The Multiple Sclerosis Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers the largest and most comprehensive MS care program in the Middle East.
Click here to learn more
In the past, pain was not thought of as an MS symptom. While neurologists accepted numbness, tingling, itching, and other sensory symptoms as occurring in the MS patient, they often did not recognize pain as part of the spectrum of symptoms of MS.
Over the past few years physicians have come to realize that pain is not only possible as a symptom of MS, but that in some patients, pain is a key symptom. It can be a major cause of reduced function, decreased sense of well-being, and an important target for treatment. In some studies, up to one in four people with MS have ongoing pain which in some way affects their function.
“Pain is an emotional and sensory experience…” (IASP, 1973). Psychosocial variables have long been shown to have a significant impact on pain perception, and in turn disability due to pain. Specifically, the intensity of the pain, the degree to which it interferes with activities, and the extent to which it disrupts mood, predict chronicity of pain. Identification of the presence of such possible co-morbid problems can guide appropriate early intervention.
Today we know that the pathophysiology of pain is complex, with messages being sent from the periphery to the brain, from the brain down and strongly influenced by emotions. Context, catastrophizing, acceptance, central sensitization, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, emotions, expectations for future pain, prior experience, repeated exposure to painful stimuli, past exposure to trauma all have an effect on the perception of pain. The emotional component of pain or the suffering endured by patients is equally important as the somatosensory component.
There are a variety of types of pain types that may occur with MS, including:
Medications that are used to treat burning limb pain include some antidepressants such as nortriptyline which are effective in nerve pain, and some anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, and others. Duloxetine hydrochloride has been approved for peripheral nerve pain and may also be used for the pain related to MS. Tramadol may be useful for such pain. Sometimes long-acting pain medications may have to be used. Physical measures such as exercise and stretching may be useful. Lidocaine patches may provide relief at more severely affected locations.
Regular exercise and stretching do reduce certain kinds of pain, particularly back pain and muscular pain. Such activities also help with fatigue and increase a sense of well-being. Trying to get restful sleep is also important when fighting pain. Some people find that alternative pain management strategies such as acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychophysiological pain and stress management techniques such as biofeedback, relaxation training and self-hypnosis are useful.
If pain is hard to control, a formal pain management program may be useful. If you are on pain medications, make sure you have a good bowel regimen as constipation is common and will only increase the discomfort you are feeling.
© Copyright 1995-2018 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
Visit our FAQs page for answers to common queries.
Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.
Search for specialized doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.