Muscle symptoms of MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can impact muscles in a multitude of different ways, ranging from directly to indirectly.

We’ll introduce you to what you should know in this blog, in addition to ways you can help yourself manage these kinds of symptoms.

Firstly, let’s talk more about direct muscle symptoms.

Direct symptoms

One of the most commonly experienced direct symptoms is muscle weakness. There are several reasons for this but initially it appears because of MS.

This is due to subsequent nerve damage, known as demyelination, which leads to messages not travelling efficiently through the central nervous system to the muscles. These messages can be interrupted or slowed down, leading to muscles not working as effectively as they once did.

In laymans terms, if your muscles are not receiving the correct messages then it can be harder for them to function properly.

Indirect symptoms

Other muscle weaknesses can happen indirectly, meaning it’s not specifically a result of MS itself.

Fatigue

This really common MS symptom and can lead to a reduction in general activity, making you feel very tired and exhausted even if you haven’t done anything strenuous. The less active you are, the weaker your muscles become and so can result in limbs feeling weak and heavy – exacerbating the sense of fatigue.

Spasms and spasticity

This is where muscles can go into involuntary spasm and mostly affects the limbs but can occur in other parts of the body. For example, the ‘MS hug’ is when the small intercostal muscles between the ribs go into spasm, making them tighten and feel like the chest is being squeezed.

Spasticity can cause a contraction and stiffness of the muscle. This leads to discomfort and affects mobility, gait and the ability to walk. If left untreated, this can lead to permanently shortened muscles, as well as tendons and ligaments.

What solutions are out there?

There are a variety of different methods that can be used in conjunction with one and other to help manage these kinds of symptoms affecting your muscles which can include

• Medications
• Massage therapy
• CBD oil
• And exercise

All of these have been shown to have positive effects for MSers, but what works for one might not be the same for another. It will likely take some trial and error to find what works best for you, and speaking with your medical professional before exploring any of the mentioned options is strongly advised.

Keeping active is an excellent way of maintaining muscle tone to help if any weaknesses occurs. As well as our booklet all about the benefits of Exercise, you may wish to attend some of our online classes, such as weekly exercise sessions, Pilates and chair Yoga.

Seek medical advice

If you would like support with managing muscle weakness, speak to your MS nurse or GP in the first instance. This way you can start the conversation about what options are available to you. For example, you may be able to get a referral to a physiotherapist or neurophysiotherapist who can provide bespoke help. Some NHS physiotherapy services offer a self-referral option.

We’ve linked below some other relevant resources that are sure to be of help in understanding more about MS. Just click one of the buttons below to get started!