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I have been diagnosed as RRMS but don’t know what a flare up is! I’m always in pain. chronic neck and upper shoulder pain! Msybe progressive

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Collinsville, OK
October 31, 2025
 · 
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A MyMSTeam Member

Do you have periods where new symptoms stop? That’s rrms. Progressive is never ending symptoms progressing.

November 1, 2025
MyMSTeam

What is a flare-up in RRMS?

A flare-up (also called a relapse or exacerbation) is when new MS symptoms appear or old symptoms get worse. For it to be considered a true flare, it needs to:

- Last at least 24 hours
- Happen at least 30 days after your last flare
- Not be caused by fever, infection, or overheating

Flares Show Full Answer

What is a flare-up in RRMS?

A flare-up (also called a relapse or exacerbation) is when new MS symptoms appear or old symptoms get worse. For it to be considered a true flare, it needs to:

- Last at least 24 hours
- Happen at least 30 days after your last flare
- Not be caused by fever, infection, or overheating

Flares can involve different symptoms each time, like vision changes, weakness, dizziness, numbness, or cognitive issues. They typically last between 24-48 hours but can continue for weeks or months.

About your chronic pain:

The constant neck and upper shoulder pain you're experiencing might not be a flare-up if it's ongoing without periods of improvement. True RRMS follows a pattern of relapses followed by remissions, where symptoms partially or completely disappear.

If you're always in pain without any relief periods, this could indicate a few things:

- Your MS might be highly active and not well-controlled
- You could be experiencing progression
- The pain might be a persistent symptom rather than individual flares

Next steps:

It's important to talk with your neurologist about this chronic pain. They can evaluate whether your treatment plan needs adjustment and determine if your MS pattern is changing.

October 31, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

Hi Stephanie. Nice to meet you glade you have joined MyMs Team
We are here to help you
Enjoy your day Many blessings 🙌 🙏

November 1, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

Nothing I have ever noticed.

November 1, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

Pain is something alot of people deal with daily with MS, like chromic fatigue. A flare up usually cmes on quickly and will have alot of new things acting up like trouble walking, numbness, face drooping (happened to me during one flare), limb not working, or something feeling really off! It won't be normal and you will start to recognize the difference. I could feel a flare-up was coming on rather quickly and got in for IV steroids to quash it quickly later in my disease, but then had to deal with being the Pilsbury dough boy for a few weeksoo

November 1, 2025

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