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Pain

Pain is considered a frequent symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). A distinction is made according to the cause of the pain. Some pain is directly caused by MS, but some pain can also be caused by other symptoms of MS or by not properly using aids.

Different types of MS-related pain

Depending on the cause and location, the following types of pain are distinguished:

  • Pain resulting directly from MS, e.g. nerve pain (neuralgia), inflammation of the nerves during an acute MS attack, headaches if there are outbreaks of MS in certain areas of the brain, painful muscle cramps, and paresthesia
  • Pain as an indirect consequence of MS symptoms, e.g. pain in the arms and legs (especially joint or muscle pain in case of poor posture), spasticity, contractures, ulcers, pain in the lower abdomen in case of bladder dysfunction or constipation but also due to inadequate and/or not properly using aids
  • Pain related to medication, e.g. flu symptoms, headache, injection site pain
  • Pain independent of MS, e.g. back pain (which can also be pain caused indirectly by MS), primary headache (migraine, tension headache), degenerative bone disease, or polyneuropathy (nerve pain) due to other causes

It's bad enough to be in pain. Sometimes it's not even possible to classify them precisely. But it's clear that not all pain is caused by MS.

What can be done about pain in MS

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Have the cause of the pain examined by a doctor.

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Keep a pain diary for a period of time.

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Depending on the type of pain, medication, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy (e.g. in the case of poor posture an muscle tension) can help.

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Make sure that the aids are well fitted.

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Psychological pain therapy can help.

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In the case of chronic MS-related pain, physical measures are often effective: massage, acupuncture, TENS (= electrical stimulation of the nerves)

Your doctor is in the best position to advise you on a case-by-case basis.

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Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society https://www.multiplesklerose.ch/fr/ (last accessed 26.04.2024).

AMSEL e. V. Deutscher Verband für MS-Betroffene www.amsel.de (in German, last accessed 26.04.2024).

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Multiple-Sclerosis-Hope-Through-Research#whatisMS (last accessed 26.04.2024).

MS Trust https://mstrust.org.uk/ (last accessed 26.04.2024).