MS Spasticity 80 Percent Of People With MS Have This Symptom

Learn how to manage MS spasticity and multiple sclerosis muscle stiffness so you can move more freely and sleep better.

MS spasticity shows up as tight, stiff, or jerking muscles that do not relax when you want them to. Legs, arms, and knees can clamp down, twitch, or feel locked. This symptom can make walking hard, getting comfortable in bed tough, and simple daily tasks feel like a full workout. Spasticity affects up to 80 percent of people with multiple sclerosis, yet many feel alone with the struggle.

In this video you hear a clear breakdown of
• What MS spasticity is
• How damaged nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord trigger constant muscle contractions
• Why stiffness and spasms often show up in the legs first
• How spasticity connects to pain, fatigue, and poor sleep
You also learn about MS spasticity treatment options
• Oral medications such as baclofen and tizanidine for everyday muscle stiffness
• Botox injections for targeted relief when one area clenches often
• Baclofen pumps that deliver medicine directly to the spine for severe spasticity
• Surgical approaches that some patients explore when other options fail
Medication is only one part of a spasticity plan. Daily movement and stretching matter a lot. A simple, consistent stretching routine can reduce stiffness over time and support better posture. Physical therapy can teach safe stretches, range of motion work, and body positions that calm spasms. Heat, gentle massage, and timing activity earlier in the day can also help some people living with MS spasticity.

This video aims to help you recognize spasticity, name the symptom during appointments, and feel more confident asking about baclofen, tizanidine, Botox, or a baclofen pump when needed.

No single plan works for everyone, so the goal is to help you and your care team match the treatment to your version of MS spasticity.

If this video speaks to your experience
• Like the video so more people searching for MS spasticity help can find support
• Comment with how spasticity feels in your body and what has or has not helped
• Subscribe for more multiple sclerosis education, symptom explainers, and real life coping tools
• Share this video with a friend, partner, or MS support group that deals with tight legs and night spasms

More MS spasticity resources
National MS Society
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/
MS Trust
https://mstrust.org.uk/
MS Society
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/