Can MS Hug last for months?

[AnnaKy]

I have not been diagnosed with MS (my doctors have mentioned "this sounds like..."). I have had muscle spasms in my lower rib cage since January. At first the spasms were very subtle and only came on in the evening. By May, the numbness and tingling in my limbs (constant) moved to my face. And in June the "hug" was constant. For 2 months, I've only had a few hours/days without it. The pain is tolerable, meaning I can sleep, but I can't sit without pain, moving around (cooking dinner, opening doors) causes pain.

So I just wonder if this is MS or if this is something else? Can MS hug last for months?

[supermum_ms]

Hi there,

I personally haven't ever had intercostal muscle spasms (Hug) none stop for "months", usually when it comes its..... hello childbirth was a breeze lol but it's for about 3-7 days, then it eases off leaving behind stiffness and the occasional but less aggressive spasms. The muscles between the ribs are very visible when they are playing up, when its only one or two its easier to see the intercostal muscle bounce with the spasm, you can also feel the spasm bounce, DH say's it remind's him of our son kicking when i was pregnant.

Though more often than not, i wouldn't say it hurts when its only a few, (more weird and uncomfortable) when its the entire left side front to back, its totally different and the pain is horrible. Half my ribcage locks down in a contracted state and that hurts, hurts, hurts. My ribcage looses its flexibility for a long while after its stopped, banding feeling definitely but again for me in comparison, its more uncomfortable than painful.

Stomach area (abdomen) pain can be psychological but I believe that should always be the last option on the list and definitely only after every possible physiological dx has been ruled out eg allergies, bowel, hernia etc. If what you experience is muscle spasms specifically between the ribs, then that's the intercostal muscles and i'm pretty sure psychological issues  or specifically anxiety attacks, are not known to cause painful individual muscles to spasm like that, speaking to a psychologist about the possibility would help, though i seriously doubt it's even possible.

When i first got dx with intercostal muscle spasms (08), the main things i found on the net was relating to body building/weight lifting but if you google it now there are many other causes listed, MS is just one (its probably the most uncommon cause) it might be worth having a look to see if there is something else that could be a likely cause for you.

Cheers...........JJ  

      

[AnnaKy]

Thank Jen and Kelly. I had wondered about requesting MRI of my spine. That was helpful to learn brain MRIs can be clear, but lesions present only in the spine.

So far, I've had crappy doctors. The neurologist suggested I try yoga that this could be psychosymatic. My GP told me it isn't possible to have muscle spasm in my abdomen, that she'd never heard of that. This week I requested a new GP and will follow by asking for another neurologist.

June, the spasms were almost constant. Since the beginning of July, spasms come and go for hours at a time.

Regardless of the diagnosis I eventually reach, I have learned so much about MS and have such empathy for anyone with MS. And I really appreciate hearing how well so many are doing with their diagnosis – gives me hope if this ends up being my diagnosis.

Greatly appreciate you input.

[jenphilly]

So weird to see someone post about costochrondritis!   I had a go round of that when I was a kid in school.  Doctors said it was triggered by months of coughing after a nasty round of bronchitis and then one day went horse back riding :)  

Everyone describes the MS Hug a bit different...  for me, no way I could sleep with it.  I've had two nasty rounds and the longest lasted 90 minutes, but that was excruciating pain, I joked childbirth wasn't nothing compared to that.  But my experience involves the diaphragm and tho I know I can actually breath, it does not feel like I can take a breath and there is no relief from the pain until the spasm releases.  But, that is only my experience, everyone is different.

What you might have might be muscle spasticity that unfortunately involves the torso muscles instead of arm or leg muscles.  

I would definitely ask your doctor about an MRI, including cervical and thoracic.   My brain MRI is pretty normal, but my cervical MRI is a really a mess and the thoracic has quite a few large and at least one very poorly placed lesion that affects the torso muscles.  

The really crappy part of MS is that no two people have the same experience (not that there is anything good, except getting a handicap parking placard,,,,  sorry, I'm a smart aleck and try to keep a sense of humor)....  

There are some meds to ask your doctor about, if you want to go on meds (I'm not a fan of taking meds you don't have to)...  there is baclofen and even low dose valium that might help.  

I hope your doctor is open to talking about options and getting to the bottom of things...  just posted to someone else, that having a great doctor is such a critical factor in dealing with something like MS.  I know I am very fortunate to have both a great primary and neuro.  My primary just gave me valium and tramadol to have on hand to try at the next round of hug.  His concern is that having something so painful for 90 minutes is not acceptable, so he will go outside the box if needed...  

I can't use most types of painkillers or muscle relaxers because I am also taking LDN, so he has to get creative sometimes!!

Have you tried a heating pad or topical like BioFreeze?   Might not be the solution longterm, but might provide relief during intense periods.

Good luck and hope the spasms stop!!!

Hugs (and not the MS kind),

Jen

[anon07072023]

I've had the MS hug for a couple of weeks at a time. I haven't had it for several months at a time, though.  Have you had an MRI of your spine?
If you haven't, yet, that would be my next suggestion.  And also seeing a neurologist if you're not seeing one already.

Best of luck,
Kelly

[AnnaKy]

Lisa, your response was so supportive. Thank you for taking the time to write back.

I have spoken with my doctor about Costochondritis and her response was it's too low in my ribs for the pain to be Costo. Not sure why a doctor would say that since inflammation of cartilage could occur anywhere.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write. Online forums are such a great means to learn and receive support. Take care and be well.

[LisaJF]

Hi there and welcome to the forums.  This is a great place to be when looking for affirmation of symptoms, education (which is on our health care pages to the right), emotional support, empathy and understanding.

As far as your question, unfortunately, I can't answer that for you since I do not know what a MS hug feels like.  Some describe it as a tight band around the chest area to partially around the chest area.  Some describe it as intolerable pain.  I do not recall reading that a person can sleep with it and with only movement ie: cooking dinner and opening doors would precipitate the pain.

I'm sure anything is possible with MS, but I do know that most MSer's here, have stated that not everything they experience is always MS.  

To me, this is a question you would need to ask your doctor and since it does interfere with your daily living activities, you should be examined and have it looked into.

There can be other causes for your discomfort and/or pain (such as Costochondritis).  But I am not a doctor and I can't diagnose only give an example.  This is why you're better off making an appointment to be seen by your doctor and have him/her evaluate you.

I know I wasn't much help, but I do know other people here have experienced the MS Hug and could elaborate what their symptoms were like.  Through that perhaps you could find solace and affirmation with what you're feeling.  They also have great insight too.

Again, welcome to the forums and let us know what you decide to do or how you're doing.

Lisa