Exploring Muscle Spasms and Therapy

[marycaliforniaprayer]

Does anyone know? Can anyone explain to me? Sometimes I get different twitches and think "is this a spasm or a twitch?"For some reason, I've always associated muscle spasms with being cramp like. So that's why I'm here for clarification.On another note, are spasms associated with #LS or MS? And finally, I think maybe it's time to go see a therapist and get some help with this. I'm nearing the year mark at the end of this month, and I thought I'd be farther along emotionally. Perhaps it's time to talk to someone about this.

 

[ShannyB63]

Hi Mary, ok I describe a twitch as that a quick kind of flick or a thumper or machine gun twitches, continuous twitching in the one spot...When I get spasms it's like the muscle tightens and holds then slowly releases...that's what it's like for me..and twitches and spasms are just bfs nothing else..And yes if you feel like your struggling therapy can help... ) Best wishes shanny

 

[BobJazzy]

Hi Mary,I'm similar to Shanny. Here are my definitions. This is my my opinion, nothing official:Twitch: single muscle contractions. Spasm: Several violent twitches in a row that often involve the muscle contracting and holding like Shanny said.Regarding therapy, ABSOLUTELY! When people "get over" BFS, it doesn't mean that they stop twitching. It means that they get themselves to a point where the twitching doesn't bother them. They actually notice it less. With that comes a reduction in anxiety which could actually lead to decreased symptoms. So yes, talking to someone about your anxiety is a FANTASTIC idea and puts you on the right track to beating this!Regarding your question about spasms and ALS or MS, who knows. If your main symptom is twitching or spasms you should not even worry about either of those. My neuro at Mass General said to me (and I quote), "I've seen a lot of ALS patients over my years, and NONE of them came to me with twitching. In fact, none of them even noticed their twitching." I've spoken to others on the chat room whose neuros told them the same thing.-Matt

 

[RainCat]

A Spasm is more the full muscle or even a group of muscles in the same limb. Cramp is also a spasm that causes intense pain.