Jersey Rehab has been busy recognizing Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month. Every March, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) supports this national campaign with numerous educational activities. This month gave special attention to multiple sclerosis (MS) and the impact it has on families, with specific topics including relationships and MS and intimacy and family planning with MS.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers the nerve fibers, and this causes communication problems between the brain and body. Over time, MS can lead to serious complications, such as the deterioration of the nerves and the inability to walk.

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely among people, as it all depends on the damage done to the nerves and which nerves are affected. In fact, some people are able to achieve long periods of remission with few to no side effects.

Sadly, there is no cure for MS, though there are treatment options that can help speed up recovery from attacks and prevent new attacks from occurring. This is where Jersey Rehab has a special role in the lives of people with MS. We help these individuals recognize the signs of a flare up, manage their pain levels and lead a higher quality of life.

Treating Pain in MS Patients

More than half of people with MS say that pain is their main symptom. The first type of pain is from damage to the nerves. The second type of pain is associated with living with the disability, such as lower back pain, musculoskeletal pain or pressure sores.

There are many treatments that can be used to relieve pain in MS patients, including steroids, plasma exchange, infusion treatments, oral treatments, physical therapy and medications like muscle relaxants and anti-fatigue medications. It’s also important that MS patients get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, exercise on a regular basis and keep stress levels to a minimum.

How Jersey Rehab Helps MS Patients

Jersey Rehab is committed to improving the quality of lives for our clients. Alternative treatments can be an effective addition to an MS therapy plan, with the main goals of:

• Using the mind to heal the body
• Using movement to relax and heal the body
• Promoting natural healing
• Healing harm done from the environment
• Improving mental and emotional patterns
• Experimenting with treatments outside of Western medicine

If you or a loved one is suffering with MS, contact Jersey Rehab today. We have numerous alternative treatments that have proven effective for many MS patients.