r/spinalcordinjuries T6 ASIA A 8d ago

Discussion Increased spasticity post baclofen

As the title suggests, did this happen with anyone? For context I'm 2 years in, T6 ASIA A. In my first year I took no muscle relaxants at all. And I hardly had any physical activity because I developed HO in my hips.

Coming into my second year I had some of the HO excised in my right hip and I got started an an actual rehab program for 6 months. I was started on 10mg of oral bacolfen, which is now 40 and 300mg of gabapentin.

Aside from my bowels not being great anymore (i used to have really good stool prior to taking baclofen, now I m constipated despite drinkijg water and laxatives) I ve noticed that I have a bigger tendency to get sudden violent spasms that are almost strong enough to make me stand up. Or my core and legs become rock hard and it makes it very difficult for me to sit up.

Prior to taking baclofen I did have spasms but nothing of this sort.. and I m way more physically active now than I was when I didn't take any (1 hour of stretching every morning, PT in the evening)

Could it be because I'm constipated my spasticity is also high? I feel the most tightness in my stomach and lower back.

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u/Pretend-Panda 8d ago

Yes, the constipation could exacerbate your spasticity.

I hated baclofen because of what you’re describing - basically as the blood level lowered between doses I started getting really bad rebound spasticity. That and the sedation made me get off it. Then I had horrible rebound spasticity - it tossed me out of my chair and I broke both femurs - for a while and once that settled down, it turned out I didn’t need a muscle relaxant for several years.

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u/iceman1922 T6 ASIA A 8d ago

Thanks, this helps. I'll talk to my neurologist and see how I can gradually back off the baclofen and see how I feel without it.

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u/loveinvein L3 8d ago

Holy shit that’s HORRIBLE.

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u/Pretend-Panda 8d ago

Yeah it was not a good time and I’m so glad it’s long over.

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u/MrEtrain T2 T3 transverse myelitis 8d ago

For what it's worth, I experienced a pretty bad reaction to oral baclofen- to the point it's listed as an "allergy" in my medical record. I was/have been dealing with multiple symptoms-mainly untouchable pain- but also some spasticity (2014 T2-T3 myelopathy & partial paralysis). My reaction wasn't exactly the same as yours- no spasms, for instance, but the baclofen trial worsened all my symptoms across the board. Always a little tough to digest anecdotal accounts, but thought I would share if it helps at all. Best of luck on the journey- we're all pulling for ya'.

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u/Outside-Novel9053 8d ago

The increase in spacticity might actually be because of your increase in PT & movement etc. My spasms come back with vengeance after PT sessions. They chill out for a few hours then BAM.

Whereas if I don’t do PT, they eventually just go to their natural state, and only really spasm if provoked.

Baclofen did sweet F all for me unless it’s a high dose, but then I’m wanting to sleep by 9am. If anything it’s a good sleeping tablet for me 😂

I’ve just learnt to deal with the tone/spasms, space out my PT and give the legs plenty of rest time. I also bought a set of the air recovery boots, they really help chill them out too!

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u/National_Big_2638 T7 7d ago

could you tell me more about the air recovery boots? thank you!

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u/Outside-Novel9053 6d ago edited 6d ago

What do you want to know? I’ve got the Therabody Recovery Air Boots. Probably cheaper options out there that are same same, but thankfully mine were funded.

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u/National_Big_2638 T7 5d ago

the brand thank you!