MS Progressive Types: Treatments

There are other types of medication or substances that can be taken for help or relief.

* LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) The drug has a great deal of anecdotal evidence that says it is effective in stopping new exacerbations. It has been approved by the FDA for other conditions, but not MS, so it is not readily available. There have been no clinical trials, and without them, doctors hesitate to prescribe this medication. Because the manufacturers and doctors have not banded together to perform a clinical test, potential patients have a petition to fund and perform that test. Here is an interview with an MS specialist.
* Marijuana - For MS, marijuana is recognized to reduce pain and even the incidence of spasms. Medical marijuana, considered helpful for many conditions including MS, is increasingly gaining credence, even in the conservative U.S. The NMSS publishes information on their web site, and the last vote in the U.S. Senate came closer to passing than ever before. Currently, twenty U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana (13), passed compassionate marijuana laws (2), or have legalization in the works (5).
* Vitamin D - It is strongly believed MS and vitamin D are a beneficial match as it reduces the chance of exacerbations. There seems to be a geographic distribution that shows MS is more prevalent where the sun, a major source of vitamin D, is not so tropical. Up to 80% of MSers have insufficient vitamin D levels.

MS steals our ability to move, but exercise reduces that effect and also helps us feel better.

* Resistance exercise - Studies have shown that resistance exercising, that is weights with repetition, result in significant improvement in strength and endurance.
* Yoga - Many MSers have found yoga beneficial, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A slow, deliberate pace of achieving the postures, deep breathing and meditation is especially helpful.
* T'ai chi and Qigong - These rate high as an MS therapy. They especially help to reduce stress and maintain balance.
* Massage - A good therapeutic massage works toward maintaining flexibility and reducing spasms.
* Deep breathing - Breathing deeply, really taking slow deep breaths -- not gasping -- improves fitness and digestion.

Other types of therapies address particular symptoms, and make the patient feel better overall.

* Cooling Therapy - Uhthoff's Phenomenon or heat intolerance affects 80% of MS patients and causes a temporary worsening of symptoms. Cooling therapy eases the problem, if only temporarily.
* Hippotherapy - Horseback riding entails rhythmic, repetitive movement and is used for therapy for people with movement dysfunction.
* Music therapy - Music therapy interventions can be designed for individual clients with disabilities, helping alleviate stress and enhance memory.

Be sure to check out the Health Central's treatment notes, including drug information and alternative treatments.

I often say there is always hope. It looks as if that may be one way to feel better, too. The June edition of Reader's Digest cites a Women's Health Initiative study. The study concluded that optimists are 14% healthier than pessimists. Optimism feels good, and it's more fun. Try it!