Multiple sclerosis is one of the meanest diseases known today, and many MS sufferers have their lives yet worsened by unwitting MS exacerbations. This is where the symptoms of the disease and its root severity are worsened or aggravated by something a person mistakenly does.
The biggest way to avoid multiple sclerosis exacerbations is of course to understand the disease as best as one can without being a doctor. In that vein, it is time to set the record straight about a few MS myths, and get a firm grip on what this unfortunate illness actually is.
Multiple sclerosis earned its name from the Latin word scleroses, which means scars. There’s a logical reason for this too. At its heart, MS is the result of a tissue around nerves called myelin developing scars and holes. This is called demyelination. This would seem at first glance to be a mere nuisance, but the ramifications of myelin breakdown are in fact tremendous.
Myelin is basically an insulation around the nerves, like the plastic or cloth insulation around wiring. Given that the nerves serve to carry both power and instructions around the body this insulation decay is a problem. As the myelin wears down, the power supply to various body systems is reduced to critical levels. Instructions from the brain to these components are also less likely to be received, or received properly at any rate. When this happens, almost any part of the body can begin showing severe symptoms. These may include digestive and gastric disorders, vertigo, loss of visual clarity, weakened muscles, and cardiac problems. These are just a few of the symptoms commonly reported.
Considering these various symptoms, not only can MS exacerbations be caused by irritating the nervous system itself, but other influences on the body can worsen the already-manifested symptoms they are showing.
Being proactive in preventing MS (Multiple Sclerosis) exacerbations.
Primarily, the first thing to avoid in reducing multiple sclerosis exacerbations is stress and other stimuli that irritate nerves. Just as one doesn’t try to strain unstable electrical wiring with too much power drain, so should one treat the nervous system with extra care.
Consider the symptoms that have presented themselves as well. Depending on the symptom, it’s wise to look up things that may exacerbate said symptom, even when it’s not the result of MS. Also, there really is a lot to be said for moderate healthy living and wisely-planned exercise. To avoid exacerbating the muscle and cardiac symptoms of MS, it’s a good idea to pursue light aerobics, Pilates or tai chi. Such calming, low-impact exercises serve to strengthen the body against the symptoms, making the disease harder to exacerbate by other stimuli as well.
Some people, though not all find that meditation or other calming practices help to prevent the stress that can serve to flare up the disease in the nervous system where it starts. There are many alternatives to this practice, and it really depends on what an individual finds calming and peaceful.
More than anything else, it’s important to be proactive. An MS patient should try to live their life to the fullest they can, because the happier and more fulfilled a person is, the less stressed they are and the stronger they feel. Such positive action in and of itself goes a long way.
