One of the major symptoms of multiple sclerosis is widespread pain. Over half of the people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will experience pain at some point during the progression of the disease. This can come in the form of MS cramps. One of the worst things about multiple sclerosis cramps or spasms is that they can come and go, making attacks difficult to predict. Cramps can cause a muscle to jerk sporadically, causing a person to lose their balance or knock something over. An entire limb can be affected. It can be both painful and frustrating to a person who is living with multiple sclerosis.
The muscle cramps can be caused due to problems from damage done within the nervous system. Damage to nerves can disrupt signals being sent around the body, causing them to get confused and have twitches and spasms. Cramps and spasms can either cause a muscle to seize up and become stiff and difficult to move, or it can cause a muscle to move involuntarily and violently. Both types of cramping can result in discomfort and pain. Cramping and spasms may occur on a regular basis, or it may only occur during a flare up or a relapse situation.
Treatment For MS Cramps and Spasms
In order to help people with multiple sclerosis deal with painful cramps and muscle spasms, a variety of different treatments are available. These medications and alternative treatments can help people to reduce their symptoms, helping them to live more normal lives. Treatments can also help to reduce flare ups and relapses, so they can help to improve a patient’s overall quality of life while they are living with this chronic disease. There are treatments that can be taken regularly, or medications that can be used in the short-term if a person is experiencing a relapse or a flare up.
There are many different alternative treatments that can help with the muscle cramping and spasms that occur in multiple sclerosis. One popular way to help reduce cramping that can be done right at home is to add supplements and vitamins to the diet. Certain supplements can help reduce muscle spasms. A medical professional or a registered dietician can help a patient with multiple sclerosis find out the best way to either alter their diet or add supplements in order to reduce cramping. Gentle exercise can also help to avoid muscle stiffness due to cramping.
