Any treatment advice for alleviating an MS hug?
Chronic MS Hug 24/7 since 2004, progressively has gotten worse with time. The only semi-help I have found is a cooling vest around torso. Any other treatments that have been found to alleviate this chronic spasticity and pain around the torso? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I am sorry you are dealing with the dreaded "MS hug", 7evawc! I know many of our members deal with this issue as well, and find it quite painful and frustrating. I am glad you have found a solution that at least partially helps with the pain. A cooling vest is a great idea! One of our contributors writes about her experience with the "hug" here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/everybody-love-a-hug-but-not-ms-hugs-what-are-they/. She includes some tips at the end of the piece about how to manage those hugs, including deep breathing, stretches, and meditation. Maybe one of these suggestions will help you as well. I know a number of our members have found deep, controlled breathing can really help. Thank you for reaching out and I hope this information is beneficial for you. And I hope you get a nice, long break from the "hug"! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
I also suffer from Ms hugs. The only solution that works for me is methadone which most people don't like to get on meds but this works for me.
Hi
I had my first attack as a MS hug. I didn't know at the time. I had it for 8 months. What ended helping me was Valium everyday. This is an addictive medicine so i would suggest to do it as a short term solution only. Maybe for 2 months and everyday just to get some relaxation there and let the muscles relax. I am not a doctor but it helped me besides that i ended up taking it for years. If i get the MS hug again i would take it again but short term basis.
Hope this helps.
I was prescribed Baclofen, a mild muscle relaxant, for the hug. It helps somewhat, but if I take more than once a day it makes me sleepy. Ask your neuro if it could help you.
Not sure what the ms hug it could someone explain please
Hi @tuppence, the MS hug is spasming in the intercostal muscles (the small muscles between the ribs). It can cause a squeezing sensation, which varies from person to person. It can be like a band all the way around, or it can be on one side. It can make it hard to breathe. I hope that helps! - Warmly, Donna (team member)
