Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain in MS
Musculoskeletal pain in MS has many possible causes, all of which stem from the way MS changes how your body moves, compensates, and supports itself.
Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common MS symptoms, and it can alter movement patterns. When you’re tired, it’s harder to maintain good posture or steady gait, which increases strain on muscles and joints.
Muscle Weakness Weak muscles can’t support the body the way they normally would. As a result, other muscles, ligaments, and joints overwork to compensate.
Balance Problems When balance is off, people often take shorter steps, widen their stance, or shift weight differently to feel safer. These instinctive adjustments can lead to pain in the hips, lower back, and knees, says Odonkor. “Degenerative joint disease can also be caused by abnormal weight-bearing,” he adds.
Other Mobility Challenges If you’re having difficulty standing, moving from sitting to standing, or walking long distances, this can create a cycle of inactivity and weakness. That deconditioning can cause disuse atrophy and exacerbate pain, says Odonkor.
Chronic Spasticity Chronic spasticity may lead to muscle overuse, contractures, and trigger points, says Odonkor. Stiff, tight muscles from spasticity can change the way weight is distributed across the legs and feet. Over time, the joints and soft tissues absorb extra stress, causing pain.
Falls Falls or near-falls are common in MS and can injure muscles and joints, even if the effects don’t show up right away. “Because both the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system are involved [in MS pain], it can cause a mix of ‘muscle and joint’ pain and ‘nerve’ pain at the same time, which can make MS pain uniquely challenging to treat,” says Odonkor.
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