9. Unexplained Muscle Spasms: The Involuntary Movements of Myelopathy
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Muscle spasms can be startling. Imagine sitting quietly, only to have your arm or leg jerk involuntarily. These spasms are another symptom that those with myelopathy may experience.
When the spinal cord, the primary conduit for neural messages, gets compressed or damaged, it can misfire. These misfires can manifest as involuntary muscle contractions, which we perceive as spasms. They can range from mild twitches to more pronounced and painful jerks.
It’s essential to understand that these spasms are not just a physical phenomenon. They can be mentally taxing as well. The unpredictability—never quite knowing when a spasm might strike—can be a source of constant anxiety, especially in social or professional situations. (9)
