Ask the Expert: MS Hug

Posted on May 1, 2026 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What causes the pain and tight pressure around the body known as an “MS hug,” how is it treated, and can it be avoided?

Answer: The causes of the MS hug aren’t entirely clear, but we believe it is caused by an inflammation or injury to the nerves of the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This inflammation interrupts nerve impulses and sends mixed signals to the body and the muscles. When experiencing these symptoms for the first time, it is often uncomfortable and disturbing. The term “hug” may sound inappropriate as a hug normally refers to a warm and affectionate feeling, unlike an “MS hug” that can be quite uncomfortable.

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The Power of Holistic Wellness for Individuals Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on April 29, 2026 by MSAA

By Dr. Eva Jackson

Holistic wellness plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for individuals affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). This approach, recognized and studied by numerous organizations, focuses on treating the whole person rather than addressing symptoms in isolation.

When I was first introduced to life with MS, my care team did not clearly explain the importance of whole-person care. Yet, despite this lack of explanation, that is exactly the model they implemented. Soon after my diagnosis, a comprehensive and coordinated plan was developed to manage my symptoms. My care team included a neuro-ophthalmologist, urologist, MS specialist, sleep medicine specialist, and a physical therapist specializing in multiple sclerosis. At the time, this fast-paced, multidisciplinary approach felt overwhelming. In retrospect, I deeply appreciate how effectively each provider worked together. This coordinated care exemplifies the essence of holistic wellness and addressing physical, emotional, and functional needs simultaneously.

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Singing for Wellness

Posted on April 27, 2026 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Last year, my naturopath suggested I take deep breaths each day, and I agreed it would be good for me. I approached it like a prescription and made sure to do it. I followed guided meditations, and they were fine. I’d set a timer and count deep breaths in and out to meet the goal. It seemed good for me, but I didn’t love it or look forward to it.

Then I had an “aha moment.” I’ve long wanted to improve my singing, and I realized I could make progress with singing AND practice breathwork in a way I’d enjoy.

My inspiration was a music app. It would allow me to do breathwork and improve my musical knowledge and skills. Most importantly, it could be fun. I’ve now been doing singing lessons for a few minutes each day for 22 weeks. Because I want to keep my streak, I make sure I do it every day. I love that it’s a bite-sized daily commitment, and it’s doable.

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Taking Ownership: My Journey Toward Better Mental and Physical Wellness

Posted on April 24, 2026 by MSAA

By Samuel Fitch

There comes a point where continuing the same patterns will only lead you further away from the life you actually want to live. For me, that moment wasn’t dramatic. It was quiet, but undeniable. Between living with multiple sclerosis, navigating the sudden loss of my mom, and recognizing that my overall health was trending in the wrong direction, something had to change.

Not eventually. Not when it was convenient. Now.

For a long time, I operated the way many people do—focused on responsibilities, pushing through fatigue, and accepting certain limitations as “just the way things are.” Over time, the signs became harder to ignore. Low energy. Brain fog. Poor cardiovascular health. A general sense that I wasn’t operating at the level I knew I was capable of.

Then a simple but heavy realization settled in. I still have a lot of life left to live. That thought forced a question I couldn’t avoid—am I doing what’s necessary to be here for it?

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Spring Sunshine Fruit Salad

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Melissa Young

Spring is finally here and it’s time to enjoy the delicious fruits available this time of year.

If you’re looking for a last-minute dish that’s healthy and requires zero cooking, this fruit salad is your new go-to. It’s crisp, refreshing, and looks beautiful on a picnic table.

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Empowering Myself

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Teena Palathanam

I have realized that every time I go to a doctor’s appointment, I walk in already feeling guilty — mentally preparing to defend myself, almost expecting judgment. Before the doctor starts asking about my exercise routines and eating habits, I am literally saying in my mind, “Guilty as charged”. But guilt doesn’t move us forward. Conscious choices do.

