Feeling like the pain of MS makes it difficult to take on everyday life? Here’s how our community of MS warriors manage their pain effectively.
While the feeling of pain in relation to MS symptoms may make you feel isolated, I can promise you are not alone. Discomfort of any kind is one of the most common flare-ups from MS. Luckily, there are solutions to help.
Today, I want to share with you a complete overview of MS pain management. We will walk through treatments, medications, exercises, and more to help you feel confident taking on the next step to tackling your pain. There are lots of options, but with the help of your trusted doctors, you can feel like yourself once again.
Before we go into what treatments can aid MS pain, let’s take a step back and discuss what it is. MS pain can be complex, involving various types and causes, but let’s break down the most common types of pain.
People with MS often experience various types of pain, but here are the two main types:
Neuropathic pain comes directly from MS due to lesions in the brain or spinal cord, causing nerves to misfire. This pain can be constant, such as burning, tightness, tingling, or throbbing. It could also be intermittent, like shooting sensations. Other uncomfortable feelings, such as pins and needles, can also occur.
Musculoskeletal pain is due to physical limitations and reduced mobility. Pain in muscles, bones, or joints can result from prolonged sitting, muscle spasms, and improper use of muscles. For instance, overusing back muscles to compensate for weak legs can lead to back pain.
While pain is one of the most common symptoms for those experiencing MS, there are effective strategies and treatments available to help manage and regain control over your life.
Medications are a cornerstone of managing MS pain. The medication prescribed is unique to the individual and what specifically in the body is causing the discomfort.
Here are some commonly prescribed options:
While medications can help with pain and tingling, sometimes they do not get rid of every single MS pain symptom. For example, numbness is a symptom that medication cannot always help. For targeting specific pain issues (instead of overall pain), physical and occupational therapy can be more effective.
Most importantly, the goal is to find a solution that works for your body. By combining approaches to find relief for your symptoms, you can create a personalized plan that ensures every aspect of your MS pain is being treated.
If you’re considering physical or occupational therapy to help target your MS pain symptoms, here is a breakdown of each option to see which will be best for you:
There are lots of physical therapists that focus on the upper and lower body, so it’s not to say there’s a strict line of practice between each specialty. That being said, this is one way to help determine where to go.
While the idea of desensitization may not initially sound effective, it can really help those who experience numbness, the pins and needles sensation, and even a burning hot-and-cold feeling.
Step One: Start with a Cotton Ball: Gently rub/tap a soft cotton ball over the painful or abnormal sensation area. Do not start with a harsh item, but just something to call attention to the area. It might feel uncomfortable initially but should become less so over a few minutes.
Step Two: Progress to Rougher Textures: Gradually move to rougher textures like a coaster or textured fabric to further desensitize the area. This will not be the most comfortable experience, but it helps your brain connect to the area and eventually desensitize.
Additional Step: Use Hot and Cold Temperatures: If the pain you’re experiencing is due to inflammation, hot and cold temperatures can help to both desensitize and calm the area. Make sure to check your skin periodically to avoid burns.
Regular exercise can help manage MS pain by improving strength, flexibility, and overall physical health. If you’re curious to see an endless number of exercises that target each muscle group, check out my YouTube channel - Dr. Gretchen Hawley - for additional guidance.
Here are some recommended exercise strategies I work through with my clients when targeting MS pain:
Managing MS pain involves a combination of medications, therapies, and self-care strategies. Consistency is key, and with time, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. Stay committed to your treatment plan and exercises, and you'll be on the path to taking back control of your symptoms.
If you're looking to receive a complete plan to tackle your MS pain management, I have two courses I’d specifically recommend to that tailor to relief. My Total Core Program directly targets core strength as the center for improving your entire body. Second, my Total Strength Program provides an easy-to-follow routine & guidance for working through movement that may feel difficult. Combined together, you can take back control of your symptoms even faster!
Do you have any further questions on how to MS pain management? Please let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
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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