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Pain from multiple sclerosis? Here's how to get relief

More than half of people with MS report significant pain.

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If you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), there’s a good chance you are familiar with pain. It can manifest in many different ways, whether it’s a random twitch or muscular pain that’s developed over years.

When it comes to physical symptoms, MS pain is either musculoskeletal or neuropathic, says Brian Steingo, MD, a neurologist with Sunrise Medical Group in Sunrise,Show More

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Nipping neuropathic pain in the bud

If you’ve ever experienced burning or cold sensations, tingling, stinging, electric-type pain or a sensitivity to touch, it was likely neuropathic pain. “This is pain due to involvement of nerve pathways,” Dr. Steingo says, meaning the MS damages nerves located away from the site of the pain itself.Show More

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Dialing down dysesthesias like the ‘MS hug’

Dysesthesias—burning, tingling, aching or tightening sensations around your body—are caused by neuropathy, and most commonly affect extremities like your legs and feet. They can be treated the same way you’d treat other symptoms of neuropathic pain, with anti-seizure medications and antidepressants.Show More

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Lessening Lhermitte's sign

Lhermitte’s sign, also known as Lhermitte's phenomenon, lasts only a few seconds, but the pain and discomfort it causes can be distressing. This MS-related symptom usually occurs when you move your neck downward, sending an electric-like shock down your back and into your arms and legs. Some referShow More

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Managing musculoskeletal pain

If you have musculoskeletal pain, you may experience symptoms such as muscle stiffness or spasticity, muscle spasms, joint pain, back pain and headaches. “Some of these may be directly due to MS, and others secondary,” Steingo explains. “For example, back or joint pain due to an abnormal gait.”

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Moving to beat musculoskeletal pain

If you’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain, moving around may be one of the last things you want to do. However, physical activity—either through exercise or working with a physical therapist—can help ease pain. “Physical therapy and exercise are very important for overall wellness in people withShow More

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Prioritizing your mental health

Like physical pain, changes in mental health are a common side effect of multiple sclerosis. After your initial diagnosis, you may find yourself grieving—or maybe, for you, grief came later as your symptoms progressed.

Whether you are grieving or dealing with anxiety and depression, it’s importantShow More

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