Our muscles work because of signals sent from the brain and spinal cord. These signals tell the muscles when to contract (tighten) and when to relax. In spasticity, the part of the brain or spinal cord responsible for controlling these signals is damaged. As a result, the muscles stay in a contracted state for longer than needed, leading to stiffness and difficulty in movement.
It is important to understand the differences between these terms, as they are often used interchangeably but describe distinct conditions:
Spasticity: This is an increase in muscle tone caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord, leading to stiffness that worsens with movement. It is velocity-dependent, meaning the faster you try to move the muscle, the tighter it becomes.
Spasm: A spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It can be painful but usually resolves quickly.
Rigidity: Unlike spasticity, rigidity is not dependent on the speed of movement. It involves a consistent increase in muscle tone and is often associated with conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Stiffness: Stiffness is a general term to describe tightness in muscles or joints, which can happen due to overuse, injury, or inflammation and is not necessarily related to neurological conditions.
Spasticity occurs when there is damage to the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in areas that regulate muscle tone and movement. This damage disrupts the balance of signals between the CNS and the muscles, leading to an overactive response in the affected muscles. Common causes of this damage include:
Spasticity can have a significant impact on daily life, but understanding it is the first step toward managing it. What are the best treatments or strategies to deal with spasticity? Can it be fully managed or improved?
Stay tuned for our upcoming articles where we will explore effective treatment options and management strategies to help those living with spasticity.