Multiple sclerosis also referred to as MS, is a chronic illness that affects your central nervous system. Those with MS have an immune system that attacks myelin or the protective layer around nerve fibers. Because of this, inflammation and scar tissue develops and makes it hard for your brain to send signals to other areas of your body. As providers of physical therapy near Wayne, NJ, our team wants to do our part in bringing awareness to this disease.
Symptoms
There are a wide variety of symptoms that people with MS exhibit and they vary from person to person. In fact, the symptoms are so ever-changing that they may even change from day to day, month to month or year to year. Two of the most common symptoms of MS are fatigue and difficulty walking. Roughly 80 percent of MS sufferers have fatigue, even to the point where it becomes debilitating. Difficulty walking may be due to muscle weakness, muscle spasticity, loss of balance, or numbness in your legs or feet. Other fairly common symptoms include acute or chronic pain, tremors, or cognitive issues that involve concentration, memory or problem-solving skills.
Treatment
There are certain disease-modifying therapies that can help slow the progression of MS. Certain types of therapies are treatment options as well, including physical therapy near Wayne, NJ, acupuncture, counseling, and support groups. Physical exercise is also an option if the patient is not too weak.
The majority of people with MS don’t become severely disabled and they are able to live full, happy lives!