Re: muscle stiffness and cramping
David C. Jones (jones(AT)tdl.com)
Mon, 03 Mar 1997 15:20:13 -0800
> Dave: Thanks for the info. I do work with a PT and had been doing her
> recommended strecthing exercises until the stiffness and cramping stoped
> me. I have, however, started "baclofen" since I sent the message. It
> has given me some relief. But I am dealing with some of the predicted
> side effects, ie: fatigue. Since starting the drug I feeling new
> sorness in muscles in my back, neck and arms. Up till now these muscles
> have not been bothered. I am strong in the upper body but I fear that
> drug has begun to reduce my general muscle tone (again, as predicted.)
> Do you have any experience with baclofen? My nuerologist is also
> starting me on Zanaflex which when I start, will be taken with the
> baclofen. Do you know anything about Zanafex? (for cramping and
> stiffness). The PT has also advised me to not sit for more than twenty
> minutes without doing a standing stretch. I had been doing those
> stretches until they started producing spasms and cramps. Did you ever
> have to deal with this? Is it OK to try to exercise through the
> stiffness/cramping? God bless you too and thanks for your response.
> Steve scappelson(AT)ntwrks.com
Steve: I believe I was given Baclpfin by a Doc before my TM, but not
sence. I've taken Oxybutynin to replace the Diazepan [valium], but
didn't get better results. As I've been told one property of Valium is
that it is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It worked for me in the hospital
and I stay with what works for me now. As to the exericeing through the
stiffness and cramping, I wouldn't now any other way. I'm stiff and have
cramping most, if not all the time. Stretching feels great and I stretch
when I can, other wise I grin and take it. Just be careful of injuring
yourself my pulling a muscle or screwing-up a disc like I have. I've
spent so much time in a standing frame that the belt at my lower back
and my trying not to eat the shelf has sliped a lower disc. Ten years
ago I had little feeling but today it gives me some trouble. Take care
and God bless///Dave PS Never heard of Zanafex. Let me know how what you
think.