To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE


SHARE THIS ARTICLE Printer friendly version of this page

Dr. Corinne: Multiple Sclerosis; Challenges, Helpful Tips and Hope for the Future

Dr. Corinne Weaver : Mar 7, 2019  DrCorinneWeaver.com

Multiple sclerosis comes with many challenges. As research continues to reveal more about the condition, better treatment options will become available. But with any chronic disease, simple lifestyle changes can make the most significant impact.

airliftMultiple sclerosis, often referred to as MS, is defined by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as "an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body." (Images via Globedia.com)

MS involves an abnormal response whereby the body's immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS) which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. An immune-mediated disease causes the attack and in the case of MS, the immune system attacks and damages the fatty sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers called myelin.

Myelin is the protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system and is a primary target of the immune attack in MS. Myelin provides a protective coating that insulates and protects cells and helps speed nerve transmission. The cells that are protected contain neurons which are the structures in the nervous system that allow us to think, see, hear, speak, feel, eliminate, and move. While myelin is found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, only the central nervous system is affected by MS.

Is MS an autoimmune disease?

There has been some debate among the scientific and medical community as to the classification of MS. Some experts believe MS to be an autoimmune disease. However, that would mean that the immune system is reacting against normally-occurring antigens, and as of yet, no specific antigen has yet been identified in MS.

Other diseases thought to have an autoimmune basis include:

  • Psoriasis
  • Crohn'sdisease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus, and
  • Insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes mellitus.

In the case of MS, the immune system attacks and damages structures such as myelin, rather than antigens which are proteins that stimulate an immune response. Research is ongoing into the role of the immune system in the development of MS. As of today, MS is best classified as an immune-mediated disease, rather than an autoimmune disease.

Diagnosing MS

When myelin or nerve fibers are damaged or destroyed in MS, messages within the CNS are altered or stopped altogether. This damage can produce a variety of neurological symptoms that will vary among people with MS in type and severity. The name, multiple sclerosis, comes from the damaged areas which develop multiple areas of scarring. The scarring can be detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and leads to delayed nerve conduction which is responsible for the neurologic signs and symptoms of MS.

MS isn't diagnosed with a simple review of symptoms or laboratory tests. Many strategies have been developed to determine if a person meets the long-established criteria for a diagnosis of MS.

To make a diagnosis of MS, a physician must:

-Find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves

-Find evidence that the damage occurred at different points in time AND

-Rule out all other possible diagnoses

Strategies used include a careful medical history, a neurologic exam and various tests including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), evoked potentials (EP), and spinal fluid analysis.

In the general population, the risk of developing MS is about 1 in 750 - 1000. The cause of MS remains a mystery. Many factors have been identified as possible triggers.

Four main causes of MS

Understanding the potential causes of MS leads to more effective treatment options. Here are the four main factors:

IMMUNOLOGIC FACTORS

This factor we've already discussed in some detail and involves an abnormal immune-mediated response which causes inflammation and damage to the myelin.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Numerous environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing MS. For example, MS is known to occur more frequently in areas that are farther from the equator. With this information, low vitamin D levels in the blood have been identified as a risk factor for the development of MS. Studies have shown that smoking increases a person's risk of developing MS and is associated with more severe disease and more rapid disease progression. Childhood and adolescence obesity has been shown to increase the risk of later developing MS.

INFECTIOUS FACTORS

Measles, canine distemper, human herpesvirus-6, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Chlamydia pneumonia- have been or are being investigated to determine if they are involved in the development of MS.

GENETIC FACTORS

While MS is not an inherited disease, however, there is a genetic risk that may be inherited. When parents, siblings, and children have MS, the risk is higher among other first-degree relatives.

Symptoms

Symptoms will vary for every individual living with MS. Here is a list of symptoms by category:

MORE COMMON SYMPTOMS

-Fatigue

-Walking Difficulties

-Numbness or Tingling

-Spasticity

-Weakness

-Pain

-Dizziness and Vertigo

-Vision, Bladder, Sexual, and Bowel Problems

-Cognitive and Emotional Changes

-Depression

LESS COMMON SYMPTOMS

-Speech, Swallowing, and Breathing Problems

-Tremor

-Seizures

-Itching

-Headache

-Hair Loss

SECONDARY AND TERTIARY SYMPTOMS

Secondary symptoms are the complications that can arise as a result of these primary symptoms, some examples include:

-Bladder dysfunction can cause repeated urinary tract infections.

