Any ideas on how to deal with spasms and cramps effectively?

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ella_bentley332
ella_bentley332 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in Cerebral Palsy Network
Hi, I'm Ella and I'm 17 years old with mild diplegia in my legs. I've been experiencing spontaneous spasms that vary in length of an hour to four days and pain. I'm looking for a bit of guidance, got any suggestions?

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  • Waylay
    Waylay Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 965 Trailblazing
    Can't help much, as I have similar problems. However, I find that heat helps, TENS can distract me from the pain, doing a lot of stretching every day can reduce the number of spasms I get, and pacing can help. 

    I was seeing a myofascial therapist before I lost my PIP, and that was helping. Same with sports massage. 

    I lived in the US many years ago, and had botox injections into spasming muscles in my shoulder.  Temporary, but really helped....

    Then there are meds of various types. I take tramadol or morphine for the pain, diazepam or clonazepam for very bad spasms (very addictive, so I try to limit those). I've been finding that ... Green, smokable/edible medicine has helped me too, if you know what I mean. My pain clinic consultant unofficially gave me the go ahead to try it. You could try CBD oil, but too expensive for me. 

    The stretching and pacing have been particularly helpful for me.

    Good luck....
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,788 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Hi @ella_bentley332
    Thanks for posting and welcome to the Community.

    I manage my spasms by plenty of stretches and trying not to remain in one position for too long. I have also found swimming very helpful for all of my limbs. Heat pads are also good.
    I will include some links that you may find useful
    https://www.scope.org.uk/Support/Families/Diagnosis/Cerebral-palsy/CP-treatments 

    https://www.scope.org.uk/support/families/therapies/intracathal-baclofen 

    Also, here is a link to a discussion in the CP section of the Community. It is a rather large thread but has some great advice from Community members with real-life experience.

    https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/28690/things-that-you-have-found-helpful-for-managing-your-cp#latest 

    I hope that helps and if you have further questions please, let me know!
  • cpgirl
    cpgirl Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
    Hi Ella! I have hemi spastic CP that affects my right side. I've done several things to help with spasms at night, inc medication (Bacaflen is most prescribed), night stretches and heat packs. Recently, however, what has helped me the most has been a night splint. The splint positions my leg in a passive stretch so that the contractures minimize significantly. It is difficult to get used to sleeping in one, but really it has been the best help for me.

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