About the Connection Between MS & Joint Pain

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease of the central nervous system or CNS, which is comprised of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Nerve fibers of the CNS are coated in an insulating sheath called myelin which functions to allow quick transmission of nerve impulses; people with MS experience myelin destruction. When myelin is destroyed, nerve signals are interrupted and a wide range of neurological symptoms can result. Joint pain occurs frequently in MS patients.

Causes

• Currently, the cause of MS is unknown. It is widely believed to be an autoimmune disorder, or one in which the body attacks its own tissues, in this case myelin. Italy's Dr. Paulo Zamboni recently made headlines when he published a research project results showing that MS may actually be a vascular disease. Genetics are thought to play a role as are environmental factors; however more research is needed to understand what role they play.

Frequency

• According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis, with an additional 200 being diagnosed every week. MS is more common in women than in men; estimates range between two and three times more common. MS is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, though there are many exceptions to this rule.

Types of MS

• MS disease courses vary. The most common type is relapsing-remitting MS or RRMS, in which patients have periods of relapse of disease activity followed by periods of remission in which some or all of their myelin repairs on its own. Progressive courses of MS are also less frequently observed; where patients experience a gradual decline in neurological function without periods of remission and/or myelin repair. Some patients will start off with RRMS but over time their disease becomes more progressive in nature.

Symptoms

• MS has the potential to affect any system in the body and as such can cause a wide range of symptoms that will vary from person to person. The National MS Society lists more common symptoms including: fatigue, numbness, vision problems, depression, spasticity, muscle weakness and walking, balance and coordination problems. While MS does not affect joints directly, pain in the knees and hips is a common symptom. This pain likely results from people walking with an uneven gait. Gait can be affected by numbness in the legs and feet, balance issues, spasticity and fatigue.

Treatment Options

• There is no cure for MS, but several treatment options exist. There are several FDA-approved disease-modifying drugs including: Avonex, Betaseron, Rebif, Tysbari, Copaxone, Extavia and Novantrone. These drugs are thought to decrease disease activity in patients with relapsing forms of MS. In addition, many different pharmaceuticals targeted at treating symptoms directly are used. Rehabilitation is employed as symptoms require it; physical therapy has been shown to be useful in the reduction of joint pain. Complementary practices aimed at lifestyle, exercise and nutrition are recommended as well.