Cramping, pain, and fatigue can be symptoms of MS, and certain types of neck pain can help doctors zero in on a diagnosis.

Problems with balance and mobility, fatigue, vision, and even bladder control are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but pain can be a challenge, too.

Many people with MS report having significant pain related to their condition, and these pain types can range from direct pain caused by lesions in the nervous system to indirect pain from the misfiring of damaged neurons.

The neck can be a common location of pain in people with MS for a number of reasons. Read on to learn more about neck pain and MS, including tips for finding relief.

Multiple sclerosis is associated with many types of pain, including cramping, spasms, and shooting nerve pain.

As a disease of the central nervous system, MS is a hot spot for pain because many central nervous system signals travel from the brain down the spinal cord to the rest of the body through the neck.

Additionally, the stress of immobility or movement problems can contribute to strains, spasms, and other pain in your back and neck.

Neck pain and other painful symptoms that are common in MS, either from nerve damage, decreased mobility, or other disease-specific processes, may include:

There are also a few specific types of neck pain that can sometimes help a doctor make an initial MS diagnosis.

Lhermitte’s sign

Lhermitte’s sign is a sharp, stabbing, electricity-like sensation that runs from the back of the head down the spine. This feeling is triggered in people with MS when the neck is flexed.

The pain is caused by lesions on the cervical spine, an area of the spinal cord located at the neck. The flexion movement of this area causes the lesions to trigger painful reactions in damaged nerve cells.

McArdle’s sign

This is another neck-related symptom that, in some situations, can be used to help make a diagnosis of MS. McArdle’s sign was identified 30 years ago as a distinctive form of muscle weakness that affects people with spinal cord diseases.

In 2019, researchers found that when neck flexion resulted in at least a 10% loss in finger extensor strength, it could be used to help diagnose MS and differentiate it from conditions with similar symptoms. Neck flexion refers to the bending of your neck forward toward your chest, and finger extensors are muscles and tendons that help you straighten the fingers.

While there’s no cure for MS, there are options for reducing neck pain and stiffness related to the condition.

A healthcare team may prescribe medications based on your specific symptoms and overall condition. Some medications that are often used to treat sharp nerve pains, spasms, and other neck discomfort that can arise from MS include:

Some of the above-mentioned medications may be prescribed off label, so keep that in mind when discussing them with a doctor. Off label means they were not originally approved for this condition, but clinical practice and research have proven them effective for it.

Beyond medications, there are also several natural remedies you could try, either alone or alongside other treatments, to help manage neck pain from MS. These can include things like:

In many cases of MS, a multifaceted approach to pain management is most beneficial. This may include medications, as well as natural remedies or exercises, and even surgical procedures.

If you’ve been experiencing neck pain that’s not getting better or is getting worse, or if it’s impacting your daily life, consider seeking a doctor. You can discuss any new pain or stiffness with them, whether you’ve already been diagnosed with MS or are still exploring causes.

A number of treatments can help you manage MS and neck pain symptoms or even help to slow the progression of the disease.

Many conditions, injuries, and even everyday activities can cause neck pain or soreness. However, several specific types of neck pain or problems develop with MS. Some of these pains can even help diagnose MS or rule out other similar conditions.

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you develop neck pain that is accompanied by muscle weakness, vision changes, or other serious symptoms throughout your body.