Preparing for your next visit with your health care provider?
Get help from My Conversation Starter:
- Identify preferences for your relapsing MS treatment routine, including dosing, administration and product features, using the Treatment Guide.
- Keep track of your symptoms using the Symptom Guide
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
symptoms: pain
More than half of the people with multiple sclerosis (MS) find that pain is a problem. Pain appears to result from "short circuits" in the pathways that carry sensory impulses between the brain and spinal cord. It is not a predictor of the course of MS.
Pain can be broken into two categories: acute and chronic.
Acute pain
Trigeminal neuralgia is a stabbing pain in the face. It can occur as an initial symptom of MS. It can be confused with dental pain. However, this pain is due to nerves, not cavities.
An evaluation to pinpoint the source of the pain is essential. Fortunately, there are a number of medications that can help.
L'hermitte's sign is a brief, stabbing, electric shock-like sensation that runs from the back of the head down the arms or spine. It can be brought on by bending the neck forward. It can be a signal of a lesion in the upper region of the spinal cord.
Dysesthesia is an unpleasant sensation, typically described as burning, which can be evoked or spontaneous.
Chronic pain
Burning, aching, prickling or "pins and needles"
Pain of spasticity, such as tightness or aching in joints and muscle spasms or cramps—called flexor spasms—may occur.
Back and other musculoskeletal pain, especially lower back pain, can have many causes. They include:
- Spasticity
- Pressure on the body caused by immobility
- Incorrect use of mobility aids
- Poor walking posture, unusual walking pattern and balance problems
Dealing with MS pain symptoms
Pain is a symptom of MS, but you do not have to simply accept it. You should talk to your health care professional about pain. An evaluation to pinpoint the source of the pain is essential. Fortunately, there are a number of medications that can help. Speak to your health care professional for more information.
Non-medication treatments may also help and might include exercise, heat, massage, ultrasound and physical therapy. In addition, biofeedback, meditation and similar techniques may also be helpful. Talk to your health care professional about what might be right for you.
mslifelines.com is brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Copyright © 2013 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.
EMD Serono, Inc., One Technology Place, Rockland, MA 02370
The MS LifeLines Call Center has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for providing "An Outstanding Customer Experience 2 years in a row."*
*For J.D. Power and Associates 2011 and 2012 Call Center Certification ProgramSM information, visit jdpower.com.
Have questions or concerns?
Call MS LifeLines at 1-877-447-3243 anytime, day or night. A live representative will always answer your call.
