Hi, Sappy and Bushwoman,
I spend most of my time on the chronic pain forum, but recently have come over here to learn because I just got diagnosed with Barrett's.
You might want to post on the chronic pain section because lots of us have muscle spasms. I've been through more physical therapists than I care to count; some lousy but some great, and getting an evaluation by a good PT might help identify what muscles are tightening, and maybe some stretches that will help loosen them. I also have a TENS unit (transcultaneous electrical stimulator) that's for home use I got through my physical therapist, but if you go for PT you'll usually have a lot of different therapies such as massage, ultrasound and stim units used on you. A good massage therapist can also help. If I had the money I'd get regular massages and try acupuncture. But finding out what the cause is can help. For example, it can be due to postural issues. Something simple that if you don't correct the muscles will keep tightening.
Hope this helps a bit. You can also use the quick jump menu at the top of the page to easily switch between different parts of the Healing Well forum.
Again, welcome!
PaLady
p.s. I'm not very familiar with the muscle spasms in the stomach from GERD. One other thing that I know is helpful for any kind of pain is learning deep relaxation exercises. You can get some great materials (CD's or downloads) at www.healthjourneys.com. There are many other sources, but I use these (I have no financial connection whatsoever) because they're produced by Belleruth Naparstek, LISW, and she started her work with the Cleveland Clinic and is now know nationally. Her guided imagery and relaxation materials are used in research studies, so they're scientifically credible. Plus the more I read about
GERD (and in my case Barretts esophagus) relaxing is one of the many strategies that can be helpful, especially to ease anxiety which can increase stomach acid.
Post Edited (PAlady) : 7/27/2009 1:32:23 AM (GMT-6)