supposed to be a cheaper version of the massage chairs you see at malls. They have moving (and some vibrating/heated) balls that follow various paths (depending on the unit and settings) to massage upper, middle, lower, and combinations. I don't think they would be problematical for your stimulator, but I can't say that with any certainty; it should be easy enough to determine just by looking at them and maybe trying one without leaning against it until you feel confident. There may also be information on the box as to what other medical paraphernalia it can be safely used with.

Doc

hi Doc,

The physiotherapist set my tens to 110 us (pulse width) and 150 Hz (Frequency) on the normal mode. I don't like the pulse much either, makes me jump. lol. But this setting seems to work for me.

Cathie

Klonopin
 

Ok, I saw my Pain doc yesterday. I told him that I was prescribed Klonopin by another doctor for a different issue. He was ok with it and even thought that it might help with the spasms.

Has anyone else had success with Klonopin and back spasms?