Joint Pain in MS: Causes, Remedies, and When to Consult a Professional
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, impacting millions worldwide. While MS does not directly affect the joints, it can lead to a variety of issues that contribute to joint pain.
One of the primary ways MS causes joint pain is through disrupted nerve signals that alter muscle function and body mechanics. This disruption results in muscle weakness, spasticity (muscle stiffness or involuntary spasms), and impaired coordination. These muscle impairments, in turn, lead to poor posture, altered gait, and increased strain on joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Muscle weakness, particularly in the proximal muscles close to the trunk, reduces stability and proper joint alignment during movement, leading to increased mechanical stress on joints and potential pain or degenerative changes over time. Poor posture and altered walking patterns can also put additional strain on certain joints, such as the hips or knees, potentially causing inflammation and secondary conditions like bursitis or sacroiliac joint pain.
Spasticity and muscle tightness can pull unevenly on joints, leading to discomfort and joint pain. Muscle spasms themselves can cause cramping and pain around joints, adding to the discomfort felt by those with MS.
Indirect effects of CNS damage, such as lesions in the spinal cord, especially in the cervical area, can cause neck pain and stiffness due to misfiring and improper nerve signalling. This pain can extend to the joints adjacent to these muscles and bones.
Individuals with MS may also have coexisting degenerative disc disease or changes in vertebral bones (endplate sclerosis) that further contribute to pain through joint and spinal loading abnormalities.
MS-related nerve damage causes a complex cascade of effects that lead to joint pain, even though the joints themselves are not directly damaged by MS lesions.
If you are experiencing joint pain that prevents you from carrying out your usual daily activities, it is essential to see your doctor. A doctor can suggest medical treatments and lifestyle changes to help manage the pain and maintain joint function and mobility. They may also refer you to a physiatrist, a doctor who specialises in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Medications such as baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, clonazepam, dantrolene, amantadine, modafinil, and armodafinil are used to treat muscle stiffness and spasms, reduce fatigue, and improve mobility. In addition, physical therapy is used to maintain or improve mobility and independence.
To assist the diagnostic process for MS, a doctor may order one or more tests such as MRI scans, lumbar puncture, or evoked potential tests. Once diagnosed, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are used to slow the progression of disability, reduce the frequency of relapses, and the number of brain and spine lesions.
Ocular coherence tomography takes a picture of the eye and allows a doctor to evaluate the optic nerve directly, while a cerebrospinal fluid analysis is conducted to check for abnormalities associated with MS.
Treatment for MS does not aim for a cure but focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, reducing relapses, managing symptoms, improving mobility, and prolonging independence.
Sources: [1] National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2021). Muscle Spasms and Stiffness.
- In addition to neurological symptoms, people with MS may experience other joint pain due to altered muscle function and body mechanics.
- The disruption of nerve signals can lead to muscle weakness, spasticity, and coordination issues, which can impact posture and walking patterns.
- Poor posture and altered gait can cause pain in joints such as the hips and knees, potentially leading to inflammation and secondary conditions like bursitis or sacroiliac joint pain.
- Spasticity and muscle tightness can pull unevenly on joints, causing discomfort and joint pain.
- Muscle spasms themselves can cause cramping and pain around joints, exacerbating the discomfort.
- Neck pain and stiffness can result from lesions in the spinal cord, especially in the cervical area, due to misfiring and improper nerve signalling.
- Individuals with MS may have coexisting medical conditions, such as degenerative disc disease or changes in vertebral bones (endplate sclerosis), that further contribute to joint pain.
- MS-related nerve damage can indirectly affect joint pain even though the joints themselves are not directly damaged by MS lesions.
- If you are experiencing joint pain due to MS, it is essential to consult a doctor for medical treatment and lifestyle changes to help manage the pain and maintain joint function and mobility.
- A physiatrist, a doctor specialized in physical medicine and rehabilitation, may be referred to help with managing MS-related joint pain.
- Medications such as baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, clonazepam, dantrolene, amantadine, modafinil, and armodafinil can be used to treat muscle stiffness and spasms.
- Physical therapy can be utilized to maintain or improve mobility and independence for individuals with MS.
- To diagnose MS, a doctor may order tests such as MRI scans, lumbar puncture, or evoked potential tests.
- Once diagnosed, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can be used to slow the progression of disability, reduce the frequency of relapses, and the number of brain and spinal lesions.
- Ocular coherence tomography allows doctors to evaluate the optic nerve directly, while a cerebrospinal fluid analysis is conducted to check for abnormalities associated with MS.
- Treatment for MS focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, reducing relapses, managing symptoms, improving mobility, and prolonging independence.
- Chronic diseases like MS necessitate effective health and wellness management, including regular exercise, nutrition, and mental health support.
- Fitness and exercise are crucial for maintaining overall health, especially for those with chronic diseases such as MS.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in managing symptoms and reducing inflammation in MS, making it essential for maintaining a healthy diet.
- Additionally, cardiovascular health is critical for individuals with MS, as proper blood flow to the brain is essential for optimal functioning.
- Neurological disorders like MS can have a significant impact on mental health, necessitating appropriate support and care.
- Treatment for autoimmune disorders, such as MS, can have financial implications due to the cost of medications, physical therapy, and potential disability accommodations.
- If you're struggling with financial management while dealing with MS, seeking help from a wealth management professional might be beneficial.
- Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can be exacerbated by stress and poor nutrition, making them common in individuals living with chronic diseases like MS.
- Interior design can play a role in creating a comfortable living space for those with mobility issues, such as wide doorways and smooth flooring for easier navigation.
- Cooking healthy meals at home can be challenging for individuals with MS, but it's important to seek out simple recipes that cater to any dietary restrictions and accommodate mobility limitations.
- While cooking, it's essential to practice food safety and take precautions to prevent accidents due to weakness or loss of balance.
- Technology can aid in maintaining independence and managing symptoms for individuals with MS, such as voice-activated devices and smart appliances.
- Practicing healthy cooking techniques and strategies can make meals more enjoyable and nutritious, promoting a balanced lifestyle and supporting overall health and well-being.
