Navigating pain is a consistent challenge with multiple sclerosis (MS). Nights are often not restful. Many with MS wake in pain. It is challenging to move first thing in the morning.
MultipleSclerosis.net members recently engaged in a discussion about morning pain. Here are some of the insights they shared.
Waking up tired
Several respondents shared how tired they feel in the morning. MS prevents restful sleep, so the day begins with an already-drained battery.
“I wake up exhausted. It takes me hours to get my body functioning. It’s so frustrating.”
“It takes hours for me to just get going in the morning, and sometimes I don’t get up at all.”
Waking up in pain
Living with MS means waking in pain for many respondents. The body feels achy, stiff, and sore. It takes a lot of effort to start the day.
“Unbelievable morning pain! Weather is a big factor, unfortunately.”
“I wake up in pain every morning. It’s just to what degree.”
“I wake up with such a weakness throughout my entire body. It’s a challenge just to walk to the bathroom.”
“Some mornings, I feel like a rusted tin man.”
“I do the monster walk first thing. I’m so stiff getting out of bed. I dare say it’s almost a spasm from trying to move more than being stiff. Definitely a fall risk for sure.”
Where it hurts
Many parts of the body hurt with MS. Each body is unique. Respondents shared where their pain is most severe in the morning.
“My ankles are very tight in the morning. And anytime I stay in the same position too long.”
“I’ll wake up during the night with my face hurting. When I awake in the morning, my face hurts when I move. After I’m up and settled in my recliner for the day, I don’t hurt.”
“Lower back pain when I sit up from lying position.”
“Wake up with headaches every morning. And neck / lower back so stiff I struggle to get up.”
“I feel so stiff and sore when I wake up in the morning. My arms and hands feel like they’re frozen in place.”
“I wake in pain every morning. Hands bad pain and numb both. Shoulders and arms as well. Toes numb.”
Avoiding morning appointments
Many people with MS find it impossible to move quickly to be somewhere in the morning. Learning how to manage within the body’s limitations is vital. Many also share the necessity of waiting until later in the day to schedule appointments.
“No appointments before 11 AM. In the past, I found myself having to reschedule appointments, which caused more stress and made the pain worse. I hate to be rushed, etc., since I move slowly first thing.”
“I had to give up on my PT [physical therapy] because they always gave me morning appointments. I can barely walk to the bathroom in the morning, and they want me to drive and do PT in the morning. I don’t think so.”
Pain relief techniques
Living with MS pain involves trying many pain relief techniques. Several respondents shared what has been helping them cope.
“I’ve been sleeping with a heating pad and blanket, which has helped so much with sore muscles and pains.”
“I take my morning meds before I even get up. I added some ibuprofen to my regimen. It helps with such uncomfortable stiffness.”
“I sometimes wear little knee sleeves just over my kneecaps, which get cold. There is no compression, just a light and cozy fit. It can really help me.”
