Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is an autoimmune disease characterized by gradual destruction of the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is an episodic but progressive condition, which gradually leads to more and more destruction of the myelin that insulates the nerves in the central nervous system. This progression forms characteristic plaque in affected areas. MS is the most common autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Specific symptoms of MS include double vision, unilateral blindness, muscle weakness, impaired sensory impairment and coordination problems. The condition can be on and off (episodic), and there may be longer stays without symptoms - but the nerve damage is still there and will continue to get worse gradually.

Clinical signs

A person with MS can have almost all kinds of neurological symptoms, including autonomic, visual, motor and sensory changes. The specific clinical signs depend on which area of the brain or nervous system is damaged.

Two tests are considered specific for diagnosing MS. These are Uhtoff's phenomenon, which shows a worsening of the symptoms at high temperatures and Lhermitte's sign, where the patient will experience an electrical sensation down his back as he bends his neck forward.

Diagnosis and cause

The cause of multiple sclerosis is not known, but a genetic, hereditary link and epigenetic link to the disease have been found - it has also been speculated whether certain viral infections may play a role. The condition can be diagnosed by means of thorough examination, patient history and imaging (At MR examination may show damaged, demyelinated areas). It may also be necessary to check spinal fluid and nerve conduction tests.

Who is affected by the disease?

MS affects 30 out of 100000 people, naturally enough with certain geographical differences. The disease most often affects those who live far from the equator, although some exceptions exist - such as the Inuit, the Sami people and the Maori people. One reason for this may be vitamin D deficiency. One reason why the mentioned groups are not affected may be that they are more exposed to the sun and also have a better diet. Smoking is also a risk factor for developing the disease.

Treatment

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). But medication and neurological rehabilitation have both shown symptom-relieving effects - though without stopping the disease from developing. The treatment naturally varies based on which areas are affected. Physical therapy has also shown an effect in the treatment of MS.

The most common form of treatment for autoimmune conditions is included immunosuppression - that is, drugs and measures that limit and cushion the body's own defense system. Gene therapy that limits inflammatory processes in immune cells has shown great progress in recent times, often in combination with increased activation of anti-inflammatory genes and processes.

Alternative and natural treatment

According to studies, over 50% of those affected use alternative and natural treatment methods. These can be controversial (such as the use of medical cannabis) or more common, such as herbal medicine, yoga, acupuncture, oxygen therapy and meditation.

Also read: - Complete overview of autoimmune diseases

What can I do even against pain in muscles, nerves and joints?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

6. Prevention and healing: Compression noise like that like this can increase blood circulation to the affected area, thereby speeding up the natural healing of injured or worn muscles and tendons.

Recommended products for pain relief in pain