Pain
Pain is also a common symptom of multiple sclerosis and is more painful than normal pain people feel.
MS pain is more painful than ordinary pain and is a common symptom of MS.
The main causes of pain in people with MS is due to:
Nerve damage – this is a stabbing pain that happens due to faulty nerve signals.
Multiple sclerosis – Due to the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis itself.
Medication – Pain could also be caused by reaction to medication.
Pain can affect the normal day to day life in those people who have MS.
Chronic pain will be with you for a long period of time and it is unpredictable.
Pain can also be caused by symptoms of MS such as:
Bladder infections
Bowel problems
Side effects of drugs
Bad Posture
Badly adjusted wheelchair, walking stick & arm crutch.
Heat
Cold
Types of pain:
Pain can also be caused by severe brain damage and damage to the spinal cord.
The two main types of pain are Neuropathic and Musculoskeletal pain.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain comes suddenly. It is caused by severe brain damage which is caused by increased nervous activity in the spinal code where nerve fibers become hyper sensitive.
The common symptoms of Neuropathic pain are :
Musculoskeletal pain
This pain comes in the base of the spine and hip and it is caused by immobility. The pain could be from muscle and joint weakness. The pain will be from hips, arms and legs.
Common causes of pain
Some pain may emerge like an electric shock and is dure to bending head for a long time. Also coughing or sneezing.
Pain could come behind the eye or when moving eyes.
MS HUG
This is when you get a feeling of painful or uncomfortable tightening or pressure. It comes on the stomach or chest.
It could be alarming and frightening. It is said that this is due to changes in sensations or spasms caused by the muscle between the ribs.
It is triggered by stress, fatigue or heat.
Coping with Pain
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the best way to manage Multiple Sclerosis. It will help to easily move around. It will help to reduce injuries, build strength and assist in functions of the body. Long standing problems such as painful bed sores, stiff joints and wasted muscles could be managed with physiotherapy.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapist will recommend practical ways to cope with pain by advising on changes to homes to make it easy to live in, eg: fixing hand rail, ramps etc. They will also guide you on how to avoid/minimize pain or by introducing certain methods to prevent or minimize triggers.
Will Sugest :
Methods to breakdown household chores into short stages with rest intervals.
How to reorganize kitchens and bathrooms to prevent or minimize strain on muscles and joints and avoid twisting and bending.
Recommend furniture which is more suitable comfort and thereby reduce strain on muscles, such as firm matrass, reclining chair etc.
Pain management for those who are working, such as flexi hours, work from home as well as changes to work space.
To cope with pain, relaxational techniques are vital. Talking therapy and Self-help assists in managing pain to make it more livable, is essential.
Living with pain can drain emotions and result in anger, fear, stress frustration and hopelessness. If pain is not dealt with it could affect our physical and emotional health.
Training the mind to distract from pain by having no time to dwell on it, helps to cope with pain. Involvement in a specific enjoyable activity will shift focus on what you are doing leaving no time to dwell on pain. Eg. Colouring, listening to music, WordSearch puzzles, crossword and sudoku etc.
Tips to manage Pain
Physiotherapy is a good way to manage pain.
Adjustment to your home environment can help.
Making kitchen tables easily reachable and minimize bending and twisting to prevent strain on muscles.
Also installing grip bars in bathrooms.
Relaxing/meditating.
Water-based exercising (hydrotherapy) .
Exercise and physical therapy is essential to prevent/decrease spasticity and sore muscles.