multiple sclerosis alternative medicine and stress

Never underestimate the power of the mind to cure the body or to make it sick. Though it has not been proven, some people believe that stress is a contributing factor in the onset of multiple sclerosis. What is certain is that stress has a detrimental effect on exacerbating the symptoms of MS.

For this reason, all multiple sclerosis alternative medicine programs should have a stress management component to it. With an immune-related condition taking care of the emotions is as important as taking care of the body.

The following research article describes the relationship between stress and MS. According to the British Medical Journal stressful life events seem to make MS symptoms worse.

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"Dutch researchers followed 73 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Regular visits were scheduled every eight weeks and additional visits were arranged when patients reported symptoms of infection or exacerbation (a worsening of existing symptoms or appearance of new symptoms). Each week, patients recorded any stressful events that were not related to their MS."

"In total, 457 stressful life events were reported that were not related to multiple sclerosis. These included job stress, financial problems, or death of a close family member. Throughout the study, 134 exacerbations occurred in 56 patients and 136 infections occurred in 57 patients."

"Stress was associated with double the risk of an exacerbation, but there was no evidence of an increase in infections after stressful events. Possible explanations for these findings are not yet fully understood, say the authors, but the knowledge that stressful events are associated with disease activity adds important information to the limited insight that patients and their care-givers have on this unpredictable disease."

Why does stress make it worse?

"The reason for the apparent link is unclear, although it is possible that stress triggers the release of hormones that affect the immune system. The finding suggests that giving people with MS coaching on how to deal with stress may help to delay the development of symptoms."

Auto-immune disease

"MS is caused by a malfunctioning of the immune system, which attacks the coating of the nerves. Symptoms include tingling, fatigue, loss of balance and slurred speech. The majority of patients experience periods when their symptoms become worse, followed by periods of stability."

"However, there has been much debate about just what role, if any, psychological stress plays in determining the progression of the disease. Christine Jones, chief executive of the MS Trust, said: "People with MS often say that their symptoms worsen after stressful life events, so we welcome this new research."

" 'If we can understand any connection between stress and MS, it may shed light on the disease mechanism, which is still poorly understood.' Her view was echoed by Mike O'Donovan, chief executive of the MS Society, who said: 'We often hear anecdotal evidence that bereavement and family problems, for instance, are linked to relapses.' However, he stressed that more research was needed before firm conclusions could be drawn."

Multiple Sclerosis and stress management

"The prolonged stress of living with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, can lead to frustration, anger, hopelessness, and depression. People with MS are especially at risk of becoming depressed. And, for good reason since people with MS face many stressors. To better cope with the disease, it is important to learn how to manage stress. The first step is to recognize when you are stressed and then you can take steps to reduce your stress."

What are the warning signs of stress?

"Your body sends out physical, emotional, and behavioral warning signs of stress.

• Emotional warning signs include anger, an inability to concentrate, unproductive worry, sadness, and frequent mood swings.
• Physical warning signs include stooped posture, sweaty palms, chronic fatigue, and weight gain or loss.
• Behavioral warning signs include overreacting, acting on impulse, using alcohol or drugs, and withdrawing from relationships.

• Keep a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, combative, or passive.
• Learn relaxation techniques.
• Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit. But, talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Don't rely on alcohol or drugs to reduce stress."

How can I learn to relax?

"There are a number of exercises that you can do to relax. These exercises include breathing, muscle and mind relaxation, and relaxation to music. Three that you can try are listed below."

1. "A quiet location that is free of distractions.
2. A comfortable body position. Sit or recline on a chair or sofa.
3. A good state of mind. Try to block out worries and distracting thoughts."

"Two-minute relaxation: Switch your thoughts to yourself and your breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped. Loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a smooth, circular motion once or twice. (Stop any movements that cause pain!) Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax. Recall a pleasant thought for a few seconds. Take another deep breath and exhale slowly."

"Mind relaxation: Close your eyes. Breathe normally through your nose. As you exhale, silently say to yourself the word "one," a short word such as "peaceful," or a short phrase such as "I feel quiet." Continue for 10 minutes. If your mind wanders, gently remind yourself to think about your breathing and your chosen word or phrase. Let your breathing become slow and steady."

"Deep-breathing relaxation: Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot and fill your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow breath out, you should feel more relaxed." (my.webmd.com/content/article/57/66135.htm)

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