I've read it mentioned once in passing, and on the article I think it was referring to, that some people touch the area and imagine it relaxing to stop the spasms. Anyone have any success or experience with this?
I'm up for anything to stop the spasms. I had the best early morning ever today, with hardly any pain and only mild spasms after... Then I double pooped about an hour later and had sharp pains again :(. I have a morning BM after I turn on the shower every morning to rinse, so I'm not really concerned with cleanliness.

So this sounds like it's related to the self dilation topic on this same page, so you may want to check out the threads there.
HTH

Not specifically related to self-dilation.
It is a very good idea to relax the muscle (outside for me) by simply massaging the area with a little petroleum jelly (my choice). I find it helps immensely after having a BM. And I don't have to visualize anything. Like any muscle, it responds to massage (very gentle in this case).

i agree with savaici . i do this several times a day and always after a BM. It's a good way to keep circulation going in the area and also definitely helps calm the spasms and tightness. Being very gentle and very patient and careful to avoid aggravating the fissure.