[cherrygash321]

Hi, I'm diagnosed with Ptsd from multiple tramas. Wow, that's a mouthful....Anyway, the past year I have figured out that my chronic muscle tension could possibly be from the ptsd. When I am more stressed its worse and just recently I've started having muscle spasms. I am wondering if anyone else has these or like issues. and what you do to relieve the pain/tension. Thanks

Hi. I find that, if you can afford it, that massage helps. Be sure to communicate to the massage therapist where your muscles are tense before the massage starts. Other options include becoming aware of your breath and breathing the stress out; self massage with a muscle relaxing cream, stretching or any combination of these. For some people, warm whirlpool baths help relieve muscular stress, even warm pulsating showers can sometimes help.

[Irine]

agree with unhappyguy - it helps.

[phoenix7]

yep concentrating on diaphramatic breathing - or tensing your muscles formyour feet up to your head one by one - then relaxing them helps- i have a back prob so when i get stressed i tense my muscles and my back hurts so i have to be aware of being stressed and relax those muscles

I have also broken two teeth cos i clench my jaw - so im contantly trying to remember to relax my jaw

aromatherpay can help some - lavender is good for relaxing - i have a lavender pillow (small) near my own one

being aware of yuor body and when its tense is the hard thing for me - but when i relasie then i have to relax the muscles ...

yep as unhappy guy said warm or hot showersd -r long lingering baths wiht nice bubbley stuff in it

laughing is good - so watching comedies if that makes you laugh -

i hopeyou find somthing that works for you

take care

P7

[cherrygash321]

Thanks all. I do aromatherapy and have a back massager that helps immensely. Yes, nice warm showers are the best, unfortunately I don't have a tub.

These are all great suggestions. Thanks!

I recently got a nice squeeze ball, a happy face with kooshball hair!! I love it. I'm looking at investing in other hand toys so i have something healthy to do during rough periods.

I think its essential to find a thing(s) that relaxes you. If only I could go to the spa every other day.....

[Omers]

yes, I have too. I work with a massage therapist and have for many years. I also clenched my teeth at night and had to start wearing a mouth guard to protect them as I slept.

My Pdoc also put me on a med I can take for anxiety/stress that also has a muscle relaxer effect.

and of course... prevention, prevention, prevention! Try to learn what starts off the tension. the earlier you ca ncatch it the better.

[splitimage]

Ah yeah, I absolutely somatize every emotion, so I'm constantly having weird muscle tension, spasms, and cramps. In therapy when we're doing EMDR, my T says sometimes she can see me twitching.

I find deep breathing helps as does stretching. A hot shower help, I don't have a tub either. I also self massage my neck and shoulders.

I have some guided meditation CD's that help too.

Good luck.

--splitimage

[mj778]

Originally Posted by cherrygash321

Anyway, the past year I have figured out that my chronic muscle tension could possibly be from the ptsd

Hey CherryGash,
My muscle tension has turned into a noncurable disease called Chronic Myofascial Pain (or Myofascial Pain Syndrome). My ENTIRE body is cramped, my muscles are all very tense, and my fascia is so restricted you cannot pinch my skin. I developed my CMP and Fibromyalgia over the last 4 or so years with no apparent trigger.

Now, after researching and talking to my DO (family DR) it is most likely from untreated PTSD. Now, too little too late, I am starting treatment with a trauma therapist on Thursday.

PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE IN THERAPY????

I would wish this life of H#$% on no one.

Best mj

p.s. forgot the point of this message... Try a prescription for Alprazolam. It is an anit anxiety medication that used to work wonders for me for relaxing my muscles.

[cherrygash321]

Thanks everyone. Ive done EMDR with no effect. but im glad it can help some people.

Has anyone heard of Biofeedback?? There is a lady I found nearby that does this. I'm going to check into it.

Mj- sorry to hear about your syndrome. If i dont do something about it now, my body may head south sooner than later. Yes, I'm in therapy, i have been on and off many years, as well as meds. im on gabapentin, hydroxyine for anxiety.

What is everyone else on for anxiety/panic??????

[splitimage]

For anxiety - I'm on the benzo route, specifically clonazapam, 2mg at night and 1 mg 3X daily.

[nowheregirl]

I always seem to be tense and I get migraines a lot from it. I used to go to a chiropractor and that seemed to helped, when I was actually able to relax when I was there.

[katydid_1949]

Originally Posted by cherrygash321

Hi, I'm diagnosed with Ptsd from multiple tramas. Wow, that's a mouthful....Anyway, the past year I have figured out that my chronic muscle tension could possibly be from the ptsd. When I am more stressed its worse and just recently I've started having muscle spasms. I am wondering if anyone else has these or like issues. and what you do to relieve the pain/tension. Thanks

Hi, I have had multiple trauma's throughout my life. I have a diagnosis of PTSD plus fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and more. I take medication for these symptoms as well as anxiety and depression medication: Cymbalta and Oxybutynin as well as Flexeril which helps with relaxing my muscle.. I don't sleep with Trazadone. Meditation is something I'm trying to get in to but I'm bad about getting out of the house. I just joined this support group today and I'm lot sure what I'm supposed to do, so sorry if I'm intruding, Kay

[cherrygash321]

No worries Katy, you're welcome here. I've not tried much meditation, more like breathing exercises...they help sometimes. I've heard to take up yoga, but it is pretty difficult to master. Warm baths, hot showers, massage, all good things to help. Aromatherapy is a favorite of mine, does anyone know of a good supplies store online?

