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Unusual sensations and physical discomfort are a normal part of daily life for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). One symptom that people can have is called the "MS hug" - a term used to describe a tight, squeezing sensation around the chest or stomach. Although it is not dangerous, this hug can be distressing and even painful! If you or a loved one has MS and and wondering why this happens and what you can do to control it, here is an overview from PatientsLikeMe.
What Is the MS Hug?
The MS hug is a symptom of MS that feels like a band of pressure around the chest, ribs, or stomach. It can feel different from person to person, from mild discomfort to severe pain. People describe it as:
- A squeezing or crushing sensation, like a tight belt wrapped around the torso.
- A sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or ribs.
- A burning, crawling, or tingling sensation on the skin.
- A feeling of pressure, as though the lungs cannot expand fully.
How Long Does It Last?
Again, the duration of an MS hug changes from person to person. It could last for just a few seconds or minutes, or it could stick around for hours or even longer. Some people experience it as an occasional symptom, while others may have frequent episodes. Because this sensation is unpredictable, it can be frustrating and interfere with daily activities. Understanding its triggers and learning ways to manage it can help reduce the effect it has on your day-to-day life.
What Causes the MS Hug?
The MS hug comes about because of nerve damage from multiple sclerosis. As a disease, MS disrupts the signals between the brain and the body. This leads to abnormal sensations and muscle spasms. These are the two drivers of the MS hug.
1. Intercostal Muscle Spasms
There are small muscles between the ribs called intercostal muscles. These help with breathing by expanding and contracting the chest. When these muscles spasm because of nerve damage, they can tighten uncontrollably, leading to pain and discomfort. This can make the MS hug feel like a strong squeezing or crushing sensation. Muscle spasms can be triggered by fatigue, stress, temperature changes, or even physical activity.
2. Dysesthesia
Dysesthesia is a type of nerve pain that happens when damaged nerves send the wrong signals to the brain. Instead of normal sensations, people with dysesthesia may feel burning, tingling, pins and needles, or aching. With the MS hug, dysesthesia can make the skin feel hypersensitive, like it is being squeezed or pressed. This type of MS hug can feel more like a tingling or burning sensation rather than a muscle contraction.
Is the MS Hug Dangerous?
The MS hug itself is not dangerous. There are no serious side effects it can lead to or health concerns to watch out for. However, chest pain can be a symptom of other serious conditions, like heart disease or a lung problem. You should talk to a doctor if you feel chest pain, especially if it is new or different from something you have experienced previously.
How to Manage the MS Hug
While there is no cure for the MS hug, there are some strategies that can help reduce its frequency or lessen the severity. You should also note that the MS hug does not stop someone from physically hugging someone else! Some people find that a light touch or a gentle hug is soothing, while others prefer to avoid contact until the sensation passes. It is a personal experience, and talking with your friends and family about comfort can help. But what can you do to manage the symptom itself?
1. Identify and Avoid Triggers
There are some things that can make the MS hug worse. Common triggers include stress, fatigue, temperature changes, and tight clothing. For stress you should pick up some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help reduce flare-ups. Getting enough sleep and taking breaks during the day can help prevent exhaustion. Some people get MS symptoms more intensely in extreme heat or cold. Wearing layers or adjusting the environment can help. While some people get relief from compression clothing, others feel worse with tight-fitting clothes. Try out different types of clothing to figure out what works best.
2. Stretching and Movement
Gentle stretching, yoga, or changing positions can help relax muscles and lower discomfort. Some people get relief by sitting up straight, while others feel better when lying down. It is about finding the position that works best for you in that moment.
3. Apply Heat or Cold
While extreme temperatures can cause flare ups, heat and cold therapy, if used correctly, can give some people relief! It depends on individual preference. Using a warm towel or heating pad can relax your muscles and reduce pain. A cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel might help with numbing and reducing discomfort.
4. Medication
If the MS hug gets too severe or happens too often, work with your doctor to figure out if a medication may be able to help. Muscle relaxants can help with spasms, while neuropathic pain medications are good at treating dysesthesia.
When to See a Doctor
If you feel chest pain, it is always a good idea to talk to a doctor to rule out other potential causes. Make sure you go to your doctor if the pain you feel is severe or out of the ordinary, and if your symptoms do not get better despite any techniques you use to try and manage them. If you have trouble breathing or feel dizzy or nauseous, get help right away.
The MS hug is not dangerous, but it can be distressing. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it. If you experience this symptom, talk to your doctor about ways that can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
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