How to manage MS symptoms: Tips for work, play and mental health

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) can impact every area of your life.

It’s a chronic, unpredictable disease that causes the immune system to attack the protective covering of nerves (myelin), disrupting signals between the brain and body.

This can create a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, numbness and difficulty with balance or movement. Any of these issues may occur in fluctuations known as a flare-up, relapse or exacerbation.

Fortunately, we now have many medications that can significantly reduce flare-ups and make MS more manageable. But simple changes to your daily routine can also make a big difference.

As a neurologist on the team at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, I helped develop many of these treatments. I often give this advice to help patients with MS improve their symptoms and quality of life:

Minimize environmental triggers that can worsen MS

MS is an autoimmune disease affecting the nervous system, but we know that environmental factors can have a strong impact on MS.

Avoid these triggers:

Smoking or vaping: Smoking accelerates the progression of MS and increases flare-ups. Quitting is one of the most effective steps you can take.
Low vitamin D levels: Deficiency can increase the frequency of flare-ups. Sun and supplements help some therapies work better.
Abdominal fat: Excess belly fat is a particular concern for worsening MS. Losing weight can help, and exercise improves weight, walking and memory.
Viruses: Viral infections can provoke MS flare-ups and make symptoms worse. Take steps to avoid infection and stay up to date on vaccines.

Video Transcript

6 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a disease where the body's immune system attacks the protective coating around nerves. This can cause symptoms that include numbness, weakness, or vision problems.

Myth. MS only affects young, white women. Fact. Although Ms is three times more common in women, it can also affect men and people from all racial groups.

Myth. MS does not affect Black Americans. Fact. Not only can Black Americans develop MS, but studies suggest that Black American women have the highest incidence of MS.

Myth. It's difficult for people with MS to get pregnant. Fact. While MS does not reduce fertility, it's important for people with MS to consult with a doctor when planning pregnancy, as some MS medications are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Myth. Pregnancy and menopause have no impact on MS. Fact. Pregnancy may reduce MS flares, while menopause can worsen them. That's because hormonal changes play a key role in MS symptom patterns. Ask your doctor how to anticipate and manage these changes.

Myth. People with MS can't breastfeed. Fact. Breastfeeding is beneficial for your baby, and there's no way your baby can catch MS. Breastfeeding may even reduce risk of postpartum relapse. But MS medications may not be safe for nursing, so consult your doctor.

Myth. If you have MS, your children will too. Fact. Most children of parents with MS will not develop the disease, but they are at an increased risk. While MS does have a genetic component, environmental factors also play a role.

Learn more at UChicagoMedicine.org.

You can stay active and exercise with MS

Exercise has proven benefits for brain health, strength, mood and fatigue — but overheating and exhaustion are concerns for people with MS.

Try these tips to make exercise easier:

Listen to your body: It’s OK to push yourself during your workout, but reduce the intensity when you start to feel tired.
Keep cool: Avoid exercising in the heat if you can, or cool down with a drink of ice water or a cold neck towel.
Swim with caution: Swimming is great, but do it in a cool pool; heated pools can make you tired.
Reduce activity during flare-ups: Some studies suggest that exercising during this time can make the situation worse.

Make adjustments to manage MS symptoms at work

MS and its fluctuating symptoms can present unique challenges in the workplace, but simple changes can help you maintain productivity and well-being at work. They include:

Take breaks: Sustained activity can be tiring when you have MS. Prioritize rest throughout your workday — don’t work through lunch, and find a quiet spot to recharge, even for a few minutes.
Manage heat exposure: Heat can worsen MS symptoms. Avoid working in hot areas or direct sunlight; seek out cool spaces when possible and use ice packs or a cooling blanket to prevent overheating.
Focus on one task at a time: MS can affect cognition, making multitasking more difficult. To reduce frustration, work on finishing one task before starting another.
Minimize distractions: Lower your cognitive load by cutting down on excess noise, bright lights and other distractions in your workspace. A calm, organized environment can help you focus and work more comfortably.

Support systems are important for people with MS

Not only is socializing good for your happiness and well-being, it also benefits your brain. Seeing friends regularly and doing activities together engages your brain and helps keep you mentally sharp.

In addition, friends and family can provide an important network for people living with MS. Here are some ways to build a support system:

Stay connected: Schedule regular check-ins with loved ones to lift your mood and help reduce isolation.
Communicate your needs: MS symptoms can be unpredictable, so let your circle know how you’re feeling and what kind of support you might need.
Plan accessible activities: Look for social events that match your energy level and abilities. Those might include indoor visits, low-impact outings or small group activities.

Treatment and team care for MS

Thanks to modern therapies, MS symptom control is much better, and hospitalizations are far less common.

Still, some people with MS may need low-dose antidepressants for depression, other drugs or therapies for the many symptoms of MS, and steroids for short-term control of flare-ups.

UChicago Medicine’s Multiple Sclerosis Program is committed to improving the quality of life for people living with MS. Our physicians have helped develop many life-transforming therapies for MS, and they provide comprehensive treatment plans to help each patient manage symptoms, limit flare-ups, slow disease progression and improve lives.

Anthony T. Reder, MD

Anthony T. Reder, MD, is an expert on multiple sclerosis (MS) and an instrumental faculty member in the University of Chicago Medicine's large MS program.

Learn more about Dr. Reder