AND has anyone heard of biofeedback to help with ptsd?>>>>?????

[phoenix7]

HI, there are all types of yoga and different levels - the beginners stuff is ok - even an old bird like me can do it lol

Bio-feedback - yes ive had that - it helped wiht anxiety and ...ohh lost my thread .......def not memory lol ...hmmmm anxiety and - oh panic - same thing really - and hyper alertness

the only thing i found - and i prob didint do it for long enough - was that as soon as i was away fromteh machine that i watched to brind down my heart rate and breathing - i couldnt control it again .. like i said maybe i didnt do it long enough - but while i was in his office and for a short time afterwards it was great

EFT - which is like tapping and saying stuff (yes i know that sounds weird) i suppose its like acue puncture wihtout the needles acue pressure - surprised me by helping a lot

also reading the PTSD sourcebook by glenn shiraldi - cos that had heaps of info writeen in easy terms and lots about the different treatments available.

I take Cymbalta and that seems to even me out a bit.

and mj778 - dont give up - there must be somthing out there that can help you - have a loook at the EFT - you never know....

[cherrygash321]

Thanks again phoenix.

i love book recommendations! I'm glad to know how biofeedback worked for you. Thanks for telling me. Too bad it didn't work long term. I'm going to do more research on it. EFT? Don't know if Ive heard of it. Although my therapist did try vibrating pads in each hand, which i didn't seem to have any reaction to. Maybe it was something like that. I'm not sure, but good discussions guys!!

[Omers]

EFT can help, I have tried it once... liked the EFT didn't like the only person around me who did it Don't like doing it on myself.
I have had success with energy work (Reiki)
My favorite place for "aroma therapy" is young living oils ( www.youngliving.com ) they can be expensive but SO very worth it. Especially the blends which are only carried by young living. My single oils I buy other brands that are not as high a quality but still work. Many of the young living oils are safe to use directly on the body or can be put in a hot bath or defuser. Even the really small bottles often last me a year or longer. "Valor" typically is reasonable and helps with muscle issues. I put in my bath and I rub some on the bottom of my feet most mornings. I have found "Natures Alchemy" to be a good balance between cost and quality for single oils.
Another favorite of mine is CD's from http://www.thechasecartermethod.com/ . I play these softly in my house almost continuously. I have wispers to the soul and intend on getting all of them eventually.
Depending on how you are about touch I have worked with a Hakomi therapist before. She was also a massage therapist but Hakomi method can be paired with many other therapies. You would want to check with your T before working with someone who does Hakomi as your T may not be OK with it. http://www.hakomiinstitute.com/Hakomi/method.html Ron Kurtz developed the program. I believe his book on it is out of print but can easily be found used. I found just reading the book helpful.
I also use "rescue Remedy" from the Bach Flower remidies but the verdict is still out.

Usual disclaimer... anything you use in or on your body check with your Doc first. Some alternative healing things can interact with or change the effect of meds.

K, think I have bombarded you with a lot... feel free to ask questions.

[mj778]

Originally Posted by phoenix7

and mj778 - dont give up - there must be somthing out there that can help you - have a loook at the EFT - you never know....

Hey Phoenix,
Just had my first therapy appt today.

So funny, she was talking about all the things I could do, and she said so much I don't remember it all, but accupuncture and accupressure were two of the options (sorry if I spelled those wrong ). I vaguely recall EFT or something like that.

We are going to discuss it more next week. Thanks for your post!

mj

[cherrygash321]

Thanks for all the info Omers

[cherrygash321]

I just got a hand held massager. It is great!! It has two sets of knobs. one is soft, the other more hard. It also extends to help reach the back area. So glad, got it on sale, less than $30 at dillards. The best part?? It has HEAT.

[bastiaan0741]

Originally Posted by cherrygash321

Hi, I'm diagnosed with Ptsd from multiple tramas. Wow, that's a mouthful....Anyway, the past year I have figured out that my chronic muscle tension could possibly be from the ptsd. When I am more stressed its worse and just recently I've started having muscle spasms. I am wondering if anyone else has these or like issues. and what you do to relieve the pain/tension. Thanks

Hello cherrygash;

I am a 10-year ptsd patient (since I was 28). Currently on Sipralexa, Sinequan, and TRT. In the early years I encountered occasional full body cramps/lockups and paralysis; and I suffered 30 heart cramps a day for 4 years without exception. Sometimes lockups with 'automatic' body functions like breathing, even when asleep (I woke up choking and not knowing/being able to breathe). I also had 30 'lockups' a day for 4 years when 'swallowing saliva' failed, resulting in a 'waterboarding' style of torture. This condition went away as later years progressed, and when the disease and/or my body 'evolved', some cramping came back, however, only in extremities (hand and feet, bizarely favoring the right (dominant) foot and hand. This is the current situation.

