Wondering how to make sense of the many MS treatment options and how they can improve your everyday life?
If you’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. MS is a complex disease that affects the central nervous system, making it hard for the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. But the good news is that there are many medications available to help manage symptoms and slow the disease's progression.
While starting treatment can feel daunting, modern medications make it possible for many people with MS to live well and stay active.
MS is a chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating around nerves, causing communication issues between the brain and body. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, trouble walking, muscle spasms, vision problems, and more. MS can be mild for some people but more severe for others.
Starting treatment early is key to slowing the disease and keeping symptoms under control. Early treatment can:
Managing MS with medication can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important step toward improving your quality of life. Medications can help reduce the number of relapses and slow the progression of the disease, making daily tasks easier and more manageable. They can ease symptoms like fatigue, muscle stiffness, and mobility issues, helping you stay active and engaged.
If you're curious to learn more on how to effectively manage MS pain management, check out my post here.
However, while these treatments can be effective, they’re not a cure, and side effects are possible. The key is working closely with your doctors and healthcare team to find the right medication that works for you, so you can feel supported every step of the way.
There are two main types of medications used to treat MS: disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and symptom-management medications.
DMTs are the main type of medication used to slow down the progression of MS. These treatments work by calming the immune system and preventing it from attacking the central nervous system. DMTs can help reduce the frequency of MS relapses and slow the progression of the disease.
DMTs have been shown to significantly reduce the number of relapses people with MS experience. They can also help prevent new areas of nerve damage from forming in the brain and spinal cord, which helps people with MS stay active and maintain their daily activities longer. Depending on the medication, DMTs can reduce relapses by 30% to 70%.
In addition to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), many people with MS benefit from symptom-management medications to address specific day-to-day challenges caused by the condition. These medications don’t change the course of MS, but they can significantly improve comfort and quality of life. These drugs are used to help with specific MS symptoms like muscle stiffness, fatigue, or bladder problems.
When it comes to MS treatment, choosing between oral, injectable, or infusion therapies depends on what fits your preferences and the severity of your condition. Each option offers its own benefits and challenges. Knowing the differences between these options can help you choose the treatment that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Working with your healthcare provider will help you choose the best option based on your needs. They will take the time to understand your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences, which can greatly influence your choice.
There are also exciting new treatments being studied for MS, like stem cell therapy, which aims to reset the immune system, and biologics, which are targeted therapies designed to reduce immune system attacks with fewer side effects. These treatments are still in development but offer hope for the future.
One new drug currently in clinical trial that I’m keeping my eye on is PIPE-307, which may allow for possible remyelination in MS:
While medications are essential for managing Multiple Sclerosis, adding exercise can enhance your overall well-being. Exercises like physical therapy and strength training will help strengthen your muscles, improve balance, and reduce fatigue.
Staying active in ways that feel right for you can work hand-in-hand with your medications, helping to improve your quality of life and give your body back the strength it needs to move with confidence.
If you’re looking for a great place to start to help begin MS-specific exercise, my YouTube channel - Dr. Gretchen Hawley - provides exercise demonstrations and advice in a community format.
No two people with MS are the same, which means treatment needs to be tailored to each person’s specific situation. Over time, your treatment may need to change depending on how well it’s working. That’s why it’s so important to stay in touch with your healthcare team and keep them updated on how you’re feeling. Staying active, communicating with your doctors, and being open to trying new treatments when necessary will help you take control of your MS and live life to the fullest.
If you’re interested in learning how to begin your journey with MS, check out my book: The MSing Link. With the help of MS experts, I developed a single place for all the exercises, concerns, and support you need to understand your symptoms and take back control of your life.
Do you have any further questions on how to manage MS symptoms with medication? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
Do the “pins and needles” in your body make it difficult to take on everyday life? While tingling can be uncomfortable, and even painful at times, there are ways to manage it. Read all the details relating to MS tingling and more importantly, how to manage it correctly here.
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com