Back spasms

[zoefromsussex]

May I ask a question about spasms? I'd like to know if man of you have experienced a sudden spasm in your back? I started the day with a searing pain in my lower back as I was just standing chatting and I ignored the stiffness/soreness and walked into town and back (about two miles) and when I eventually got back I found I couldn't sit without pain and I can only have stand up as the pain is so much. I've had a few instances like this (the last affected my neck)
Is this likely to be spasticity?
I saw the neuro last week and have got to have another mri as I've had relapses since my last scan and my most recent episode involved trouble walking so she wants a closer look at my spine.
I should add my mri's have always shown only a 'modest' lesion load in my brain whilst my spine remains clear (there was some confusion as to whether I had spine lesions but the last neuro confirmed it's clear though said its harder to see spinal lesions)
The neuro said that even though my lesion load is modest she feels I should now consider a 2nd line defence drug such as Tysabri. Or, I should think about treating my ms symptom-by-symptom.
O[inions please!

[Guitar_grrrl]

Hi, Zoe!

I do get back spasms, and spasms everywhere. : (  I take Baclofen, and it helps.

If Tysabri is completely off the table for you, you might consider Gilenya.  It has a highly effective profile.  As the Wheelchair Kamikaze describes it - Tysabri keeps the bad guys (in this case, T cells) out of the neighborhood, while Gilenya keeps the bad guys at the precinct (the lymph nodes).  

FWIW, I've been on Tysabri for nearly 4 years, now, and I'm doing fine (I happen to be JCV negative, too).  If you're JCV negative, I's seriously consider it.  If you're JCV positive, go for Gilenya.

[zoefromsussex]

Thank you for your response.
I'm inclined to think it is some kind of ms spasm because it came on so quickly without any warning & then disappeared just as suddenly a day later!

Your vertebrae issue sounds painful :-(

Are your lesions all on your brain?

I'm going to go back to see my gp next week to ask him if there is anything they can suggest. I've had bloodtests to check my kidney function and it was fine but I know from experience that blood tests alone are not always completely accurate!

Take care, Zoe

[PastorDan]

My kidney pain has always been right where the kidneys are located, just above the pelvic bone, rearward of midline.  I've never experienced pain like I underwent with my complex kidney problems, back in the '80s.  It was far worse than the broken bones I've dealt with.

My back pain is also quite localized, usually.  Underline "usually.". I have my second visit with a spine specialist Monday, the 25th, after my Friday intro visit with a PT guy.  I have 2 Rx's for PT: one from the spinal guy and one from the MS nurse, both at Cleveland Clinic.  MRIs of c- and t-spine showed some movement of several vertebrae, stenosis, blah, blah, etc., but no lesions, surprising the MS neuro (aka Dr. Doogie).  Lord willing, I will learn more in these visits.

Zoe, we will pray that you get the right help for your issues, too!

[HVAC]

Kidney pain is high up in the back. It is good to get it checked if they think you have infection.

Alex

[zoefromsussex]

Thanks Lizzie xx

[cubbiesfan918]

Sweet Zoe,

I cannot offer anything of value in this regards; however, I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and I really hope you find a drug that works for you soon. Hope all is well with you and your cute lil husband :)

XOXOXO's
Lizzie

[zoefromsussex]

I won't take Tysabri for various reason's. I've been offered Gabapentin for the nerve pain I get but nothing for spasticity as I didn't tell her about the spasms (as I forgot! I forget a lot lately!)
Would you say these randome muscle issues are spasticity then?
I worry about lower back pain as my last few urine samples have shown blood and protein but no infection & the continence nurse suggested a referral to a urologist to check my kidneys but nothing has happened with that. It feels more like a muscle issue than anything as I can actually feel the area tightening

[HVAC]

I would get something for the spasticty like Baclofen or Xanflex and the 2nd line defense drug.

Alex