Spasticity in Back
Greetings,
I am presently in the diagnostic phase with my medical team, with MS and ALS as current diagnostic considerations. I have a question about one of my symptoms. Specifically, I have experienced significant, near-constant mid-back and shoulder tightness and pain for the past 5 months. My doctors are now starting to wonder if this might represent diagnostically-relevant spasticity instead of benign back pain unrelated to MS or ALS. While I await my MRI, I wanted to ask if anyone could assist me in distinguishing back spasticity from benign back pain/tightness. Is there anything that separates MS-related spasticity in the back from benign back pain?
Thank you very much for any insights!
H
Hi,
. This is such a frustrating stage -- waiting for that diagnosis so you can begin treatment. I hope you get answers soon so you can begin getting some relief. It can be very difficult sometimes to distinguish MS symptoms from those of other health conditions. It is good that your doctors are willing to look beyond both diseases and explore other possibilities before pinning your back pain on MS or ALS. I could not find any forum posts or articles related specifically to back pain and spasticity, so I hope others in the community are able to jump in and help out. Here is an article that describes MS-related spasticity that I thought might interest you: https://multiplesclerosis.net/symptoms/stiffness-involuntary-muscle-spasms. I hope you get answers and relief soon. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Best of all wishes! - Lori (Team Member) Greetings,
Lori, I just wanted to sincerely thank you for your reply and the resources you provided. It is so nice to feel supported. I will review the resources that you provided.
Thanks again and have a great weekend.
H
