Multiple Sclerosis: Exercise is medicine

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks myelin in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in developing treatments for MS. Beginning with just two disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in the late 1990s, we now have over twenty medications available. While DMTs are essential for slowing disease progression, did you know that exercise is also a powerful tool in managing MS?

Research has shown that structured exercise, in addition to DMTs, improves the quality of life for individuals with MS. Unlike DMTs, which focus on slowing disease activity, structured exercise can help restore function. It also enhances the ability to perform activities of daily living. Exercise is the most commonly recommended non-pharmacological intervention for many MS-related symptoms, including cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy, spasticity, pain, headaches, balance and mobility issues, as well as bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue, one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS.

Historically, there was concern that exercise might exacerbate MS symptoms or cause further damage. However, decades of research have demonstrated that not only is exercise safe, but it is also a crucial component of MS management.

To learn more about multiple sclerosis diagnosis and treatment, visit www.nationalmssociety.org.