Overview:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.
Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. In addition, some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.
There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease, and manage symptoms.
Symptoms:
Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms may differ significantly from person to person and over the course of the disease, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. Symptoms often affect movement, such as:
Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time, or your legs and trunk
Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
Tremor, lack of coordination, or unsteady gait
Vision problems are also common, including:
Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement
Prolonged double vision
Blurry vision
Multiple sclerosis symptoms may also include:
Slurred speech
Fatigue
Dizziness
Tingling or pain in parts of your body
Problems with sexual, bowel, and bladder function
How to test for Multiple Sclerosis:
No single test can diagnose MS; however, the medical history, neurologic exam, and lab tests help physicians rule out other diseases and confirm the MS diagnosis.
How can acupuncture help Multiple Sclerosis:
Acupuncture works to provide relief in the treatment of MS-related symptoms. Since the acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system, it is imperative when treating a patient with MS to do an extensive consultation as MS attacks and inflammation are associated with some overactive immune functions.
In TCM, MS is considered to be caused by Kidney, Liver, and Spleen Yin Deficiency of Blood and Qi, Liver wind, and lack of nutrition to the eyes. Our overall goal as providers is to address the symptoms the patient is experiencing from their MS, improve their quality of life, and possibly prevent the progression of the disease.
Acupuncture treatment actions for MS:
Nourish the blood to improve vision
Tone the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney
Strengthen the bones and muscles
That being said, patients with similar symptoms may potentially have different underlying imbalances, and each case of MS could be linked to another root cause. Now, more than ever, patients are choosing to complement their western medicine treatment with acupuncture. It provides a safe and natural way for MS patients to boost their overall health and relieve symptoms. Depending on the type of MS that the patient presents with, various acupuncture points and herbal options offer well-equipped ways to address the complex varieties of this disease.
At Gulf Coast Acupuncture and Fertility, we are here to help you feel better. Our office is minutes away from the Pensacola International Airport and is easily accessible from the I-10. Book your appointment today. (850) 331-9991
Sources:
Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269?p=1
Acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis | Acupuncture .... https://acupuncturecontinuingeducation.com/acupuncture-for-multiple-sclerosis
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