New Insights into Managing Musculoskeletal pain in Multiple Sclerosis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A growing understanding of how multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts the body is leading to more targeted approaches for managing musculoskeletal pain, a common and frequently enough debilitating symptom for those living wiht the condition. The pain arises not simply from MS, but from a complex interplay of changes in movement, compensation, and support systems within the body.
Musculoskeletal pain in MS stems from the way the disease alters how the body moves and functions. Several key factors contribute to this pain.
Fatigue, a hallmark symptom of MS, substantially impacts movement patterns. When fatigued, maintaining proper posture and a steady gait becomes arduous, increasing strain on muscles and joints.
Muscle Weakness reduces the body’s natural support, forcing other muscles, ligaments, and joints to overcompensate. This overwork can lead to pain and discomfort.
Balance Problems often trigger instinctive adjustments like shorter steps, a wider stance, or altered weight distribution. Thes changes can cause pain in the hips, lower back, and knees, and may contribute to degenerative joint disease due to abnormal weight-bearing, according to experts.
Mobility Challenges – difficulty with standing, transitioning from sitting to standing, or walking long distances – can initiate a cycle of inactivity and weakness.This deconditioning leads to disuse atrophy and exacerbates pain.
Specific MS symptoms also contribute. Drop Foot, a common issue, forces individuals to alter their gait, lifting the knee higher or swinging the leg outward to avoid tripping. This unnatural movement can cause pain in the hips, thighs, and lower back.
chronic Spasticity can result in muscle overuse, contractures, and trigger points. The stiffness and tightness associated with spasticity change weight distribution,placing extra stress on joints and soft tissues.
Falls or near-falls are frequent occurrences in MS, often causing muscle and joint injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
“Because both the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system are involved [in MS pain] it can cause a mix of ‘muscle and joint’ pain and ‘nerve’ pain at the same time, which can make MS pain uniquely challenging to treat,” explains Odonkor.
Effective management of musculoskeletal pain in MS requires a comprehensive approach addressing these underlying causes, frequently enough involving physical therapy, exercise, and pain management strategies tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
