Hey Ayna, I do think you should let your neuro know about this new symptom if it lasts for more than a few days. I have a lesion in the thoracic area of my spine that causes a lot of pain and muscle spasticity in my back and rib cage.

I agree with Barb that you should let your Neuro know about it.

I've found it helpful to keep a journal of all my symptoms and medications. It sure does help when the doctor asks what new problems you're experiencing and what meds you're taking. Plus, you can read back through it and get a better feel for what's improved and what's not.

With MS, I've discovered I have different aches and pains in different parts of my body quite frequently. Most of the time (for me, anyway) it's the weather and its changes causing my body to rebel. Summer to Fall to Winter is the worst time for me "aches and pains"-wise. Winter to Spring to Summer is the worst allergy-wise.

i agree with the others ana.
any new, different, painful sx (symptom) that hangs on over 72 hrs you should call your neuro about.

he might be able to prescribe something to break up the spasm.
it doesn't necessarily mean lesions but it's best to let the dr figure it out.

have you tried a heating pad. lay down and use it on low heat. on 20 min and off 20 min. you can also try cold and decide which gives you more relief.
don't use heat too long as it can dry the muscle out.

please keep in touch with us.
feel better.

Thank you all for your responses. I had an appointment with my neuro yesterday, but I canceled because I have no money for the $100 co-pay and no insurance so I didn't want to rack up a bill. My mom heard about the problem I have been having and is insisting I get in and she'll pay for it. So I called and left a message to schedule an appointment ASAP as I am having these problems, so I will keep you posted once I hear from the doc. Again, Thank you all!

Sincerely,
Ana D

Hi Ana,

With one of my worst MS relapses I had really bad back symptoms much like what you describe. My back was very stiff with pain that would only subside by laying down to rest. I also had what I call "noodle spine" and weak legs. It was in August 2002 and the first time I suspected anything was wrong.

I hope you'll call your doctor just to let him or her know what's going on. Take care...

Hi Ana, and welcome!

Back pain has been one of my constants. When I need it I take either bacolofen or Zanaflex. MIRACLES! I try to not take them on a regular basis, and save them for the truly tougher days.

Any symptom (sx) lasting longer than 24 hour straight with no breaks, needs to be reported to your MD. it could be the sign of a flair. You have about 10 days to figure out if you want to accept steroids IF it is a flair, and after that 10 day period, the recovery rate for those who took steriods vs those who didnt are about the same.

they have icy hot gels, heating pads (be careful because heat can trigger MS stuff) massage, chiropractor, yoga, stretches, visualization and meditation can also help.