What is multiple sclerosis?
The central nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, which are surrounded and insulated by a fatty substance called myelin. In patients with multiple sclerosis, an abnormal immune system response causes inflammation that damages myelin and thus the nerve fibers themselves.
This damage can cause the central nervous system to alter messaging to the rest of the body or even stop messaging completely, producing a number of neurological symptoms that vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms include fatigue, numbness in the body, face, or extremities, dizziness, pain, vision problems, and muscle spasms. In the most severe cases, MS is completely debilitating.
While MS is not curable, comprehensive care programs can help to slow the course of the disease, treat MS attacks, manage and reduce the symptoms, and improve patients’ daily functioning.
Source: National MS Society
What causes multiple sclerosis?
The exact cause of MS is unknown, but several risk factors are believed to contribute to the condition. For example, MS has been shown to occur more frequently in populations far the equator. Further, low vitamin D levels have been identified as a risk factor for MS, which may help explain why regions further from the equator are at greater risk.
In addition, some behavioral factors such as smoking and childhood obesity appear to increase patients’ risk of developing MS. It’s also believed that childhood mononucleosis may have some connection to later development of MS. Genetics may also play a role. While MS is not an inherited disease, meaning that it’s not passed down through generations, risk of developing the condition is higher if an immediate family member has it.
The most common causes of multiple sclerosis include:
- Geography
- Lack of vitamin D
- Mononucleosis
- Childhood obesity
- Smoking
- Genetics
Source: National MS Society
Luna’s physical therapists treat multiple sclerosis
across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Orange County
Luna employs physical therapists with the experience, expertise, and empathy necessary to treat patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Our licensed and certified physical therapists combine proven techniques with tailored routines to produce MS treatment plans that work for your goals, symptoms, and schedule.
Best of all, with Luna, patients can receive physical therapy in the comfort of their homes, or wherever else they need it, at any time. Our physical therapists come to you — it’s physical therapy, delivered.