MS Living Well Podcast: Multiple Sclerosis Numbness & Pain: Relief Options

Photo: Rafal Szczawinski on Unsplash

People living with multiple sclerosis often experience chronic numbness, burning, tingling and pins-and-needles sensations.  In a recent study, 70% of people with MS reported numbness and tingling and 55% reported pain associated with relapses.  MS neurologists explain typical symptoms for brain and spinal cord MS attacks compared to a pinched nerve in the back (like sciatica) or neuropathy.  Lhermitte’s sign (shocks down the spine when moving neck) and Uhthoff’s phenomenon (symptoms like numbness when overheated) are covered since frequently the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Options for relief from burning, tingling and pins-and-needles reviewed including medications such as Neurontin (gabapentin), Lyrica (pregabalin), Elavil (amitriptyline) and Cymbalta (duloxetine).

Painful MS syndromes including trigeminal neuralgia, MS hug and flexor and extensor spasms are individually reviewed with numerous specific treatment options.  MS experts also share options to alleviate painful muscle cramps and spasms as well as musculoskeletal pain such as low back pain.  The podcast aims to provide awareness and options for relief so that people living with MS can better communicate with their doctors to improve their care.

Barry Singer MD, director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews:

Mitzi Joi Williams MD

Mitzi Joi Williams, MD is the Founder and CEO of Joi Life Wellness Group Multiple Sclerosis Center.  She completed her undergraduate degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University and her medical degree at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.  Dr.  Williams subsequently did her neurology residency (including serving as chief resident) and multiple sclerosis fellowship at Georgia Health Sciences University (formerly MCG) in Augusta, GA.  She is the author of MS Made Simple: The Essential Guide to Understanding Your Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis.

Brandon Beaber MD

Brandon Beaber MD is a neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles.  He completed his undergraduate degree from University of California-Berkley followed by Medical School at Drexel University in Philadelphia. He completed his neurology residency at Kaiser Permanente’s Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC) and fellowship in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology at University of Southern California.  He authored Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis and regularly posts educational videos for people living with MS on his YouTube channel.