There are many conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic what an MS patient feels. Some may actually represent a flare while others may be due to something non-related to MS. MS patients are vulnerable to the same neurologic conditions as the general population.
One chronic condition that causes similar symptoms to MS is degenerative disc disease (DDD) which is a wearing down of the discs between the bones in the spinal column (vertebra). These discs act like a cushion or a shock absorber between the bones and have the consistency of jelly. Sometimes the discs “pop out”, pushing against the spinal cord or single nerves as they leave the spinal cord.
The pain that is caused by DDD can be shooting, burning, tingling or numbness and can cause weakness in the arms and/or legs. These symptoms are the same symptoms that MS patients can be experience when the immune system attacks the brain or spinal cord (the central nervous system). Both MS and DDD can occur suddenly and both can have symptoms that resolve or become chronic over time.
DDD and MS can be comorbid, which means that they occur at the same time in the same individual. Both have been linked to low levels of Vitamin D, which is important for good immune function and also for bone health. Further, muscle spasms and altered posture from MS may cause more severe DDD of the neck. In fact, at least one study showed higher rates of cervical DDD in people with progressive MS.
Sometimes doctors also can be unsure which condition is causing these symptoms. Often x-rays and MRI’s will help clarify the diagnosis. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID’s), physical therapy and even steroids are used to treat both, sometimes DDD needs to be treated with surgery and sometimes a new MS flare will require a change in MS therapeutics.
The BeCare MS app can help you track your neurologic function that may also assist you and your physician help decide what is causing your pain and hasten your recovery with the appropriate treatment.