-Inactivity can result in loss of muscle tone and disuse weakness (not related to demyelination), poor postural alignment and trunk control, decreased bone density, increased risk of fracture, and shallow, inefficient breathing.

-Immobility can lead to pressure sores.

Tertiary symptoms are the "trickle down" effects of the disease on your life and may include social, vocational, and psychological complications.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the majority of people who have MS will experience a relatively average life span. Those with MS tend to die from many of the same conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, as people who don't have the condition.

It's important to note that people with MS have to contend with other issues that can decrease their quality of life. MS generally affects the quality of life more than longevity. The good news is around 45 percent of those with MS aren't severely affected by the disease.

Those who are over 40 at the initial onset of symptoms experience widespread symptoms affecting many parts of your body, or initial symptoms affect mental functioning, urinary control, or motor control are at a higher risk for more severe symptoms.

What it's like living with MS

For an idea of what it's like to live with MS, here are some quotes from real individuals living with the disease:

"Even when we're in periods of remission, we are struggling psychologically on a daily basis."

"[Fear for the future] is inescapable with an incurable disease."

"It's all trial and error in figuring out how our bodies can best cope."

"A lot of people don't talk about it, but it does take a toll on your sex life."

How to improve your condition

Let's switch gears. There is so much to know about MS I can't possibly cover it all in one article. Let's talk about ways to improve your condition.

The categories we're going to review are:

  1. Nutrition
  2. Exercise
  3. Emotional Wellbeing
  4. Cognitive Health
  5. Work, Home, and Leisure
  6. Relationships

MS management is an essential component of optimal physical wellness. The steps necessary for managing include modifying the disease course, treating relapses (also called exacerbations or attacks), managing symptoms and ongoing rehabilitation to promote functional mobility, safety, independence and participation at home, at work and in the community.

Research shows that a healthy diet, exercise, not smoking, ongoing preventive care, and management of other medical conditions will positively impact overall health. Integrating healthy behaviors into your lifestyle can be hard work, but your efforts will pay-off!

Your diet

There is no magic diet to cure the symptoms of MS. However, here's what research has to say regarding types of dietary modifications that can be helpful:

HEALTHY FATS

A diet low in saturated fats and supplemented by Omega-3 and Omega-6 may have some benefit for people with MS. Boost your Omega-3 intake with fatty fishes, cod-liver oil, or flaxseed oil, and Omega-6 from sunflower or safflower seed oil and evening primrose oil.

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D research is currently examining its essential effects on the immune system and potential to help regulate cell growth and differentiation.

BIOTIN

Biotin is a B vitamin known for its ability to help break down substances in the body. A clinical trial in France involving 154 people with primary-progressive MS or secondary-progressive MS showed improvement in disability when supplemented Biotin compared to those given a placebo.

Exercise

Exercise is an essential part of health for everyone but has been noted for its role in managing many MS symptoms.

Research has shown, patients who participated in an aerobic exercise program benefited from:

-better cardiovascular fitness

-improved strength

-better bladder and bowel function

-less fatigue and depression

-a more positive attitude

-increased participation in social activities

Appropriated exercise programs need to fit the capabilities and limitations of the individual. Keeping this in mind, exercise doesn't have to be a rigorous cardiovascular workout to provide benefits. For example, physical activity can include a variety of things most people can do in the comfort of their home or community such as gardening and household chores.

A unique form of exercise MS patients find enjoyable is water aerobics. Aquatic exercise is ideal for those living with MS.

Noted benefits include:

-Improved overall physical function for activities such as walking, mobility, flexibility, balance, and endurance.

-Altered sensory input, the feeling of decreased weight, may lead to a decrease in pain.

-Provides a social network to help keep you motivated and connect with others.

-Improves mood by easing depression and increasing self-esteem.

-The buoyancy provides support for weak limbs, promotes muscle relaxation, and provides a greater range of motion as movement takes less effort.

-Water resistance provides muscle strengthening with less effort.

-Cold water helps to maintain a lower core body temperature, unlike other vigorous workouts.

Emotional well-being

When it comes to care, emotional well-being is often overlooked despite the fact it is an essential component of overall wellness. Emotional well-being affects how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

Our emotions can dictate

-how we feel physically

-our motivation to attend to our health

-how we eat

-our amount of exercise

-how we relate to other people and the larger world

-how intensely and joyfully we engage in our chosen roles

Stress management

A large part of emotional well-being is stress management. Many useful strategies can be utilized to reduce stress levels. For starters, it's crucial to remain positive. Having a positive outlook allows us to thrive, find contentment, solve the problems we confront in our lives and maintain a strong sense of hope.

