What is it?
Pain is a common symptom in Multiple Sclerosis. In worldwide studies, up to two thirds of MS patients report that they experience some type of pain due to MS. The most common types of pain experienced by people with MS include:
What causes MS pain?
- Headache (seen more in MS than the general population)
- Continuous burning pain in the extremities
- Back pain
- Painful tonic spasms (a cramping, pulling pain)
What causes MS pain?
The "MS Hug"
The "MS Hug" is the name given to a “band-like” sensation that feels like a tight strap or girdle wrapped around the torso area. This sensation, which can be felt from as low as the waist to as high as the neck or jaw, is the result of the tiny muscles between the ribs – known as intercostal muscles – going into spasms. While small, these muscles are important because they help to keep the ribs in place, while also allowing for flexibility and movement.
The severity and sensation of the MS Hug may vary from person to person. Some may describe a constricting sensation or intense pressure, whereas others may experience a tickling or tingling feeling, a sharp, dull, or burning pain. These sensations may be localized or spread throughout the torso area. Rarely, this sensation can become so severe that it may interfere with breathing and cause chest pains, similar to the feelings caused by a panic attack or a heart attack. Stress, fatigue, and an increase in core body temperature can trigger this symptom, which may last a few seconds or persist for minutes to hours or longer." (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Foundation http://www.msfocus.org/article-details.aspx?articleID=381)
The severity and sensation of the MS Hug may vary from person to person. Some may describe a constricting sensation or intense pressure, whereas others may experience a tickling or tingling feeling, a sharp, dull, or burning pain. These sensations may be localized or spread throughout the torso area. Rarely, this sensation can become so severe that it may interfere with breathing and cause chest pains, similar to the feelings caused by a panic attack or a heart attack. Stress, fatigue, and an increase in core body temperature can trigger this symptom, which may last a few seconds or persist for minutes to hours or longer." (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Foundation http://www.msfocus.org/article-details.aspx?articleID=381)
How do I manage it?
Pain from MS can be frustrating and difficult to manage because there may not be one simple answer. Pain from multiple sclerosis CAN be managed using a multidisciplinary approach. The first step is to talk with your physician. Ask for an assessment to determine the sources of your pain: nerves, muscle and bone, or spasticity. Click on the black button below to learn more about how to manage pain from MS.
Read our Patient Blogs on Managing/Preventing Pain from MS
Tip: Acupuncture's great for facial pain and for calming stress. When I leave an appointment, I feel tuned up or, as I've told people, the way everybody SHOULD feel---balanced, happy, energetic. I would get a treatment every day if I could.
Tip: Meditation can sometimes help manage pain from migraines. If you don't have the opportunity or time to attend a meditation class, check out this link for a website that has free online classes, so you can teach yourself and meditate in the convenience of your own home. http://www.onlinemeditation.org/meditation-class-1/
Tip: If you have been experiencing chronic headaches and have not found relief, I would recommend trying craniosacral therapy and looking into insurance coverage for this therapy. In Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim covers it if it is performed by a physical therapist. If your insurance covers physical therapy, it will most likely cover whatever therapy you get done by the PT. Your Physical Therapist can figure out how to word it to make sure you are only stuck with the copay.
PLEASE NOTE: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
