Maybe you know someone with Multiple sclerosis, or MS, as it is often called. Maybe you have read about it at some point. Whatever the case, unless you or a close family member has a diagnosis, you may have a lot of questions. Or maybe you recently learned it was a possibility for yourself and you want to know a little more about how to manage your pain. Republic Pain Specialists have the information and pain solutions you are looking for.

What is it?

Multiple sclerosis is, in a word, complicated. It is, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “an abnormal response of the body’s immune system [that] is directed against the central nervous system.” This response often attacks the myelin which is supposed to protect and insulate the nerve fibers and specialized cells within the nervous system. While there are some genetic factors at play, there is no single cause of MS. Additionally, there are many ways MS manifests depending on the patient. The name, which refers to the scarring of multiple areas of the nervous system, is the common factor between each patient.

Symptoms and concerns

There are a number of different symptoms with MS and no two patients will experience the same number or severity of symptoms. Around 80% of people will experience a great deal of fatigue which will impact their ability to work, function, and handle their day-to-day lives. One of the first symptoms is a numbness or tingling sensation in different parts of the body. Vision concerns occur very early on as well. Issues with a person’s gait, spasticity, and weakness in any limb. Less common are depression, emotional, and cognitive issues, although they do occur. Because the central nervous system impacts so much, there are a number of different areas of the body multiple sclerosis can effect.

How can we help?

Pain, stiffness, and tingling are common with multiple sclerosis, no matter what severity or number of symptoms you are experiencing. This can make the other symptoms you are experiencing even more frustrating as you try to function despite your diagnosis. Many patients feel relief with a number of the ways we treat pain with all of our cases. By understanding your pain and your goals for your pain, we could make a plan that would tackle your concerns. Some experience relief from acupuncture, massage, and different forms of chiropractic therapy, each of which we can help assist you in scheduling. Additionally, nerve blocks may help you feel pain relief in certain areas, depending on how progressed your condition may be. Each patient will experience MS differently and each patient will have a different pain management plan from our team.

To learn more about dealing with the pain you are experiencing from multiple sclerosis or with other conditions you may have, contact us today. Our care team knows your pain is unique to you, and our care will be as comprehensive as it can be.