Your CNS is composed of your brain and spinal cord.
One common pop in of MS-associated neuropathic pain isdysesthesia.
They are chronic pains, meaning they tend to be long lasting and not typically associated with an MSrelapse.
Anupong Thongchan / EyeEm / Getty Images
What Is an MS Relapse?
Other forms of neuropathic pain in MS are acute.
Pain usually begins suddenly and can be part of an MS relapse.
Unlike neuropathic pain, it’s not a direct result of MS nerve damage.
For example, you may walk a certain way if you have a weak or numb foot.
Spasticityis another MS symptom.
How Often Does MS Cause Pain?
Keep in mind that MS was once considered a painless disease.
Pain Severity
Not everyone with MS has pain.
For those who do, the severity varies considerably.
For others though, their pain may significantly affect their quality of life.
Pain may prevent them from sleeping well, working, or performing household tasks.
Personal preference and your response to previous pain management therapies are also key considerations.
Pharmacological Therapies
There are several classes of medications used to treat MS pain.
Neuropathic painmay be treated with drugs that help calm down nerve firing.
Are Tylenol and Motrin Safe for Everyone?
Always talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Be mindful that choosing the right combination of therapies is often a trial and error process.
Summary
Many people living with MS experience neuropathic and/or musculoskeletal pain.
The management of pain in MS typically involves a combination of medication and complementary therapies.
A Word From Verywell
Managing MS pain requires an individualized approach.
Giving examples of how your pain affects your daily routine or mood is often helpful.
Also, it’s important to not assume that any pain in your body is from MS.
There may be something else going on.
Be sure to seek medical care for any new, persistent, or severe pain.
Research suggests that exercise can help alleviate pain in patients with MS. National MS Society.Pain and Itching.
2018;8:2534. doi:10.2147/DNND.S135755
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Spasticity.
