During the month-long awareness campaign about Multiple Sclerosis conducted in Pune-India, May 2008, hydrotherapy and yoga emerged as the major solutions to the problem. Multiple Sclerosis awareness month was observed in May and several functions were held in the city towards the purpose.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic nerve disorder caused by destruction of the insulating layer (myelin sheath) surrounding neurons in the brain and spinal cord, say neurologists.
It is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the brain, leading to demyelisation that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Demyelisation occurs when the insulating layer surrounding neurons in the brain and spinal cord are destroyed. Nerve messages are sent more slowly and less efficiently, says Dr Sanjay Suratwala, spinal surgeon.
It may cause numerous physical and mental symptoms, and often progresses to physical and cognitive disability. Patches of scar tissue, called plaques, form over the affected areas, further disrupting nerve communication.
The name multiple sclerosis refers to the scars (scleroses - better known as plaques or lesions) in the white matter, he explains.
Most people have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 to 40; symptoms rarely begin before 15 or after 60. Women are almost twice as likely to get MS as men, especially in their early years. Interferon therapy when initiated early protects both the myelin sheath and neurons from early damage, thereby leading to better prognosis and a better quality of life.
According to neurologists, exercise can also help. Attitudes about exercise and MS have changed dramatically in the past few decades. More recently, on the basis of research that concluded that exercise provides multiple beneficial effects, appropriate forms of frequent exercise programmes are now strongly recommended for people with MS.
Exercise produced improvement in walking problems, muscle stiffness and weakness. There were also emotional benefits, such as decreased depression and anger.
Regular exercise may reduce low back pain and prevent osteoporosis, a decrease in bone density that may occur more frequently in MS.
There are many possible exercise programmes for people with MS. These may include stretching exercises, walking, running, swimming, and a whole range of other exercises that may be appropriate for all levels of physical functioning. In addition to these conventional methods, exercise may be obtained by unconventional approaches, such as yoga.
The two things that have helped a lot are:
Hydrotherapy: A form of exercise that is particularly helpful for some people with MS is hydrotherapy, or exercising in water. Hydrotherapy offers several benefits. A cool water environment may be a way to exercise without overheating. In addition, the buoyancy of the water provides support that makes movements easier and allows individuals to perform movements that they could not otherwise do on land.
Exercise is a simple approach that produces many health benefits and is generally safe. Working with a physical therapist or other appropriate professional may develop an exercise programme safely.
Yoga: Contrary to popular belief, the primary aim of yoga is not to assume the most extreme possible posture. Rather, the focus of yoga is on technique. Yoga may be modified so that people with severe arm or leg weakness, pain or other limitations, may do it. Yoga is usually well tolerated. To obtain benefits from yoga, it should be done on a regular basis for weeks to months. Difficult postures and vigorous exercise should be avoided or done cautiously by people with fatigue, heat-sensitivity, or balance difficulties, pregnant women, and people with lung, heart, or bone disease.
by Anuradha Mascarenhas
