No matter what stage of multiple sclerosis a person is in, they will experience some level of pain. As the disease progresses some form of MS pain relief is going to be needed as that pain levels can become quite acute. Unfortunately for most people the standard over the counter NSAIDs have little to no effect on their pain and most physicians end up prescribing a range of anticonvulsants and antidepressants to help lower the patient's pain levels.
About the Pain
In a recent report put together by the National MS Society it is estimated that at least 50 percent of all multiple sclerosis patients suffer with some level of chronic pain. The hardest part of finding MS pain relief that works is that the disease affects everyone differently. Each person can experience different levels of pain in separate areas of their body at the same time or at different times and no two people are likely to experience the same pains.
Because multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, the pains can occur suddenly, be excruciating and then be gone just as quickly. Other pains can be chronic and last for hours or days; either type of pain needs to be dealt with as they can definitely take away from the patient's quality of life.
Treatments that Offer MS Pain Relief
Since none of the common over the counter pain medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are of any use as a form of MS pain relief, many physicians use much stronger medications. These include drugs such as Neurontin or other anticonvulsants as well as a variety of antidepressants such as Elavil. However all of these medications are known to have side effects such as weight gain, cotton mouth and in worse case scenarios have been known to cause seizures.
If the drugs can cause symptoms that are almost worse than the pain that they are supposed to be relieving, what is a person supposed to do? Most holistic practitioners will tell you that eating a healthy diet that includes seafood that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and plenty of green vegetables combined with plenty of exercise at a level the patient can manage will help significantly with MS pain relief.
One of the latest treatments being tried is Botox. This product is used to reduce wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles and nerves. Recent research is showing that the same paralysis of the nerves can help with MS pain relief; however it has not yet been approved by the FDA for widespread use.
I have benefited greatly from a book which has examined the link between what we eat and multiple sclerosis. If you would like to know what foods are attacking your body, what supplements you must take and how to create the energy that you need, then this book is a must read.
I am not a doctor nor am I qualified in medicine in any way. These are things that have worked for me in controlling my MS. Before undertaking any diet or fitness regime you should always consult your physician first.
About the Pain
In a recent report put together by the National MS Society it is estimated that at least 50 percent of all multiple sclerosis patients suffer with some level of chronic pain. The hardest part of finding MS pain relief that works is that the disease affects everyone differently. Each person can experience different levels of pain in separate areas of their body at the same time or at different times and no two people are likely to experience the same pains.
Because multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, the pains can occur suddenly, be excruciating and then be gone just as quickly. Other pains can be chronic and last for hours or days; either type of pain needs to be dealt with as they can definitely take away from the patient's quality of life.
Treatments that Offer MS Pain Relief
Since none of the common over the counter pain medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are of any use as a form of MS pain relief, many physicians use much stronger medications. These include drugs such as Neurontin or other anticonvulsants as well as a variety of antidepressants such as Elavil. However all of these medications are known to have side effects such as weight gain, cotton mouth and in worse case scenarios have been known to cause seizures.
If the drugs can cause symptoms that are almost worse than the pain that they are supposed to be relieving, what is a person supposed to do? Most holistic practitioners will tell you that eating a healthy diet that includes seafood that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and plenty of green vegetables combined with plenty of exercise at a level the patient can manage will help significantly with MS pain relief.
One of the latest treatments being tried is Botox. This product is used to reduce wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles and nerves. Recent research is showing that the same paralysis of the nerves can help with MS pain relief; however it has not yet been approved by the FDA for widespread use.
I have benefited greatly from a book which has examined the link between what we eat and multiple sclerosis. If you would like to know what foods are attacking your body, what supplements you must take and how to create the energy that you need, then this book is a must read.
I am not a doctor nor am I qualified in medicine in any way. These are things that have worked for me in controlling my MS. Before undertaking any diet or fitness regime you should always consult your physician first.
