Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain

MS and Nerve Pain

Pain is a common and often significant symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting around two-thirds of people with the condition. Living with MS can mean facing a variety of pain experiences, ranging from mild discomfort to persistent, more severe sensations that can impact daily life and wellbeing. Understanding the causes and types of pain related to MS is essential to managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.

What is nerve pain?

Neuropathic pain, also known as nerve pain, is a type of pain that occurs when MS causes damage to nerves in the brain or spinal cord. Unlike the pain that results from injury, strain, or inflammation, neuropathic pain can be triggered in the absence of any obvious physical injury. It often feels different from other types of pain and may be described as burning, tingling, stabbing, electric shock-like, shooting, or prickling. This pain can be constant or come and go, sometimes with no clear trigger.

In MS, nerve pain may be felt anywhere in the body and may start suddenly or gradually. While it can sometimes be managed with self-care strategies, many people benefit from medical assessment and tailored treatments. If you experience new, persistent, or severe pain, speaking with your healthcare team is important so you can get the support and options that are right for you.

MS attacks and damages nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When nerves cannot send normal signals, abnormal pain signals can occur, or normal sensations (like touch or temperature) may become painful.
Keep a diary describing your pain, triggers, and what relieves or worsens it. Talk to your GP, neurologist, or MS nurse. Some types of pain (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia, persistent burning, stabbing pain) need specific treatments.
  • Try gentle exercise, relaxation, meditation, and positive activities
  • Seek counselling or join support groups for chronic pain
  • Modify your environment for comfort and safety (beds, equipment)
  • Address triggers quickly and see a physio regularly

Usual painkillers sometimes don’t work as well for nerve pain as they do for other types of pain. There are medications, available by prescription, specifically for nerve pain that can give better relief. It is important to see a health care professional for assessment and to get a prescription.

Nerve pain medications often need to be taken regularly and may take a week or two before you experience pain control. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and slowly increase it according to the effect on your symptoms. Common side effects of these medications include; tiredness, dizziness, and feeling drowsy especially when you start or increase the dose. Follow guidance from your HCP and for further information you can look at Nerve pain | Healthify.

General Information

Nerve pain can be distressing, but you are not alone:

Sensory Symptoms