DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose upper limb spasticity, your doctor will give you a physical exam and test your muscle movement. Furthermore, the doctor might ask you questions about your signs, such as:
- Is there any stiffness in your body?
- Do you feel any trouble in doing things?
- Is there anything that hurts your muscles?
- What muscles are experiencing spasms?
Additionally, to determine how well your nerves and arm muscles are functioning, you can get an electromyography test done by your doctor.
TREATMENT
The treatment may differ, depending on the severity of your condition. The upper limb spasticity keeps your muscles from stiffening, and it will help you move your arms well. The several options that may work for you include:
- Splints or braces. These will hold your joints and muscles in place and prevent them from getting too compressed.
- Exercise. Proper stretching may help improve the flexibility of your muscles and joints.
- Medications. Tizanidine (Zanaflex), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), and Baclofen (Lioresal, Ozobax) may be prescribed to help relax your muscles.
- Nerve block injections. When other medicines fail to reduce your symptoms, nerve block injections may be used to stop your muscle spasms.
- Surgery. For severe cases that cannot be treated by other methods, spasming muscles are treated by cutting connections between nerves and tendons.
Aside from the treatment, you can take good care of your muscles and joints by staying active, getting enough sleep, and relaxing your muscles and joints.
