Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory neurological disease that can generate a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. Multiple sclerosis involves the deterioration of myelin, a substance that surrounds the body's nervous cells. Myelin has a very important role in the transmission of nervous impulses, and if this substance is affected, the entire activity of the nervous system is seriously compromised. Although the actual causes of multiple sclerosis remain unknown, there are several hypotheses that present genetic abnormalities as the main factors responsible for causing the disease. Medical scientists believe that multiple sclerosis occurs on the background of inherited genetic predispositions, and environmental factors are suspected to be triggers of the disease. Some hypotheses also introduce viral infections in this scenario, although infections with viruses don't seem to contribute to the development of the disease.



Multiple sclerosis can affect the body on different levels. The majority of people with multiple sclerosis suffer from dysfunctions of the muscular system, while others also develop neuropsychological dysfunctions. Multiple sclerosis usually generates a wide range of symptoms: body weakness, pronounced fatigue, muscle numbness, poorly coordinated moves, poor balance. People affected by multiple sclerosis can in time experience decreased visual acuity, mental states of confusion and even short-term memory loss. People with multiple sclerosis can also suffer from depression, which is common in more than 80 percent of patients with the disease.

Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, most medical treatments can alleviate the symptoms generated by the disease, also preventing their recurrence. However, the majority of medications prescribed in long-term multiple sclerosis treatments (beta interferon, corticosteroids) can generate many side-effects, causing additional damage to the body. Hence, it is best to avoid following long-term treatments with potentially-harmful drugs. In many cases, multiple sclerosis therapies can ameliorate physical symptoms just as well, without using any drugs. Considering the fact that most symptoms generated by the disease are linked to the musculoskeletal system, the majority of multiple sclerosis therapies are focused on improving muscular mobility and tonus through physical exercise. Multiple sclerosis therapy through exercise can help patients regain their strength, coordination and balance, alleviating muscular pain, numbness and stiffness.

The majority of multiple sclerosis therapies involve recuperative physical exercises and medical gymnastics. Other forms of multiple sclerosis therapies include recreational physical activities, such as swimming, jogging or the practice of different sports. Most people who have followed such multiple sclerosis therapies have experienced an amelioration of their physical symptoms and have improved their overall health condition. Although medical treatments are required for most patients, people who follow multiple sclerosis therapy need smaller doses of medications. Combined with an appropriate diet and a healthy lifestyle, multiple sclerosis therapy through exercise can be very benefic.