PainCare - Pain Management in New Hampshire

What is spasticity?

Spasticity is a condition in which muscles involuntarily remain in a continuous state of contraction for long periods.  As muscles contract they becomes rigid and tight, resistant to the normal stretching that occurs during use.

The degree of spasticity can vary from mild muscle stiffness to severe, uncontrollable spasms that permanently shorten muscles. Spasticity may be very painful, particularly if it causes the joints to pull into abnormal positions and/or normal movement of the joints is prevented. Interference of normal movement can cause significant disability in a patient, hindering simple daily activities or even speech.

Spasticity may not be present at all times and may be triggered or aggravated by stimulus such as pain, temperature, humidity, or certain disease processes.

Although it most commonly affects the legs and arms, spasticity can affect any part of the body including the trunk, neck, eyelids, face, or vocal cords.