Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the body's immune system turns on its host. It attacks the myelin in the body, which is the protective coating of the nerves in the spinal cord and the brain. The Mayo Clinic lists most of the symptoms of MS as those that deal with muscular issues, such as weakness in the limbs, trouble walking, and fatigue, but along with those symptoms you can not overlook the pain symptoms that are associated with MS.
Acute Pain
Acute pain is pain that comes on suddenly. It often gives no warning, which is what can make it particularly troublesome. The acute pain often has a "stabbing" characteristic. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that a stabbing pain in the facial region is called trigeminal neuralgia. When the trigeminal nerve is damaged by MS it can lead to this type of pain. Another stabbing pain that is common in MS is called L'Hermitte's sign. It is named after the man who first published an article about this particular type of pain in 1924, John L'Hermitte. With L'Hermitte's sign, an acute, shock type of pain or sensation starts in the back of the head and goes down the spine. It most often occurs when the neck is bent forward, but can also affect the torso, arms and legs.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that is continual. There may be brief interludes of feeling no pain, but when the pain is there, it is steady, not stabbing as the acute pain is. The "International Journal of MS Care" (IJMSC) has published a report that lists optic neuritis as one form of chronic MS pain. With optic neuritis, the optic nerve becomes inflamed and it can cause pain and temporary loss of vision. Other chronic pains include back pain, or pain in other areas of the skeletal system. These pains can exhibit the sensation of tingling, aching or burning. The National MS Society reports that some patients experience the sensation of "pins and needles" as a chronic pain symptom.
Spastic Pain
Spastic pain occurs when the muscles have extreme spasms. The IJMSC reports that these muscle spasms are not only painful, but they can be so strong that they dislocate joints. Spastic pain can also include painful cramps, along with less severe muscle spasms.
