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MS treatments and therapies

There are lots of different ways to manage MS. They include drug treatments, exercise, diet and other lifestyle changes.

It’s best to get advice on your multiple sclerosis treatment with a specialist, like a neurologist. An MS nurse can discuss treatment for MS generally, but only an MS specialist can advise you and prescribe treatment. The types of treatments and therapies that may be beneficial for you will depend on your type of MS and your symptoms.

Some therapies and treatments for MS treat the symptoms. For instance, you might need physiotherapy to help you improve your strength and mobility. Others, such as disease moderating therapies (DMTs) and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) manage MS itself.

There are around twenty DMTs licensed to treat relapsing and some forms of progressive MS. Taking one can mean you get fewer, and less serious, relapses. They can also slow down how fast your MS gets worse.

Read the latest information about DMTs and COVID-19

Lots of people with MS find it useful to actively manage their health in other ways, like through diet, exercise or giving up smoking.

Explore ways to manage MS

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Getting treatment

You have the right to ask about treatment for your MS. This is true no matter what kind of MS you have - or how long you’ve had it. Some treatments help with the symptoms of MS, while others control MS itself.

Find out about getting treatment
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Disease modifying therapies (DMTs)

DMTs can reduce how many relapses you have and how serious they are. They can slow down how fast your MS gets worse, too. Evidence shows that the sooner you start taking a treatment after diagnosis, the more effective can be.

Read more about DMTs
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HSCT

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an intense chemotherapy treatment for MS.

It aims to stop the damage MS causes by wiping out and then re-growing your immune system, using your stem cells.

Read more about HSCT

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist will work with you to assess your physical symptoms and suggest exercises to improve your symptoms. Find out more about physiotherapy and how to access it.

Read more about physiotherapy

Cannabis

Products made from cannabis have been shown to help with MS pain and spasticity (muscle spasms and stiffness). Find out more about cannabis products, who they can help, and the law.

Read about cannabis

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs)

CAMs are health-related therapies and disciplines which are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care. They include aromatherapy, Reiki, Alexander technique and massage.

Read about complementary medicines
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Disease modifying treatment (DMT) decision tool

There's a wide range of DMTs for MS available on the NHS. Each has a different combination of benefits and risks.

Use our tool to explore your DMT options and prepare for conversations with health professionals.

 

Use our DMT decision tool
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Find support near you

Our local groups are starting to meet face-to-face again. We've made sure any activities can happen in a COVID-safe way. Each group will go at their own pace, and you'll still find lots happening online. From coffee mornings to online yoga classes – put in your postcode to find out what's near you.

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Helpful resources

From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips on living well with MS.

You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.

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