Can MS cause back and hip pain?
Isabella Ramos
Updated on July 28, 2026
For instance, MS may cause weakness in a person's legs, which can affect the way they walk. This in turn may result in back and hip pain. Other people with MS may have back pain that is not related to MS but to another health problem, such as muscle strains or a herniated disk.
Can MS cause hip pain?
Joint pain, specifically in the knees and hips, is very common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is usually due to a nerve-related or muscle-related manifestation of MS rather than degeneration of cartilage or inflammation of the joints, as seen in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or lupus.
Does MS cause lower back and hip pain?
Tightness or stiffness of the muscles, called spasticity, is caused directly by MS. Spasticity, will alter walking and cause pulling on the joints. This can result in pain typically in the ankles, knees, hips and back.
Is lower back pain a symptom of MS?
MS destroys this myelin, leaving your nerve fibers exposed. The unprotected nerve fibers don't work as well as protected nerves. This can affect many areas and functions of your body, including movement, vision, and cognitive function. Back pain is one of many symptoms associated with MS.
What kind of back pain does MS cause?
One classic cause of back pain in multiple sclerosis is a phenomenon called Lhermitte's sign, which refers to a shock-like sensation or a "wave of electricity" that moves rapidly from the back of a person's head down through their spine.
34 related questions foundIs MS pain constant or intermittent?
The sensation can be lightning-like and intermittent, or it can be a burning, tingling, or a tight, “hug-like” feeling that can be continuous. Surveys for patient pain indicate that the most common pain syndromes experienced in MS are: continuous burning in extremities; headache; back pain; and painful tonic spasms.
Can MS cause pain in the buttocks?
Spasticity is a common symptom in MS. It is a tightness or stiffness of the muscles – occurring typically in the legs (calf or thigh), groin, and buttocks.
When should you suspect multiple sclerosis?
People should consider the diagnosis of MS if they have one or more of these symptoms:
- vision loss in one or both eyes.
- acute paralysis in the legs or along one side of the body.
- acute numbness and tingling in a limb.
- imbalance.
- double vision.
Can MS feel like sciatica?
Pain, especially neuropathic pain, is a common symptom in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). It results from damage to the nerves of the central nervous system and can lead to burning or a sharp, stabbing sensation. Understandably, people with MS who also experience sciatica may think it's rooted in their MS.
What were your first signs of MS?
Common early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) include:
- vision problems.
- tingling and numbness.
- pains and spasms.
- weakness or fatigue.
- balance problems or dizziness.
- bladder issues.
- sexual dysfunction.
- cognitive problems.
What does an MS flare feel like?
Increased fatigue. Tingling or numbness anywhere on the body. Brain fog, or difficulty thinking. Muscle spasms.
Do MS symptoms get worse at night?
“MS pain that commonly interferes with sleep is neuropathic pain — often described as burning, shooting, searing, or deeply aching. This pain can be relentless and is often worse at night.”
Do MS and fibromyalgia have similar symptoms?
Fatigue, or feeling tired all the time, is a common symptom of MS and fibromyalgia. Other similarities include: Age.
Does MS cause muscle and joint pain?
Balance, energy, and muscle problems are all very common with MS, and the nerve and musculoskeletal damage can contribute to the development of painful joints and aching muscles. With the right combination of physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, you can manage your MS and a lead rich, enjoyable life.
Can MS feel like arthritis?
At least half of those living with multiple sclerosis experience MS-related joint pain. Joint pain is associated with other symptoms of MS, including muscle weakness, balance and coordination issues, and muscle spasms. A person should see their doctor if they are experiencing new or worsening symptoms of MS.
Can MS cause hip bursitis?
Abstract. This case report describes greater trochanteric pain syndrome (often referred to as trochanteric bursitis) in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a relatively common and treatable cause of hip pain in patients with several underlying conditions.
Where is MS back pain located?
It is a short, intense pain that runs from the back of the head down the spine and sometimes into the arms or legs. The pain tends to occur when a person bends their neck forward. A 2015 study notes that around 1 in 3 people with MS experience Lhermitte's sign.
Does MS cause back and neck pain?
Neck and back pain: Some people with MS can experience neck and back pain. This may be due to immobility, or to the same type of wear and tear that many people without MS experience. This type of pain is often an aching, stiff sensation that can be moderately severe.
Is a pinched nerve a symptom of MS?
It is also common for people and doctors to misattribute the initial symptoms of MS to something more benign, such as a pinched nerve or muscle strain. Sometimes a person may have the symptoms of MS for many years before he or she seeks medical attention and receives a correct diagnosis.
What does a neurologist do to check for MS?
Neurological examination
Your neurologist will look for abnormalities, changes or weakness in your vision, eye movements, hand or leg strength, balance and co-ordination, speech and reflexes. These may show whether your nerves are damaged in a way that might suggest MS.
Where does MS usually start?
Here's where MS (typically) starts
Although a number of MS symptoms can appear early on, two stand out as occurring more often than others: Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve, is usually the most common, Shoemaker says. You may experience eye pain, blurred vision and headache.
How does MS affect your legs?
Over time, your muscles can get weaker and weaker. Some people with MS find that their muscles tire more easily than usual. For example, someone with MS might find that their legs might start to feel unstable or they may have trouble moving them after periods of exercise, like walking.
Does MS make your legs feel heavy?
The muscle weakness that you are feeling can be directly linked to MS because the damage to your nerves can disrupt signals to the muscles. This nerve damage makes it hard to move your muscles and leads to a heavy feeling in your legs (or other areas of your body).
Can MS cause thoracic back pain?
These are causes of back pain that are a direct result of MS symptoms. However, MS can also cause back pain in those patients who already suffer from a back injury or spine pain. Because the nerves are damaged, MS patients may be less likely to compensate for and tolerate back pain as well as a healthy individual.
Where do you itch with MS?
Itchy sensations can occur virtually anywhere on your body, usually involving both sides. For example, both arms, legs, or both sides of your face might be involved. Occasionally, though, the itchiness may be confined to a single location, usually an arm or leg.