Another useful technique is to practice solution-focused problem-solving. By approaching challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving you will gain the ability to cope more successfully.

Building and maintaining meaningful relationships will reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of stability in everyday life. Many benefits are associated with mental stimulation throughout life, from personal growth to enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Just like the body needs exercise, the mind needs mental stimulation to remain alert and engaged. This is especially crucial for those living with MS as 65% of people with MS will experience some changes in cognitive functioning, most commonly related to the speed of information processing, memory, and attention. Research has shown that a lifetime of intellectual enrichment from education and stimulating work and leisure activities helps to lessen or slow the impact of disease-or aging-related changes in the brain.

Finding activities that work your mind can enhance and support your cognitive health. Look for activities that do the following:

-engage your mind

-pique your curiosity

-spark your creativity

-stimulate your thinking and

-challenge your problem-solving skills

Hobbies such as reading, creative writing, journaling, handiwork, board or card games, drawing or painting, crossword or jigsaw puzzles, all stimulate your mind to contribute to your cognitive well-being.

A sense of purpose

Having a sense of purpose is essential for overall wellness. While the symptoms of MS can at times get in the way of everyday activities, through creative and flexible problem-solving and thoughtful planning can help keep you doing the things that are important to you.

These things may be work or home related or involve leisure activities. Because of the complexity of MS and the varying effects, your ability to work can be compromised. Continuing a career you love may include learning how to advocate for yourself in the workplace and finding ways in which reasonable accommodations can help you be successful on the job. Exploring other career options may also help you remain in the workforce.

For those who may be significantly mobility-impaired, or can no longer maintain a work life, your talents can still be used through volunteering. Check out your local library, community centers, youth programs, schools, religious institutions, and other local organizations for opportunities.

Finding enjoyable leisure activities is also essential to well-being. Whether it be exploring nature or traveling, participating in a sport or reading a good book, staying active, interacting with others, and enjoying new experiences are a necessity for achieving optimal health.

Chronic and debilitating conditions such as MS can put a strain on a marriage or long-term relationships. The best ways to maintain a strong bond is to make sure you both give and receive love, find solutions to problems together, and talk through stress.

Tips on how to be a friend to a person with MS

BE OPEN TO CHANGE

As with any difficult diagnosis, there may be a change in the relationship you have with a friend. This doesn't have to be a bad thing; it just means the way you spend time together may change. For example, if attending weekly kickboxing classes is how you bond, try finding a lower impact activity together.

When the role of someone in your life changes, it can be a challenge, but if the relationship is worth continuing, you can learn to roll with the changes.

WHAT TO SAY

  • Starting a conversation may be uncomfortable when you don't know what to say. To start, merely relay that you want to help: 'I want to support you' or 'Help me figure out how to support you.'
  • Ask how your friend is doing, but be ready to listen without judgment. Ask how you can help, but know your limitations.
  • Use 'I' statements when expressing concern.
  • Just hang out and do normal things.

Here are six ways for you to help someone you care about living with MS.

  1. Understand that there's a lot of uncertainty with MS.
  2. Treat them the same as you always have.
  3. Be flexible and understanding.
  4. Learn more about the disease.
  5. Offer to help with the everyday stuff.
  6. Support MS charities.

airliftMultiple sclerosis comes with many challenges. As research continues to reveal more about the condition, better treatment options will become available. But with any chronic disease, simple lifestyle changes can make the most significant impact. If you need continued support on your journey with (or loving someone with) MS, we're here to help!

I am deeply passionate about helping people become the very best versions of themselves. If you want to gain access to life changing health and wellness tips you can sign up here.  

I hope my column speaks to you and you can wake up each morning with a purpose. What I do every day is a calling, and I give God the glory for allowing His gifts to work through me. I do believe in miracles, because I get to see them every day!

