Have you ever found yourself searching for answers to a question that feels almost unanswerable—like, “Why did this happen to me or someone I love?”
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and full of questions. What caused this? Why me—or why them?
While researchers are still working to fully understand MS, we do know that it’s caused by a mix of factors that involve the immune system, genetics, and the environment. Let’s break it all down so you can better understand what’s happening and feel empowered to take the next steps for yourself or someone you are supporting.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of your body. In MS, the immune system targets the myelin sheath—a protective coating around nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord. Think of myelin as the insulation on electrical wires: it helps signals travel quickly and efficiently between your brain and body.
When myelin is damaged (a process called demyelination), those signals get disrupted or even blocked entirely. This damage can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or even cognitive changes.
The symptoms of MS vary widely from person to person because it depends on where in the nervous system the damage occurs. Some people may experience mild symptoms that come and go (relapsing-remitting MS), while others may face more progressive challenges over time. While there’s currently no cure for MS, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
What I say to all my clients, is having an understanding of how MS interacts with your body is an important first step toward managing it effectively.
The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but researchers believe it’s triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and an abnormal immune response. In other words, there’s no single cause—it’s more like a mix of risk factors coming together. Let’s look at each one in more detail.
At its core, MS is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system—designed to protect you from harmful invaders like viruses—mistakenly attacks your own body instead. In MS, the immune system targets myelin as if it were an enemy. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why this happens, but they suspect that certain triggers—like infections or other environmental factors—might confuse the immune system into attacking healthy tissue.
Once myelin is damaged, the body tries to repair it, but scar tissue (called sclerosis) often forms instead. These scars disrupt communication between your brain and body even further. This autoimmune attack doesn’t happen all at once; it tends to come in waves or relapses for many people with MS. Over time, repeated attacks can lead to permanent nerve damage.
While MS isn’t directly inherited like some diseases (such as cystic fibrosis), genetics do play a role in who develops it. If you have a close relative with MS—like a parent or sibling—your risk is slightly higher than someone without that family history. Scientists have identified certain genes related to immune function that may increase susceptibility to MS.
However, having these genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the disease; they’re just one piece of the puzzle. To read specifically about MS when it comes to genetics, check out my post: Is MS An Inherited Disease?
Where you live and what you’re exposed to can significantly influence your risk of developing MS. Here is a list of environmental triggers that can be linked to MS:
Does this mean if you live further from the equator or ever get a virus, you are automatically a candidate for MS? No. It is just another factor that may cause it that is worth mentioning.
While this fact may seem unlikely to believe, it’s true—women are much more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that women are three times more likely to have MS than men, and the number of women developing the condition continues to rise. But why?
Unfortunately, the exact reasons why MS develops, especially in women, aren’t fully understood. However, several factors seem to play a role including hormonal differences, genetics, and the immune system.
To read more about how MS plays a role when it comes to gender and hormones, check out my post: 10 Symptoms Of MS In Women: What To Watch For.
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about what causes MS:
Understanding what doesn’t cause MS can help ease feelings of guilt or self-blame that often accompany a diagnosis. So many of my clients ask if this was something they did wrong and my immediate response is – absolutely not! Your MS symptoms are not in control, you are.
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent MS if you’re genetically predisposed, there are steps you can take to reduce risk or manage symptoms effectively:
Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating immune function. Spending time outdoors in sunlight or taking vitamin D supplements (with guidance from your doctor) may help lower your risk.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do—not just to reduce your risk of developing MS but also to improve overall health if you already have it.
Exercise has been shown to improve strength, balance, mood, and overall quality of life for people with MS. Low-impact activities like yoga or swimming are especially helpful because they’re gentle on joints while building endurance.
If you are looking to begin your journey to combat MS symptoms through strategic exercises my FREE 5 Day Strength Challenge is the perfect place to start! Together, we will work through the science behind neuroplasticity-based exercise and how to use it to start taking back control over your MS symptoms and see noticeable improvements in your walking stamina, balance, and more.
If you notice early warning signs—such as unexplained fatigue, numbness/tingling in your limbs, or vision problems—don’t ignore them! Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment that can slow disease progression and improve long-term outcomes. Your doctors want to help, but they cannot know without you taking the first step. It can be scary, but it is worth the short-term fear to achieve long-term success.
A diagnosis of MS can feel overwhelming—but remember: you’re not alone in this journey. Millions of people around the world live full lives with this condition thanks to advancements in treatment and support networks.
While there’s no cure for MS yet, research continues to bring hope for more effective treatments—and perhaps one day a cure. In the meantime, focusing on what you can control—like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and building a strong support system—can make all the difference.
You didn’t cause this disease—and though living with it may feel isolating at times—you’re never truly alone. There’s an entire community of MS warriors ready to walk alongside you every step of the way!
Do you have any further questions on what causes MS and how to find the support you need? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
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Why do some people with MS feel worse over time, even when their MRIs show no changes? This is where smoldering MS comes into the picture. Read exactly what smoldering Multiple Sclerosis is, plus how you can manage symptoms here.
Have you ever found yourself searching for answers to a question that feels almost unanswerable—like, “Why did MS happen to me or someone I love?” While researchers are still working to fully understand MS, we do know that it’s caused by a mix of factors. Read how to feel empowered with the causes of MS to make informed decisions 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