"What is the best way to deal with the pains associated with MS?": Pain Management Community

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What is the best way to deal with the pains associated with MS?

nana_kat posted:

My husband has been recently diagnosed with MS. It is in its earliest stages and is limited to his neck for the time being. He experiences pain in his neck, near his brain stem, and is usually followed by a severe headache.
I am wondering whether heat or cold would be a better way to make hime feel better.

3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:What is the best way to deal with the pains associated with MS?My husband has been recently diagnosed with MS. It is in its earliest stages and is limited to his neck for the time being. He experiences pain in his neck, near his brain stem, and is usually followed by a severe headache. I am wondering whether heat or cold would be a better way to make hime feel better.

Caprice_WebMD_Staff responded:

Hi Nana_kat,

While you're waiting for responses here, I encourage you to also post on our Multiple Sclerosis community .

Welcome to WebMD.

We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.
~Joseph Campbell

Report This| Share this:What is the best way to deal with the pains associated with MS?Hi Nana_kat, While you're waiting for responses here, I encourage you to also post on our <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis-exchange">Multiple Sclerosis community</a> . Welcome to WebMD.

David Maine, MD responded:

Thank you for your post. Severe spasticity can occur in patients with MS. There is tremendous variability between patients but when spasm do occur they can be painful. Spasms can often be provoked by active or passive attempts to rise from a bed or wheelchair. Oral medications are a first line therapy and generally can be effective. Patients with MS may also experience neuropathic pain (burning). This can be treated with several different classes of oral medications as well. I would discuss your husband's complaints with his neurologist to determine what the best course of action. Good luck.

Report This| Share this:What is the best way to deal with the pains associated with MS?Thank you for your post. Severe spasticity can occur in patients with MS. There is tremendous variability between patients but when spasm do occur they can be painful. Spasms can often be provoked by active or passive attempts to rise from a bed or wheelchair. Oral medications are a first line therapy and generally can be effective. Patients with MS may also experience neuropathic pain (burning). This can be treated with several different classes of oral medications as well. I would discuss your husband's complaints with his neurologist to determine what the best course of action. Good luck.

77grace responded:

Hi nana-kat,
Welcome.I also suffer with very bad headaches and neck problems!!Several of my DRs. agree that either hot or cold ,Its whateer feels better to the patient!!
I usaually start with Heat (MOIST) and then put an Ice pack right the spot where your head meets the neck!Lie down and do some deep breathing and relax!
God luck.77grace

Report This| Share this:What is the best way to deal with the pains associated with MS?Hi nana-kat, Welcome.I also suffer with very bad headaches and neck problems!!Several of my DRs. agree that either hot or cold ,Its whateer feels better to the patient!! I usaually start with Heat (MOIST) and then put an Ice pack right the spot where your head meets the neck!Lie down and do some deep breathing and relax! God luck.77grace