Symptom 2: Muscle Stiffness and Spasms
Muscle stiffness, medically termed as spasticity, is a hallmark symptom of SPMS. It manifests as a feeling of tightness, tension, or rigidity in muscles, most commonly those in the legs. This stiffness can limit the range of movement, interfere with coordination, and cause discomfort or pain.
Accompanying the stiffness are often sudden, involuntary muscle spasms. These are abrupt, jerky movements that can range from mild twitches to painful, debilitating contractions. In many cases, these spasms can be so severe that they disrupt sleep or even lead to persistent pain that affects the overall quality of life.
Spasticity and muscle spasms in SPMS are a result of damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When these nerves are damaged, they can no longer effectively control muscle movement and relaxation. The result is an increased muscle tone, leading to stiffness, and a heightened response to stimuli, leading to spasms.
One of the challenges with spasticity and muscle spasms is their unpredictability. These symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another and can even fluctuate throughout the day in the same individual. Certain triggers like cold temperature, humidity changes, or even stress can exacerbate these symptoms. (2)
