How Can I Tell if I am Having a Spasm or Spasticity?
Neurological and Musculoskeletal disorders and associated symptoms potentially limit men’s and women’s daily functions and their ability to participate in their desired tasks without pain or immobility. At Aether Medicine, our team works with patients throughout Wayne, PA, providing highly tailored neurotoxin medicine intervention plans to alleviate symptoms and help our patients attain a higher quality of life. Dr. Asare Christian is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician who is uniquely qualified to provide such interventional approaches.
What is a Spasm?
Muscle spasms, otherwise known as muscle cramps, are involuntary contractions and tightening of the muscle tissue. Spasms can range in severity, from mild discomfort to extreme pain, and can potentially impact anyone across the age span. In some instances, the cause of spasms is unknown, but for others, it may include:
- Lack of stretching
- Overexertion or high-intensity physical exercise
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Restricted blood supply
- Electrolyte depletion
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Muscle fatigue
What is Spasticity?
Spasticity is a condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone and stiffness, generally resulting from nerve damage. Symptoms of spasticity include increased muscle tone (hypertonicity), a series of involuntary muscle contractions (clonus), muscle spasms, scissoring or crossing of the legs, and contractures. Patients who’ve incurred a stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological condition may experience symptoms of spasticity.
How Can I Tell if I am Having a Spasm or Spasticity?
A muscle spasm can occur in anyone, absent of obvious nerve damage, such as seen in a stroke or spinal cord injury. However, muscle spasms are one of many symptoms of spasticity. Symptoms of spasticity are typically long-term, painful, and restrictive on joint mobility if left untreated. At Aether Medicine, Dr. Christian and his team evaluate each patient to obtain an appropriate diagnosis and to create a customized intervention plan.
What is Neurotoxin Medicine?
Neurotoxin medicine is a specialty practice in which licensed clinicians utilize botulinum toxin products to alleviate painful neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, including spasticity from cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. At Aether Medicine, Dr. Christian uses products including BOTOX®, Dysport®, MYOBLOC®, and XEOMIN® to treat symptoms of muscle spasticity, spasms, stiffness, and many other symptoms.
How Neurotoxin Medicine can Alleviate Spasms and Spasticity
Botulinum toxin is carefully injected into selected muscle tissue to slow or halt involuntary contractions. This reduces painful symptoms of typical muscle spasms and spasms associated with spasticity. At Aether Medicine, Dr. Christian assesses your musculoskeletal and neurological status and current symptoms, and helps determine the course of your neurotoxin medicine intervention.
Benefits of Neurotoxin Medicine for other Conditions
In addition to muscle spasms and spasticity, neurotoxin medicine has been used to treat numerous conditions, including:
- Migraines
- HemifacialCervical dystonia
- Failed back syndrome
- TMJ disorder
- Hemifacial spasms
- Excessive drooling
- Excessive sweating
- Focal dystonia
What to Expect During Treatment
Neurotoxin medicine injections are administered in one of our private treatment rooms at Aether Medicine. A local anesthetic can be provided if needed, but many patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment. The injection is made at each selected treatment site, and takes only a few minutes to complete. Once your session is finished, you are free to leave our clinic with no required recovery time.
How Long do Neurotoxin Medicine Results Last?
Depending on your body type and what condition is being treated, your results can potentially last anywhere from 3 – 6 months. Patients are encouraged to schedule regular follow-up appointments to maintain their desired intervention outcomes.
Learn More About Neurotoxin Medicine for Spasms and Spasticity
If you reside in or near Wayne, PA, and would like to learn more about neurotoxin medicine for muscle spasms or spasticity, contact us at Aether Medicine and schedule an appointment today. Dr. Asare Christian will work with you to create a customized intervention plan that helps alleviate your symptoms and meet your personal goals.