- Remedies for multiple sclerosis
- Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis
- Physical activity for multiple sclerosis
- Signs of improvement in multiple sclerosis
- Signs of worsening multiple sclerosis
- Possible complications
The treatment for Multiple Sclerosis is made with medicines to relieve the symptoms and delay their evolution, in addition to physical activity and physiotherapy, the latter, especially in times of crisis, which are when the symptoms reappear, in order to make them deleted.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that has no cure and that manifests itself through moments of outbreak-remission, which means that the disease can present symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in the arm, which may disappear completely or not. In some cases, the disease does not manifest itself through outbreaks, being progressive, with a worsening and worsening of the general health status and difficulty in mobility. In any case, it is always necessary to follow the treatment indicated by the doctor.
Remedies for multiple sclerosis
The remedies indicated for multiple sclerosis should be indicated by the neurologist after identifying the type of sclerosis that the person has, which can be:
- Medications to slow the progression of the disease, such as Interferon, Fingolimod, Natalizumab and Glatiramer Acetate, which are offered by SUS; Corticosteroids to reduce the intensity and duration of crises, Medications to control symptoms, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants; Antidepressants, if the person has symptoms of depression.
In addition, there are also natural treatments, such as consumption of foods rich in vitamin D and therapies, such as bee stings, acupuncture or acupressure, because they delay the development of the disease, decrease pain and increase muscle strength, improving the quality of life of the patient. patient. However, these do not exclude the treatment indicated by the doctor, they only complement.
Overdose of vitamin D can also be indicated as a medicine against Multiple Sclerosis. Learn more about this type of vitamin D treatment here.
Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis
Physiotherapy is indicated in times of crisis, when symptoms worsen, causing difficulty in moving the arms and legs, lack of motor coordination, changes in skin sensitivity, muscle weakness or spasticity, for example.
Motor physiotherapy is generally indicated to prevent muscle retractions, combat numbness, decrease pain, strengthen muscles and train activities of daily living such as walking, brushing teeth and combing hair, according to the person's need.
Respiratory physiotherapy is usually more indicated at a more advanced stage of the disease when the respiratory system is compromised. In this type of physiotherapeutic treatment, small devices such as the flutter, for example, capable of strengthening the respiratory muscles and releasing phlegm, can be used, but breathing exercises are also very important to facilitate breathing and make it more efficient, reducing the suffocation risk.
Physical activity for multiple sclerosis
The person who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis needs to stay active and do physical activity regularly. Some exercises that can be indicated are:
- Walking; Slow running, trot-type; Cycling; Doing localized gymnastics; Practicing Yoga, Pilates, especially clinical Pilates; Water aerobics or swimming.
These exercises should be performed in a calm and peaceful environment with a pleasant temperature, because the heat favors sweating, which worsens the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. So, you should be careful not to keep your heart rate too high, and not to raise your body temperature during physical activity.
Watch the following video and see other exercises you can do to feel better:
It is recommended to practice about 30 minutes of light or moderate physical activity, daily, or to practice 1 hour, 3 times a week, in addition to separating 10 to 15 minutes of relaxation daily.
If during physical activity the person feels breathless, he should stop the exercise immediately and breathe deeply and calmly. The same is indicated if you feel your heart beating fast, shortness of breath, tiredness or sweating a lot.
Check out how to fight each symptom of multiple sclerosis here.
Signs of improvement in multiple sclerosis
Signs of improvement in multiple sclerosis include decreased symptom intensity, decreased fatigue, and recovery of muscle coordination and strength, allowing for better daily activities. This improvement can happen after starting the appropriate treatment, but the time needed to find relief from symptoms is very individual, because it varies from person to person.
Signs of worsening multiple sclerosis
When treatment is started late or is not done properly, signs of worsening of multiple sclerosis may appear, including vision loss, paralysis, memory loss or incontinence. In times of worsening, the available treatments must be intensified but this is no guarantee that the symptoms can be fully controlled. In any case, physical therapy is a great help to improve the person's quality of life.
Possible complications
Many patients die due to respiratory complications due to advanced multiple sclerosis, in which case it is common that with the involvement of the respiratory muscles and the accumulation of secretions in the lungs diseases such as aspiration pneumonia, atelectasis or respiratory failure arise. Thus, it is recommended to practice physical exercise regularly for life, and always do physical therapy to be able to breathe and move better.
The signs that can serve as a warning are shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, easy tiredness, ineffective and weak cough, if these symptoms are present, respiratory physiotherapy should be intensified with exercises that favor deep inspiration and forced expiration.
