That's such a valid and frustrating question. Pain is one of the most common experiences with MS — research suggests up to 80% of people with MS deal with it at some point. It can feel relentless and invisible, which makes it even harder to bear. MS causes pain mainly because the immune system damages the nerves that carry Show Full Answer
That's such a valid and frustrating question. Pain is one of the most common experiences with MS — research suggests up to 80% of people with MS deal with it at some point. It can feel relentless and invisible, which makes it even harder to bear. MS causes pain mainly because the immune system damages the nerves that carry signals throughout the body. When those nerves are damaged, they can misfire and send pain signals even when there's no obvious injury. There are a few different types of pain this can cause:
- Neuropathic pain — burning, stabbing, tingling, or electric shock-like sensations anywhere in the body
- Spasmodic pain — cramping and intense pain from muscle spasms
- Paroxysmal pain — sudden, unpredictable bursts of severe shooting pain
- The MS hug — a squeezing or tight sensation around the chest or abdomen As one MyMSTeam member put it, "Pain changes your life... and it's all invisible. It's really hard a lot of times." That invisibility can make it feel even more isolating.
The important thing to know is that pain doesn't have to just be endured. There are real treatment options — medications, physical therapy, and pain management specialists — that can help bring it down to a more manageable level. Talking openly with a neurologist or asking for a referral to a pain specialist is a great first step.
July 1
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