Microsoft word - muscle spasm.doc

Anyone with ME/CFS would probably agree that their muscles are not working properly.
There is pain (this is the ‘myalgia’ part of ‘Myalgic Encephalomyelitis’) and there is also
tiredness and weakness of the muscles. And for some people with ME/CFS there is
unfortunately an additional symptom: muscle spasms and twitching.
Your doctor may consider low doses of muscle relaxant medications such as
baclofen/Lioresal and Clonazepam, but the latter especially can have unpleasant side
effects and it has a potential for dependence. However we know that several local people
with ME/CFS have found baclofen helpful.
If muscle spasm and twitching are a problem, then perhaps natural remedies can be tried
before resorting to medication. Remember that you should check with your doctor
before using any alternative or complementary remedy.
Muscle spasm in ME/CFS is not the same as the cramps and muscle spasms experienced
by athletes during training. Some natural remedies, such as massage, could make painful
muscles more painful, whilst having no bearing on the neurological origin of the condition.
However it is certainly worth trying homely remedies before resorting to medication.
Nutrition

The first thing to check is whether your diet could be improved. The three main nutrients
involved here are calcium (which needs vitamin D) magnesium and potassium.
Calcium as such is not usually such a problem as people might think, even on dairy free
diets, since it is the most common mineral found in all foods. But to keep the calcium
balance correct it is important to get enough vitamin D either from fish or from fortified
foods such as cereals, or supplements. Sunlight is the most important single source
of Vitamin D for humans and some people think that a deficiency of the vitamin is a
‘hidden’ deficiency which should be researched more fully. Vitamin D supplements
seem to have helped a lot of people with ME/CFS but this is one of the vitamins that
should be treated with caution. If you buy a supplement, choose a purified form (rather
than from fish oil which you may not be able to tolerate) and take only the lowest
recommended dose, testing your reaction carefully. (The role of this vitamin in ME/CFS
is currently being researched at the University Hospital of Dundee.)
Good sources of magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, peas, nuts, and whole
grains.
Potassium is found in most vegetables and fruits but especially bananas and potatoes.
Eat fruits and vegetables raw (perhaps juiced) where possible, and cook only lightly, and
ideally never fry any food.
Herbal Remedies

Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is used for easing a tight chest as well as for muscle
spasms. Make a tea (an ‘infusion’) with 2 teaspoons of the dried herb (or a quarter of a
cup of fresh) and let it stand for five minutes. Drink once a day for ten days, and then skip
a week before resuming if it has been helpful (do not drink a herbal infusion continuously).
If symptoms are very bad you can drink it up to three times a day, but only for four days.
This is not because the herb is dangerous, but because over time the effect diminishes.
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) has antispasmodic properties as well as anti-
inflammatory, sedative and nervine (calming and soothing) properties. Be aware though
that it is not suitable for people intolerant of aspirin and in very large doses it can also
lower the blood pressure and induce menstruation. However it should be safe to take a
cup of cramp bark infused in hot water, up to three times a day, and this could also help if
you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or painful periods with abdominal cramps. If you buy a
tincture of cramp bark, take the lowest dose to start with, and if you are extremely
intolerant of alcohol do not take the tincture at all.
Both of the above remedies are safe in regular doses, but people with ME/CFS, as usual,
should take any new remedy with sensible caution. You may find it difficult to buy them
from local herbalists but both are available from the Nutricentre, telephone phone 0845
602 6744.
Peppermint tea can bring relief to tired and cramped muscles, and a bunch of garden
thyme in a warm bath is also recommended.
Homeopathy

The classic remedy for wayward muscles is magnesium phosphate (mag.phos.) However,
it is never fully effective to treat yourself with homeopathy. A homeopath would conduct a
full consultation and prescribe a particular remedy to suit your symptoms and personal
profile.
Massage and body treats/treatments
A very gentle massage can help soothe and retrain over-stressed muscles. Reflexology
can have the same effect. There are particular essential oils, such as chamomile,
rosemary and lavender, which are helpful for tired muscles, either on their own or in a
blend. Always proceed with caution when using essential oils directly on the skin.
A warm bath is wonderful for the muscles. Drying can be a chore, so on bad days, wrap
yourself in towels and get straight under the covers for a lovely snooze.
Visualisation

Take three deep breaths and imagine your muscles encased in blocks of ice. Picture the
ice melting, and as it melts feel the muscles relax. When all the ice has melted, the
discomfort will be gone…

Source: http://www.k-clements.fsnet.co.uk/Muscle%20Spasm.pdf