Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing communication breakdowns between the brain and the body.
About one million Americans have this incurable disease, which causes the immune system to damage the nerve-insulating myelin layer, eventually deteriorating or destroying nerves. For some, this can cause the inability to walk independently or at all. MS usually develops in those between the ages of 20 and 50, with up to three times more women getting it than men.
Embassy Healthcare offers a full range of therapy services that can benefit patients dealing with MS.
MS Symptoms
Symptoms vary greatly from person to person depending on the stage of the disease, although common warning signs include:
- Tremors, unstable gait
- Weakness or numbness in limbs – often on one side of the body at a time
- Sensations that feel like an electric shock when bending the neck forward
- Vision problems, including partial or complete loss of eyesight, often with pain present during eye movement
- Slurring of speech
- Pain or tingling in parts of the body
- Issues with bowel, bladder or sexual functions
The majority of MS patients experience a relapsing-remitting disease course, where periods of new symptoms develop, improve and may be followed by long periods of remissions with minor or no symptoms.
Treating MS
Multiple sclerosis symptoms can often be lessened with a consistent approach to diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Behaviors proving effective in treatment include:
- Diet: Although not conclusive, some evidence exists to show that a diet low in saturated fats and high in Omega-3 (found in fatty fish, flaxseed oil or cod-liver oil) may have benefits for those with MS. Further, vitamin D is believed to help in the regulation of cell growth, providing a boost to the immune system.
- Exercise: Physical activity needn’t be rigorous and can include tasks such as gardening, cooking, walking and taking the stairs. Exercising in a pool can help those with MS move more freely and confidently than they’re able to on land. Exercise can improve mood, strength, flexibility, bone density, and bladder and bowel function.
- Moderating temperature: Because MS patients sometimes have worse symptoms in heat, take steps to avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. Stay in air conditioning when it’s hot outside, wear loose and breathable clothing, and drink plenty of cold fluids or eat popsicles.
- Sleep: Not getting enough quality sleep can make MS symptoms worse. Try going to bed and getting up at the same time each day, limit caffeine use to the morning, exercise at least four hours before bedtime and limit alcohol use, especially within six hours of bedtime.
If you have a loved one needing help with MS symptoms, contact Embassy Healthcare at 888-975-1379 or contact us online.
