Just a Little "Spaz"

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Anyone who has ever watched an 80s teen movie remembers people being called a "spaz."  Well in my case, it is literal.  A common side effect of spinal cord injuries is muscle spasticity—involuntary contractions of the muscles which occur below the level of the injury.

The funny thing about spasms is, people often get excited thinking I have suddenly regained voluntary function.  I always feel sheepish when I must tell them they did not just witness something exciting and miraculous.  Their momentary elation is quickly replaced by the sobering reality.  Such is life…

"My father likes to turn the unpleasant side of my spinal cord injury into something we can laugh at."

Spasms can be simply uncomfortable, small, and not overly dramatic.  Some are even not all bad as they can help maintain muscle tone.  In the same manner that spasms can dislodge one's physical position, they likewise can assist in correcting it.  Other spasms are downright dangerous, such as when my body shakes and flails violently.  There have been occasions where spasms have thrown me into my drive mechanism and sent my wheelchair catapulting out of control.  The last time that happened, my nurse was close by and reacted quickly, saving me from running into a granite table and breaking my arm or something worse!  There you have it, quite simply my spasms provide my father, who likes to turn the unpleasant side of my spinal cord injury into something we can laugh at, with a very legitimate excuse to call me a "spaz." 

Who do you think the "spaz" is, my dad or me?  (Cast your vote in the comments section.)

Fortunately, my spasms generally only disrupt my life to a minimal degree, but that is not the case for everyone with a spinal cord injury, or with other conditions that cause involuntary spasticity.  As a general rule, if you see someone moving erratically or unnaturally, it is pretty safe to assume that it is a result of some sort of physiological issue, as this is a common side effect many people experience.

Although spasms may be uncomfortable, there are a variety of interventions that I have found helpful in reducing, easing, and preventing spasticity. Massages, hot packs, range of motion, exercising, using a standing frame, stretching, and position changes have all improved the quality of my life.