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La vida se disfruta más fuera del piloto automático

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Claudia Chavez

Me considero una persona rutinaria. Tengo la tendencia natural de apegarme a las rutinas que funcionan, y me resulta difícil modificarlas una vez que se vuelven cómodas. Si bien las rutinas pueden ser útiles, en ocasiones hacen que la vida se sienta automática, como si se viviera en piloto automático, cumpliendo responsabilidades sin prestar verdadera atención a lo que ocurre. Una forma de salir del piloto automático y de esa sensación de estancamiento es a través de microaventuras.

Las microaventuras son acciones pequeñas, sencillas y sorprendentemente efectivas para salir de la rutina. Invitan a la curiosidad, estimulan la creatividad y aportan una perspectiva renovada al día. Una de las mejores formas de salir del piloto automático y de esa sensación de estancamiento es atreverse a hacer algo diferente.

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Life is Better Off Autopilot

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Claudia Chavez

I am a creature of habit. I naturally stick to routines that work, and it is hard for me to change them once they feel comfortable. Routines can be helpful, but sometimes they make life feel automatic, like you are on autopilot, going through the motions without really noticing what is happening. One way I shake up that feeling is with micro-adventures.

Micro-adventures are small, simple, and surprisingly powerful ways to break out of habits. They invite curiosity, spark creativity, and give your day a fresh perspective. The best way to escape autopilot and that stuck feeling is by trying something different.

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Well Well Wellness

Posted on April 15, 2026 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

When it comes to wellness and how we take care of our minds and bodies, there’s definitely some leeway as to what works for each person and what type of wellness is being referred to. If we’re being honest, I was never a big fan of physical exercise and fitness for myself. Not that I don’t think it’s important, because it truly is. I just never had enough drive or motivation to stick to a particular exercise regimen. I don’t take physical wellness for granted or disregard it in any way. It just took me some time to realize that physical wellness is merely one cog that makes up the wellness machine.

Mental and emotional wellness are two other vital pieces in the realm, and I found that these are the ones I can get on board with. Without knowledge of it, I was fostering these facets of wellness with things that I do in my day-to-day. And they’re things that I enjoy, go figure! They may not be obvious examples of wellness but that’s the great part about this theory. It can look so different and represent various things to people. There’s no “right” way to achieve wellness goals. What matters is that they support your body’s needs and promote good health.

I’ve always enjoyed writing, ever since I was young. It helps me to process things and allows me a space to be creative and honest. I also love to read. This activity provides a quiet restfulness and a chance to slow things down. The other surprising endeavor that I found nurtures my personal wellness is cleaning. I know, it sounds odd and a bit atypical compared to other wellness activities. But there’s something familiar and relaxing about it. I like the feeling of accomplishment it provides, and it also lets me jam out to my favorite music.

Maybe these activities wouldn’t work for you, or maybe they would. You may already have certain routines or tasks that bring you joy, positive physical effects, or a sense of purpose and accomplishment. But you may not have realized that these satisfying ventures are concurrently supporting your personal wellness too. Perhaps because you thought wellness had to look a certain way. What a pleasant surprise!

About Angel:

My name is Angel Blair, I am a mom to beautiful twin girls and hold degrees in counseling from schools outside of the Philadelphia area. I’ve worked with the MS community in the past, and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in helping others. I enjoy spending time with my family, writing, reading, and traveling.

Finding Strength and Connection in the PPMS Journey

Posted on April 13, 2026 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Navigating the Slow Climb: Our Journey with PPMS

Living with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) can often feel like we are navigating a different world than our peers with relapsing forms of the disease. While many in the MS community deal with flares and remissions, our experience is more of a steady, uphill climb. One person in our community poignantly described this feeling by saying, “I am the Titanic passenger, wandering the sinking ship as if in purgatory, always being told, ‘This lifeboat is not for you. Go find another.’” It is a unique path, but it is one we do not have to walk alone.

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