muscle spasms

[Mott]

Over the past two weeks or so I began noticing a lot of tiny muscle spasms ranging from my legs to neck area. During this time the top layer of skin of my right arm in the elbow area also became numb.

I read up a little on the web before jumping to conclusions about something more serious and saw where muscle spasms could be caused by a vitamin deficiency. I've started taking multivitamins, a habit I had gotten out of, and the spasms have seemed to subside in just a couple days. The feeling has yet to return to my arm though.

I'm not one to go to the doctor so I hope this takes care of it. Has anybody else encountered this?

Mott

[mrsdoubtfyre]

I don't know about the numbness...that might indicate some nerve impingement in the neck.

But you can try magnesium as a supplement to see if you feel better:
this thread has alot of info and is a remake of my popular mag thread from OBT which was lost in the crash:
*******************************.com/showthread.php?t=1138

I'd suggest a B-50 or B-100 for you, in addition to the multivits.
B6 specifically can help with muscle issues. If you improve but still have
residual issues, a trial of 1mg methylcobalamin B12 oral, may also help.

If you do not eat fish, or use the new omega-3 spreads/peanut butters/or mayo/eggs, you might consider some EFAs too.
*******************************.com/showthread.php?t=6092
Now that we have such good food sources for omega-3s, supplements are
needed less. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, and also help repair damage in the nervous system. They are essential for health maintenance.

Also I'd like to warn you about numbness/weakness that presents only on one side. If this continues, you need to see a doctor and
have blood pressure readings taken, and be evaluated for TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) or stroke.
A friend of mine (47) just had a stroke last week, at work. She is recovering nicely since she was able to get tPA within 3 hrs
of the beginning of the stroke. It appears that her stroke was connected to a complex migraine history. But it can happen
to anyone, esp those with autoimmune disorders.

[rose]

I agree. However, just in case I would take the methylcobalamin as soon as possible regardless. If you need the larger dose due to severe malabsorption, the B complex won't help, and if you need it more delay means more damage.

http://roseannster.googlepages.com/home

rose

[Mott]

Thanks for the input Mrs. D and rose.

Over a period of 4-5 days the muscle spasms seem to have gone away completely. I think the Centrum multivitamins I started taking again had an almost immediate effect. I've always felt better when I took them but this is the first time I've ever had the spasms when I didn't take them on a regular basis. I like to take a B complex and sublingual B-12 too, but am out of everything but the Centrum. It sure has made a believer in taking vitamins of me.

I got the numbness in my arm after falling asleep in my chair and my head hanging down all night. I noticed it right away upon waking up. I'm almost certain it's from a pinched nerve. I really doubt I had a stroke, but it's been a while since I've had my blood pressure taken. I do have hepatitis C so it may be connected to that somehow. I hear that PN can be associated with it. I'll give it some time to heal itself, if it spreads I'll see a doctor. It will be the first time I've gone in years.

I did have some baked catfish tonight and like baked salmon too, Mrs. D. :p

Thanks,
Mott

[Mott]

I got some B-12 (cynaocobalamin) today. They didn't have the sublingual that I liked so I went with what they had, which was this in a 1000mcg tablet. It was pretty cheap, 100 tabs for $4.01 a bottle for Goldline brand. I don't seem to have any absorption problems so I think this will do me alright, along with the Centrum multivitamins I've been taking.

I'm watching the numb area of my arm to see that it isn't spreading and so far it hasn't. It may be too early to tell but if anything the area might have reduced in size just a tiny fraction. It starts about a hands width from the protruding bone on the outside of my wrist to about 3 fingers width above the elbow joint in area. Just the top layer of skin seems to be effected.

I really dislike going to the doctor, I've had so many bad experiences, and haven't been since April '96. I know it's not the smartest thing to do/not to do, but that's just me. My Medicaid spend down is $113 a month and I can't afford to go whenever I just don't feel good either.

Mott

[mrsdoubtfyre]

sure you take that on an empty stomach...for best results. ;)

[rose]

Mott,

I'm glad you're taking the vitamins.

Regarding the B12, it is important for you to know that even for most people with severe malabsorption, the cyanocobalamin will do fine.

The methylcobalamin covers some rarer possibilities that cyanocobalamin doesn't.

Please understand that you can malabsorb (less than severely) and absorb the vitamin form of the B12 nutrient just fine! Even in a small dose. And there is no guarantee that you are not headed for severe malabsorption, so doctors who know their stuff regarding B12 would want you to take the 1000 mcg dose just in case.

http://roseannster.googlepages.com/home

rose

[Mott]

During this time the top layer of skin of my right arm in the elbow area also became numb.

The effected area is not as large as it was at first and feeling is slowly returning from the outer edges. :)

Mott