Keep Breathing,

Dr. Corinne Weaver

Email: Dr@DrCorinneWeaver.com
Website: www.DrCorinneWeaver.com 

In addition to the links provided throughout the article, here are other resources:

National MS Society: Definition of MS

National MS Society: Myelin

National MS Society: IMD

National MS Society: Diagnosis

National MS Society: Causes

National MS Society: Symptoms

Health.com

Healthline.com

National MS Society: Diet

National MS Society: Exercise

National MS Society: Emotional Well Being

National MS Society: Cognitive Health

National MS Society: Work and Home

National MS Society: Relationships

WebMD.com

The information in this article and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented in this article are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation. No statement in this article has been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory authority. Any product mentioned or described is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you do your own independent research before purchasing anything. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Dr. Corinne Weaver is a compassionate upper cervical chiropractor, educator, motivational speaker, mother of three, and internationally bestselling author. In 2004, she founded the Upper Cervical Wellness Center in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Over the last 13 years, she has helped thousands of clients restore their brain to-body function. When she was 10 years old, she lost her own health as the result of a bike accident that led to having asthma and allergy issues that she thought she would always have to endure. Then, after her first upper cervical adjustment at age 21, her health began to improve thanks to upper cervical care and natural herbal remedies. This enabled her to create a drug-free wellness lifestyle for herself and her family, and she also enthusiastically discovered her calling to help children heal naturally.

Dr. Weaver was named one of Charlotte Magazine's "Top Doctors" in 2016 and is now a number-one internationally bestselling author to two books: Learning How to Breathe and No More Meds. 

Upper Cervical Wellness Center is known for finding the root cause of health concerns through lifestyle changes, diagnostic testing, nutraceutical supplementation, and correction of subluxation (as opposed to just medicating the symptoms). The practice offers cutting-edge technological care at its state-of-the-art facility, including laser-aligned upper cervical X-rays, bioimpedance analysis (measures body composition), digital thermography (locates thermal abnormalities characterized by skin inflammation), and complete nutritional blood analysis, which is focused on disease prevention.







SHARE THIS ARTICLE Printer friendly version of this page

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Other Recent Articles from Breaking Christian News

Trump Under Fire for Endorsing the Bible, Urging Americans to Pray

Whistleblower Claims Stormy Daniels 'Hush Money' Scheme Cooked Up by Michael Cohen to Extort Trump before 2016 Election

Speaker Johnson Announces He'll Invite Netanyahu to Address Congress

Federal Appeals Court Rules Pennsylvania Must Only Count Mail Ballots With Dates, Signatures

Illegal Alien Charged with Murdering a Michigan Woman Was Deported Under Trump But Snuck Back into US Under Biden's Watch

President Trump to Join Wake Honoring Slain NYPD Officer, While Biden Attends Fundraiser

Woke Disney Surrenders!

Illegals Using Fake Skimmers at Self-Checkouts to Drain Consumers' Bank Accounts; Here's How to Guard Yourself

Elon Musk to Pay Embattled Doctor's Legal Fees after Speaking Out against COVID Lockdowns

Safety of Women Hangs in Balance after Oral Arguments on Abortion Pill Regulation

New Federal Gun Grab Law Would Criminalize Shooting Ranges, and Even Private Security

Treasury Sec. Yellen: Biden Has NO Plan to Save Social Security

Maryland Governor Says 'Keep on Praying' for Families of Missing Workers after Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Chick-fil-A Abandons Long-Held 'No Antibiotics' Pledge on Chicken

The War in Myanmar: Karenni Resistance Fighters Ask for Prayer and Practical Help

The World Is Facing a Major Population Crisis by 2075 If Birth Rates Keep Falling

FDA Admits COVID Vaccines Cause Seizures in Toddlers

'Hamas Is Celebrating' after US Abstains from UN Security Council Ceasefire Vote: Netanyahu Cancels Visit

Kamala Harris Won't Disclose Why Biden Campaign Is Active on TikTok Despite Security Worries

Special Counsel Report Reveals University of Delaware Misled Courts to Hide Biden's Senate Records That Likely Hold Sexual Assault Complaint Filed by Tara Reade



Search the Articles Archives

Keyword:  
Author:  
Words Posted On:  
Day Month Year



BCN Plus

Follow BCN on Twitter
Are You Praying for Our Government Leaders?
BCN Staff

Steve Shultz
Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner


Aimee Herd
Aimee Herd, Editor


BCN Plus
Are You Praying for President Trump?
 
 

All articles on this site and emails from BCN are copyrighted property of Breaking Christian News. Permission is given to link to, or share a BCN story if proper attribution is given to both the original writer and summarizer of the story. Breaking Christian News 2005-2019. All Rights Reserved.


Breaking Christian News is a division of Elijah List Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved


Disclaimer: Articles and links, as well as the source articles linked to; do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Breaking Christian News.

editor@breakingchristiannews.com