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Muscle weakness is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. This happens because of damage to the nerves that control muscle movement. The immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin. This leads to disruptions in how the brain and muscles communicate. As a result, people with MS have to regularly deal with weakness, fatigue, and difficulty coordinating their movements. For people with non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (nrSPMS), these symptoms just get worse with time. Having strategies in place to deal with muscle weakness is an important part of maintaining independence! Here is a guide from PatientsLikeMe on what you can do.
What is Muscle Weakness?
Muscle weakness can feel like a loss of strength or energy in different parts of the body. This can be mild, making some tasks harder, or more severe, leading to mobility challenges. Muscle weakness and fatigue are closely linked in nrSPMS. Weak muscles require more effort to use, which can worsen fatigue, and fatigue in turn can worsen muscle performance. Weakness can affect different areas of the body. The most common areas you might feel it in are:
- Legs
- Torso
- Arms and Hands
- Facial Muscles
Muscle weakness can have both direct and indirect causes. A direct cause is nerve damage. As an an autoimmune disease, nrSPMS attacks the protective coating around nerve fibers. This damage disrupts the signals that travel between the brain and muscles. When nerve signals are damaged, muscles don’t get the right instructions to contract and move. This can lead to weakness, stiffness, and coordination problems. There is also an indirect cause of muscle weakness called deconditioning. When people with nrSPMS are less active because of fatigue or pain, muscles that are not used often get weaker over time. This creates a cycle where inactivity leads to weakness, making movement even harder.
Impact on Daily Life
Muscle weakness can affect everything you do. Simple tasks that were easy become challenging. Walking, lifting objects, or even getting dressed are now serious chores. Muscle weakness can affect different parts of the body, leading to a lack of coordination, balance issues, and more fatigue. Over time, having issues completing what once were simple physical tasks can also take a toll mentally! Frustration can build, and an inability to complete tasks you once were able to do can damage self-confidence.
If muscle weakness affects your legs, you may have a hard time walking and be at a greater risk for falls. Should it affect your hands or arms, opening jars or using a phone can be a serious task. If your torso muscles get weaker it can affect your posture, adding to back pain and making balance more difficult. Weaker core muscles could make bladder or bowel symptoms worse, which are already common for people with MS.
Ways to Manage
While muscle weakness for people with nrSPMS is a challenging part of life, there are some strategies and steps you can take to help manage this symptom.
Physical Therapy
Regular physical therapy sessions can be helpful for anyone with MS. A trained physical therapist (PT) can design exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and overall mobility. They will design an exercise program specifically for you. PTs will also help you with any assistive devices that might become necessary, like canes, walkers or braces.
Assistive Devices
These assistive devices can provide added support and stability. This can make it a lot easier for people with MS to move around safely. Many people think of assistive devices as taking away independence. That could not be farther from the truth! Assistive devices help keep you safe while giving you the ability to perform tasks that were once difficult or even impossible.
Medications
In some cases, healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to help manage muscle weakness and improve overall muscle function. Different treatments can help reduce inflammation and control symptoms. What works for you will depend on how your condition is progressing and the ways you have been affected.
Exercise and Lifestyle Changes
Exercise plays a key role in managing MS symptoms, but it is important to tailor your routine to your abilities and energy level. Although it can be difficult, research shows that targeted exercise can help improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall function. Adding in a regular exercise routine that includes low-impact activities, like swimming or yoga, can help with muscle strength and flexibility. You should also think about certain lifestyle changes. A balanced diet can help support muscle function, and staying hydrated prevents cramps.
Rest
Fatigue is closely tied with muscle weakness in MS. You need to listen to your body, rest when needed, and pace yourself throughout the day to conserve energy.
Muscle weakness is always going to be a concern for people with nrSPMS. Understanding how it can affect you and the steps you can take will help you manage it more effectively, maintain independence and improve quality of life.
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