Pain
Although for many years MS was considered a painless condition, it is now known that some people with MS do experience pain and discomfort during the course of the condition. Pain may occur directly as a result of MS activity in the nervous system or may be a consequence of other MS symptoms and may range from mild to severe pain.
In addition to musculoskeletal pain in joints and muscles, tendons and ligaments, “stabbing-like” paroxysmal pain has been reported. Pain may occur in the face, for example, when facial nerves have been damaged. Spasms in the arms or legs can also be painful, when they have been immobile for a long time.
The most common form of pain in MS, however, is chronic neurogenic pain, caused by faulty nerve signals generated by MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord. This type of pain includes sensations popularly known as “pins and needles”.
Managing pain
Pain management involves drugs and non-pharmacological approaches, depending on the type of pain, its origin and the particular problems of each individual patient.
Self-help can be an important part of controlling pain in MS, as it has a direct impact on your quality of life. Exercise, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation (using Jacobsen's Technique) can help with spasms and soreness of muscles.
Other forms of pain relief include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage, electrical nerve stimulation, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.
