just curious?

i am hearing people talk about a M.S. hug what does that exactly mean?

[Lulu54]

Hi Lori,
The MS hug symptoms may be different to people - in between our ribs there are muscles that hold the ribs together but also help to keep our rib cage flexible.

The hug, which is a pleasant sounding name for a symptom that can be horribly uncomfortable, happens when those muscles spasm.  The result can be a feeling of tightness around the mid section, it may be felt in only one area (such as in the back), it can extend up to the armpits or down to the waistline.

How the hug is felt varies widely from person to person.  

My accupuncturist has me thinking about breathing and expanding my rib cage horizontally (out to  the sides) instead of vertically (up and down) to help to stretch those muscles a bit more than normal.  

Here's hoping all of your hugs are friendly ones and not this MS symptom.

be well, Lulu

[Angelique13]

Wow, I can't even begin to explain how both distraught and happy I am to hear there is a reason for my back feeling like it does and has for about the last five years. My doctor is pretty sure that I have MS I just don't have enough money to get a spinal tap done. I have chronic pain everyday, mostly sharp pains in my hands, feet, head and what feels like my brain. I just turned 30 yrs old. I am very scared, some days are easier than others. Life is really not normal for me, I am struggling and I just found this website. Thank you for posting, it does hit home for me and I hope to get as much information as I can from those of you who have MS and support as well. Thanks, Angelique

[essdipity]

Hi, Angelique. Welcome to our MS forum.  We invite you to start your own new post on the main page, and tell us more about yourself. This thread is really about Lori and the MS hug.

I will just ask a few questions for you to think about. Are you being seen by a neurologist? What diseases have been ruled out and what tests have been done? What you describe could be caused by many conditions, some much more treatable than MS. Are you on any meds?

The most important thing I want to tell you is that a spinal tap does not confirm MS, and many doctors don't order them anymore. Please take a look at our Health Pages, through the yellow icon at upper right. There is a lot of info that may help you.

Good luck to you.

ess

[lori115]

thank you for explaining that to me! it really helps! the only thing i get is a feeling oftightness from rib cage up almost like i want to take my shirt or sweATER OFF. FEELING TOTALLY CONFINED.  THE INFO YOU PROVIDE IS SO HELPFUL. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REPLYING THE GREAT HELP AND SUPPORT IS AMAZING. I JUST WISH I NEW FOR SURE WHAT I HAVE ALL I KNOW IS SOME TYPE OF AUTO IMMUNE DISEASE. WAITING FOR A DIAGNOSIS *****. THE CLOSEST THING I FIT FOR SYMPTOMS IS m.s. ONE DAY MAYBE THEY WILL FIGURE IT OUT BUT...... IN THE MEAN TIME I LOVE EACH DAY AND APPRECIATE AND VALUE MYSELF NO MATTER WHAT STATE I AM IN. THIS WEBSITE AND NEW FRIENDS SURE MAKES THINGS SO MUCH EASIER TO COPE. HUGS AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.