To answer your question, and from the top of my mind:

*I am able to do light work again. However, stress and workstress aggrevates or provokes cramps. When this happens, I isolate myself completely in a bathroom to avoid any external input from the surroundings. I also do not move, or I lie down.
*avoid crowded situations, in any sence of that word.
*I try twitching some muscles, preferably chest.
*I try to put my hands (fingers) in an opposite way than the cramping, usually by pressing against an object (a wall)
*concentrating on breathing, a technique that works for some, makes it worse for me.
*I try to get my mind to do other things. Like, counting backwards from 100. Unlike counting forwards, this keeps your mind more 'busy'.
*if available, drink water. Preferably cold. As much as possible.
*Giving your mind some 'inputs' may work. I try touching objects with the non-affected muscles to distort myself from the cramping. I.e, keep retouching a hot or icecold heating sink in that bathroom, but not with the affected muscle. I typically use a bare knee.
*Fresh air.
*Coldness. I.e, cold showers, or circling the deep freeze compartment in your warehouse (if you happen to be there), open a window,...
*forced coughing or throwing up to deter the body from the cramps.
*self-paining. I have hit my hands against the wall, gently and repeatedly, for years, to deter from the situation. The repetitive movement also distracts the mind. Be careful not to make scars. NOT for everyone, but worked for years for me. Some courses I took in anti-anx. suggested an automotoric action like tapping your finger repeatedly. It was much less efficient.
*forced reading, to distract. TV sometimes works, so do video games.
*excessive amounts of alcohol. This type of relexant, however, will weaken you afterwards. NOT for everyone. Be safe, don't drive.
*any type of benzodiazepine. I always carry lorazepam and unitranxene. Lorazepam works best. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive after.
*no coffee or stimulants, ever! Give it up.
*Being in a 'safe place' (home) will make you improve faster.
*Weed helps for some. Tried it for a year, didn't work. (I can smoke legally in my country; do not aggrevate any health issues by adding legal ones!)
*yoga/meditation helps some, but did nothing for me.
*massages help some, but did nothing for me.
*rest as much as possible on any given moment.
*relaxing music.
*psycologists and psychiatrics did nothing for me. Except take my money and waste my time.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions, and take care.

[Teacake]

Originally Posted by cherrygash321

Hi, I'm diagnosed with Ptsd from multiple tramas. Wow, that's a mouthful....Anyway, the past year I have figured out that my chronic muscle tension could possibly be from the ptsd. When I am more stressed its worse and just recently I've started having muscle spasms. I am wondering if anyone else has these or like issues. and what you do to relieve the pain/tension. Thanks

Try David Bercelis Trauma and Tensión Releasing Exercises (TRE). Google it. Look at traumaprevention.com. buy the book or check it from the library. Its on Kindle. Definitely read the book.

David Berceli has PhD in psychology. He studies neurology and physiology as he earned his doctorate. He experienced PTSD as a member of the US military in Vietnam and as a relief worker all over the world.

PTSD is a disorder of the body. We got stuck in immobile feeeze response. Wild animals and young children shiver it off. Adult and adolescent humans inhibit this natural trembling. Women who experienced conscious unmedicated childbirth may recall the period of all over shaking in the delivery room. I only remember because I had a doctor offering me my baby in one arm and a paid of surgical shears to cut the cord as I began to tremble like a dog in a thunderstorm. I declined that precious moment with a shriek.

That trembling is how the body of new mother or dog or soldier or prey animals discharges excess "energy".

We dont tremble because we think its hysterical or going into shock or signals weakness or frightens others. Thus we stay locked in hyperarousal. Eliciting the tremor response at any time can normalise us.

David has always said he presents his method as a stand alone self help method. You do not need to pay a practitioner, facilitator or teacher. You can learn from his book. Its all you need to learn fhis method.

I buried the lead, lol. TRE will help you shiver off pain and tension. Do it.

I also restrict caffeine and supplement magnesium, control allergies and try to adhere to an anti-inflammatory diet.

[Hellion]

I get quite a bit of muscle tension, likely from being tense a lot due to PTSD also they cramp up very easily and such and it seems like I get sore to easily. I think before I had PTSD I had some issues with that kind of thing but not as much I've always had anxiety issues, depression and a bit of trouble dealing with stress so I know even before I developed PTSD I had quite a bit of tension.

I am prescribed 5-10 mg of valium once a day for anxiety, I tend not to take it every day and there are times it doesn't really do a whole lot to help even if I do......I find cannabis can be helpful for anxiety and tension of course its illegal most places. Then there is valarian root and other herbal remedies that can help calm anxiety that I've used as well.