There are approximately one million people over the age of 18 who suffer from multiple sclerosis in the country. A disease that can be benign to some and incapacitating to others, multiple sclerosis is highly unpredictable. This is why it is important to be fully aware of this debilitating disease. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. When a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. This disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Types of MS There are four basic stages of the progression of multiple sclerosis. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by MS. The symptoms will show up due to the inflammation and demyelination (destruction of the protective coating of the nerves) in the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): RRMS is the most common route taken by the disease. In this stage, there will be new or a greater scale of existing neurological symptoms. It is at this stage where one can go into complete remission if the disease will advance further.

Pain is the body’s natural response to alert the mind that it is under physical duress. Without experiencing pain, it is not possible to know if something is wrong. However, persistent pain can cause endless suffering and hinder your way of life, affecting your daily routine. Injuries, medical conditions, and sometimes even genetics can cause temporary or chronic pain. To overcome such discomforts and provide better relief, medical professionals may suggest the following pain management techniques. Heat and cold therapy Medical professionals recommend heat or cold therapy for muscle and joint pain relief at home. For a more recent injury, cold therapy applied within 48 hours can help relieve the inflammation by reducing blood flow to the affected areas; it numbs the surrounding tissue and curbs the pain. Some of the commonly used products in cold treatment for pain are ice packs, cold compresses, and soothing gels. Alternatively, medical conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and even severe sprains and ligament tears can render the muscle joints stiff and out of action for months. For this, doctors recommend heat therapy done using hot packs, compresses, electrical heating pads, and even hot water bottles. Heat is good for chronic pain management. Exercise It is a given that mobility may become limited due to chronic pain.