Multiple sclerosis is a common health condition that is frequently misunderstood. When hearing the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, many people think of chronic paralysis, wheelchairs, and other serious health problems. However, MS is a treatable condition, and many individuals with MS live active and meaningful lives.
Keep reading to discover 8 common myths about multiple sclerosis to stop believing them.
This is a common misconception about multiple sclerosis. Many people with MS remain able to walk unassisted, but a small percentage of patients will need assistance and special mobility devices. Just 25% of people with MS use a wheelchair or stay in bed because they are unable to walk. Others can walk completely without assistance or with moderate help.
The value of alternate methods in the treatment of multiple sclerosis is still a controversial topic. Alternative medicine advocates claim that traditional medicine ignores or suppresses therapies that can alleviate symptoms or even cure some diseases, while those who oppose urge patients to stick to treatments that have been demonstrated to be both safe and effective. Of course, natural remedies can help ease some symptoms, but they cannot replace traditional treatment.
Multiple sclerosis isn’t generally considered a deadly health condition. According to statistics, most people with multiple sclerosis live a normal life without significant restrictions. Most of the multiple sclerosis-related fatalities are caused by problems in the later, advanced stages of the disease. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can slow down the development of MS and help avoid complications. However, severe forms of multiple sclerosis can significantly decrease a patient's life span.
People frequently associate multiple sclerosis with symptoms like numbness and movement, but this doesn’t mean that many patients don't also experience physical pain. Up to 55% of MS patients experience severe neuropathic pain, whether acute or chronic, at some time throughout the disease's course. People with MS often require the help of an experienced pain doctor to relieve discomfort and improve the quality of their lives.
Don’t let multiple sclerosis stop you if you want to have a baby. The changes that occur in your body with multiple sclerosis do not affect your chances of getting pregnant or having problems during pregnancy. Moreover, multiple sclerosis won't impact your baby's health. But it is crucial to consult your doctor before getting pregnant, since you may have accompanying health conditions that may interfere with your pregnancy.
This is absolutely wrong! While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, medications are available to help control the condition and its symptoms. In fact, there are fourteen FDA-approved treatments that have been found to modify or delay the development of multiple sclerosis symptoms. Available treatments include three oral meds, three infusion therapies, and eight injectable meds.
MS isn’t actually easy to diagnose. It can take years for an accurate diagnosis to be made. While current diagnostic methods make it easier to diagnose multiple sclerosis, you may still need a lot of tests.
In fact, if you have multiple sclerosis it is extremely important to be physically active. It can help alleviate symptoms, enhance strength and balance, and lessen your risk of developing other health issues. Before you begin exercising, consult with your doctor. Overstraining during a workout can cause weariness and aggravate your symptoms. Be sure to consult a physical therapist to develop a safe workout regimen.
