Some authors describe pain in MS as either chronic or acute . People with MS may also experience more stabbing type pain which results from faulty nerve signals emanating from the nerves in MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Musculoskeletal pain 2. Paroxysmal pain 3. Chronic neurogenic pain 1.
Musculoskeletal pain can be due to muscular weakness, spasticity and imbalance.
It is most often seen in the hips, legs and arms and particularly when muscles, tendons and ligaments remain immobile for some time. Back pain may occur due to improper seating or incorrect posture while walking. Contractures associated with weakness and spasticity can be painful. Leg spasms, for example, often occur during sleep. Treatment of musculoskeletal pain should aim to correct the cause before consideration of analgesics 2.