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Spasticity, which is an involuntary tightness or stiffness of the muscles, is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting approximately 80 percent of those living with the disease. Among other issues, it can be painful and limit movement. Like many MS symptoms, spasticity can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.

To increase education surrounding this symptom and treatment strategies, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is proud to announce that we have joined with the National Stroke Association, United Spinal Association, United Cerebral Palsy, and the Brain Injury Association of America to form the Spasticity Alliance, found at www.spasticityalliance.org. Together, our goal is to raise awareness about spasticity and help people living with spasticity resume normal daily activities.

This site, launching in conjunction with Spasticity Awareness Week (June 13-19), features a variety of educational resources, multimedia tools, and personal stories of those with different health conditions living with spasticity. The Spasticity Alliance hopes to empower individuals and their family members through these valuable tools, along with offering effective management options.

If you are traveling this summer, you may need to do a little extra planning to ensure you have the best experience possible on your trip.

Groups like Able to Travel sponsored by the United Spinal Association act as travel agents for accessible vacation planning and accessible guided tours and cruises. You can also do it yourself by calling ahead to hotels, restaurants, and venues to ensure accessibility of rooms, bathrooms, and fun activities.

If you are using an airport, you can actually call the TSA 72 hours in advance of your trip to arrange for a quick experience getting through security checkpoints (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/travelers-disabilities-and-medical-conditions). Additionally, many airlines offer assistive services for boarding and navigating the airport, so be sure to make the airline and flight attendants aware of any needs you may have in advance of your flight.

There are also helpful websites like Flying with Disability which may offer helpful tips and suggesting for easing travel burdens.

Remember to do your homework before paying for services or using a company you are unfamiliar with to plan your trip or travel with, and most importantly – enjoy your trip!

Tag Archives: United Spinal Association

MSAA Joins Spasticity Alliance

Expediting Travel When You Have Multiple Sclerosis

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