Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects less than 200,000 people in the United States per year, and although the numbers seem small, the disease is all but that. MS is a disease in the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information that is going from the brain to the body. According to the National MS Society, it is an immune-meditated process that actually is the response of our body’s immune system choosing to attack the central nervous system.
The 4 Courses of Multiple Sclerosis
MS is broken up into four different courses based on the severity and the symptoms and regularity of your disease. These four courses are:
- Clinically isolated syndrome
- Relapsing-Remitting MS
- Primary Progressive MS
- Secondary Progressive MS
The most common course, at 85% of people diagnosed, is the Relapsing-Remitting MS, where there are obvious attacks of increasing neurologic symptoms.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms
- Bladder problems
- Trouble walking
- Unusual sensations in the skin, such as pain and the “pins and needles” sensation.
These symptoms can all range from mild to severe, depending on the course of MS that you have been diagnosed with. Although there is no cure for MS, we offer relief to some of these symptoms right here in Kailua.
Here at Oahu Spine & Rehab, our integrated health center model is perfect for those that are suffering from pain and symptoms from MS. From our chiropractors to our physical therapy team, we will be able to work with your individual case of Multiple Sclerosis in order to make your quality of life as high as possible. Our physical therapists will focus on your mobility and create a plan of care for you that is meant to minimize pain and increase strength and balance. They may also work with you on pelvic floor strengthening exercises if you are suffering from urinary or bladder issues.
When you are suffering from a central nervous system disease, chiropractic care can always be beneficial to you. Our chiropractic team will take time to listen to your areas of pain, and adjust you accordingly to relieve your day-to-day pain. With a chiropractic adjustment, our team can realign your spine and get your body working to optimize its own strengths.
Staying active when being diagnosed with MS is important for not only your physical health but for your mental health as well. MS patients that exercise regularly are more likely to have a positive attitude and are less likely to suffer from depression. Staying active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or doing cardio, coming to your PT appointment and doing household activities can also count towards great health. Mood enhancement is a huge benefit in making sure you are still doing your day to day activities.
If you are suffering from pain related to Multiple Sclerosis or chronic pain in general, give us a call today 808-488-5555 to schedule an appointment!
Resources:
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS
https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Health-Wellness/Exercise
