Multiple Sclerosis Specialist

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. With multiple sclerosis, your immune system attacks the sheath that covers your nerve fibers, referred to as the myelin, which affects communication between your brain and body. Over time, the disease severely damages or destroys the nerves. 

Researchers aren’t certain what triggers multiple sclerosis, but it’s more commonly seen in women than men. You may be at greater risk of developing the disease if it runs in your family. 

Currently, there’s no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are effective treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. 

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary in both type and severity from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Numbness in the limbs
• Electric shock-like sensations when you move your neck
• Tremors
• Vision changes
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• Tingling or pain in various parts of your body

There’s no specific test for diagnosing multiple sclerosis, and your doctor may need to rule out other causes of your symptoms before confirming a diagnosis.

What are the types of multiple sclerosis pain?

For many people with multiple sclerosis, pain is a significant symptom. There are two primary types of pain, including:

Neurogenic pain

Neurogenic pain refers to the pain that results from the damage to your nerves. Neurogenic pain may cause you to experience a burning or tingling sensation, as well as muscle spasms and spasticity. Headaches, shooting pains in the eye (optic neuritis), and sharp facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia) are also neurogenic pain sensations. 

Nociceptive pain

Nociceptive pain refers to the pain you experience due to the damage your disease has done to your body. This may include muscle or joint pain.

Treatment for your pain may depend on the type of pain you have.

What are the treatments for multiple sclerosis pain?

The pain management specialists at Palm Beach Pain, LLC, develop a personalized treatment plan for your multiple sclerosis pain based on the type of pain you’re experiencing and your overall health. The goal of your treatment is to alleviate or reduce your pain to tolerable levels so you can regain your mobility and independence.

Your pain management treatments may include:

• Anti-seizure medication
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Antidepressants
• Muscle relaxants
• Massage therapy
• Over-the-counter pain medication

Your provider may also suggest a peripheral nerve stimulator, which is a device placed near your peripheral nerves that sends an electric signal that alters the pain signals to reduce discomfort.

The pain management specialists at Palm Beach Pain, LLC, work closely with you to find the best combination of treatments to help you get relief from your multiple sclerosis pain.

To schedule an appointment with a caring and compassionate physician, call Palm Beach Pain, LLC, or request an appointment online.