Lyrica has been a godsend to me. Another tool has been essential oils.

There are numerous treatment plans for pain including:

1. Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain) – “carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, Neurontin, Lyrica, and so on” (Cleveland Clinic);
2. Burning limbs – anti-depressants that affect nerves such as Nortriptyline, tramadol, lidocaine, gabapentin;
3. Back & neck – anti-inflammatories, massage, stretching;
4. Optic Neuritis (inflamed nerve) – anti-inflammatories, steroids; and,
5. Lhermitte’s Sign (electric feeling with bent neck) – soft collar

Pain can also be relieved through exercise, stretching, biofeedback, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), restful sleep, and hydrotherapy (water below 85 degrees). Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) include: “yoga, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, herbal supplements, acupuncture, macrobiotics, naturopathy, and cannabis.” (Michelle Smith & Eric Atristain)

There is no medal for enduring. Peace and quality of life come with relief.

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has an excellent article, Multiple Sclerosis & Pain, found at http://my.clevelandclinic.org/neurological_institute/mellen-center-multiple-sclerosis/patient-education/hic-multiple-sclerosis-and-pain.aspx.