What's Up With All These Muscle Spasms?
 

Hello everyone,

I've been going through PCS for about half a year now, but was ignorant of it about half of that time, a blessing and a curse (ignorance is often bliss). It wasn't until a very stressful period in life; post concussion that's led me to where I'm at today. This period exacerbated my previous symptoms two-fold and created a new awareness of many more. Since this period 3-4 months ago (I'm no longer stressed) my muscle spasms/control has never been the same. Ever since I've experienced full body spasms, and like I've read in other posts it occurs more frequently when I try not to move.

Now I received an MRI awhile back and it showed a slight curvature in my cervical spine, which my physical therapist thought may be responsible for these spasms. I went to a chiropractor, but the tests he was conducting freaked me out as they heavily involved the jerking of my head. I haven't been back since.

My question is, has anyone had this common PCS symptom resolved and if so how? The main problem I face is I think these spasms are doing more harm than good as these somewhat violent spasms are forcing my brain in every which direction.

Should I reconsider the chiropractor again? In my opinion, it may be worth the detriment of my symptoms to possibly get these spasms under control, or resolved.

Stead fast recovery to you all.
-Will

Hi Will,

I have muscle spasms but not as violently as you describe. I am on gabapentin for the nighttime ones, but I'd like to get off of that eventually. I find that caffeine makes the spasms much worse. I think stress is part of it too. When I get angry my face starts twitching.

I just got my first upper cervical chiropractor adjustment today and an overview of my results from my tests Tuesday. My results revealed a straight (not curved) neck and this is problematic. Plus, I forced my neck up and over. As far as I understood, our necks are supposed to have a natural curve. Straight necks are problematic.

Mark in Idaho deserves the credit for me going to the upper cervical chiropractor. He told me to go to NUCCA's website where you can find one closest to you. They are specialists. The only tests I got done when I was at mine included three x-rays and range of motion tests, and some computer readings of my blood flow and some other things indicating my nervous system health. I would say these are the types of tests that should be expected, not scary ones.

Good luck to you. Hope you recover soon and take it easy.

cyclist,

You said "I went to a chiropractor, but the tests he was conducting freaked me out as they heavily involved the jerking of my head. I haven't been back since." I have been seen by 15 + different chiros and never had a jerking type of testing. What techniques was the chiro supposedly using ?

I can understand how trying to hold still against body movements causes them to get worse. The stress chemicals and nerve signals cause these involuntary movements. It is best to try to relax out of the movements.

If they get so violent that your head shakes and jerks, I suggest you call your neuro and report these episodes.

You said "The main problem I face is I think these spasms are doing more harm than good as these somewhat violent spasms are forcing my brain in every which direction." I would never think muscle spasms could be beneficial. Mine are benign unless they cause pain.

Loretta, Don't worry about the gabapentin. It has a very good long term track record. I have been taking it for 13 years.

My best to you both.