1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Back & Neck Pain

Spasticity

By , About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition:

Spasticity is condition that results when the nervous system has lost control of the orchestration between contraction and relaxation of muscles. Spasticity causes much muscle stiffening. The opposite effect, flaccidity may also be present.

Spasticity occurs in persons with spinal cord injury and other conditions.

Making a commitment to a sound flexibility routine is necessary to counteract the effects of spasticity. While strength training, avoid too much emphasis on muscle groups that tend to stiffen more. Spending time with the legs extended may also help.

Also Known As: hypertonia
Explore Back & Neck Pain
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Back & Neck Pain
  4. Chronic Back - Neck Pain
  5. Glossary
  6. S
  7. Spasticity>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.