When muscles won’t relax — when they lock up, cramp, or feel tight against your will — you’re dealing with spasticity, a condition where muscles contract involuntarily due to damage in the brain or spinal cord. Also known as muscle spasticity, it’s not just discomfort; it can make walking, dressing, or even sleeping a struggle. This isn’t normal stiffness. It’s neurological, often tied to conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
Spasticity treatment doesn’t just aim to ease pain — it’s about restoring movement, preventing joint damage, and helping people live more independently. Common approaches include baclofen, a muscle relaxant that works on the spinal cord to reduce overactive signals, and tizanidine, a short-acting drug that calms nerve activity to loosen tight muscles. For localized spasticity, botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is injected directly into overactive muscles to block nerve signals — offering relief that lasts months without affecting the whole body. These aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions. What works for someone with MS might not help someone recovering from a stroke, and side effects like drowsiness or weakness can change the equation.
Spasticity treatment often combines meds with physical therapy, stretching, or even braces. Some people find relief with non-drug options like heat, massage, or electrical stimulation. But if you’re on one of these meds — whether it’s baclofen, tizanidine, or something else — you need to know how they interact with other drugs, what to watch for, and when to call your doctor. The posts below cover real-world experiences and comparisons: how different treatments stack up, what side effects people actually report, and which options are most practical for daily life. You’ll find detailed looks at muscle relaxants, injection therapies, and even how some meds used for other conditions might help manage spasticity too. No fluff. Just what you need to understand your options and talk smarter with your care team.
Baclofen and tizanidine are two common muscle relaxants for spasticity and muscle spasms. Learn how they differ in how they work, side effects, speed of action, and which one may be better for your condition.