The pain had been coming off and on for days, but this day in particular was different. On this day it started a little stronger and earlier than normal. On this day, the pain was incredible and more intense. On this day, the pain was unbearable as it flowed around my body. It felt like waves rolling up and down my arms, leaving me totally unable and unwilling to move. I couldn’t concentrate on my work, I couldn’t make sense of any thoughts in my mind. I walked from my office up and down the hallway, trying to get the pain out of my body. Nothing made it go away.
Pain in Multiple Sclerosis is real. At one point in time, “medical professionals” thought that pain didn’t impact people with MS. That couldn’t be more wrong. It is estimated that 30-50% of individuals with MS will experience pain at some point during the course of their illness. However, I believe the rate of pain to be much higher than just 50%, I think it can be as high as 80%.
Pain is classified as either primary or secondary pain. Primary pain is caused by disease progression and demyelinization. Primary pain is usually the intense feelings of burning, shooting or gnawing pain. Secondary pain is usually musculoskeletal pain either caused by poor balance and posture, spasticity, unbalanced use of muscles or joints because of weakness etc. Pain in MS can also be classified as acute or chronic pain.
There are many different types of pain in MS. Often times pain and sensory symptoms can go hand-in-hand (as I mentioned last week) and sensory symptoms can sometimes increase and turn painful.
Acute pain:
Chronic pain:
Emotional stress
One of the most under appreciated aspects of pain in MS is the emotional toll it takes. Being in constant pain can hurt physically, but it can also hurt emotionally. Individuals who are in pain are at risk of depression, are more likely to isolate and have difficulty coping.
I’ve been in pain in numerous ways with MS. I’ve had Lhermitte’s sign (technically my first symptom), burning pain in my legs, severe pain in my arms and I believe I have had Trigeminal Neuralgia several times recently. I think pain has been one of my most prominent symptoms, unfortunately. I have been on Neurontin and am currently on Cymbalta to manage my pain. AIP has also helped my pain levels immensely as well.
Getting creative with treatments can be helpful when managing pain. Regular exercise and stretching can be helpful when managing musculoskeletal pain, also making sure to maintain a balance of sodium and potassium to deter cramps. Alternative therapies can be helpful as well, acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, relaxation training and hypnosis can be useful.
I found myself in the conference room, staring out the window when my best friend noticed I was there as she walked by. I didn’t realize at first I had been silently crying, but once she inquired about what was wrong, the flood gates opened.
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