Spinal Cord Spasm
Spinal cord spasm describes involuntary muscle contractions caused by disrupted descending nerve control after spinal cord injury or disease. It differs from a brief ordinary muscle cramp.
Key points
- Touch, movement, a full bladder, constipation, skin injury, infection or pain can trigger spasms below a spinal lesion.
- A sudden change in frequency or severity should prompt a search for a new trigger before simply increasing medicine.
- Reducing all tone can worsen transfers, standing or circulation; treatment targets harmful spasms and functional goals.
Catalogue matches do not identify the cause of spasm or indicate a safe muscle-relaxant dose.
Why do spinal spasms occur?
Loss of inhibitory signals makes reflex circuits over-responsive. Pattern, neurological level, stiffness, clonus and effect on sleep, pain or daily care help distinguish useful tone from problematic spasticity.
How is treatment selected?
Removing triggers, stretching, positioning and physiotherapy are central. Baclofen may reduce spasticity but can cause sedation or weakness, and abrupt withdrawal can be dangerous. Specialist options differ for focal and generalised symptoms; see pain management.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe back pain with fever, or spasms with pounding headache, sweating, flushing and high blood pressure.