Pain in Multiple Sclerosis

Earlier, MS was considered to be a painless disease. But the recent view is that people with MS experience pain or discomfort at times during the course of their disease. Common aches and pains in body are probably more frequent in people with MS than in non-affected individuals. Headaches are not generally regarded as caused by MS.rnHere are three types of pain which occur as secondary to MS:rnMusculoskeletal painrnParoxysmal painrnChronic neurogenic painrn1) Musculoskeletal: Pain may occur due to muscular weakness, spasticity and imbalance. It most often affects the hips, legs, arms and knee joints. Back pain may occur due to improper seating or incorrect posture while walking. Muscle spasms or cramps can be severe and discomforting, mainly occur during sleep.rn2) Paroxysmal: This type of pain may be seen in 5-10% of people with MS. These may manifest as stabbing or electric-shock-like pain in parts of the face. Also the Lhermitte’s sign, sometimes called the Barber Chair phenomenon, is an electrical sensation that runs down the back and into the limbs.rn3) Chronic neurogenic: This type of pain is the most common in MS. This pain is described as constant, boring, burning or tingling intensely. It usually occurs in the legs.rnParaesthesias include: Pins and needles, tingling, shivering, burning pains and feelings of pressure. The pains associated with these can be aching, stabbing, shooting, tingling, tightness and numbness.rnDysaesthesias include: Burning, aching or girdling around the body. These are neurologic in origin and are sometimes treated with antidepressants.rnOptic Neuritis (ON) is a common first symptom of MS. Pain commonly occurs or is made worse with eye movement. Multiple Sclerosis Treatment :rnFor patients suffering from pain, optimum exercise and physical therapy may help to overcome the problem of spasticity and muscle contraction. Unfortunately, people with MS may not always have the ability or endurance to do sufficient aerobic exercise. Regular streching exercise may help muscle spasms.rnNon-drug treatments: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing can contribute to the management of chronic pain.rnOther techniques which may help in pain include: massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture etc.