Neural Mobilization on Multiple Sclerosis

Current treatments for pain in MS patients include the use of non-pharmacological interventions such as electrotherapy and exercise, as well as pharmacological treatments. Neurodynamic mobilization exercises are an intervention that aims to restore homeostasis in and around the nervous system by activating the nervous system itself or the structures surrounding the nervous system. Neurodynamic mobilization facilitates movement between neural structures and their environment through manual techniques and exercise. Human and animal studies reveal that neurodynamic mobilization reduces intraneural edema, improves intraneural fluid distribution, reduces thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, and reverses increased immune responses following a nerve injury.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by local inflammation, gliosis and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). It is characterized by demyelinating plaques seen in the brain and medulla spinalis. Many different symptoms can be seen depending on the affected areas in the CNS. One of the common symptoms in these patients is pain. Approximately 50% of patients complain of pain at some point in their lives, and in 20% of them, pain is one of the initial symptoms. Pain may originate from the musculoskeletal system; It may also develop due to inflammation and upper motor neuron damage and may have a neuropathic character. As a result, pain in MS negatively affects patients' physical, emotional functions and quality of life. Current treatments for pain in MS patients include the use of non-pharmacological interventions such as electrotherapy and exercise, as well as pharmacological treatments. Neurodynamic mobilization exercises are an intervention that aims to restore homeostasis in and around the nervous system by activating the nervous system itself or the structures surrounding the nervous system. Neurodynamic mobilization facilitates movement between neural structures and their environment through manual techniques and exercise. Human and animal studies reveal that neurodynamic mobilization reduces intraneural edema, improves intraneural fluid distribution, reduces thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, and reverses increased immune responses following a nerve injury. As a result of this study, it is thought that the determination of effective treatment methods for pain, which is a common symptom of MS patients, will increase the patient's muscle strength and dexterity. The aim of the study is to examine the effects of neurodynamic mobilization exercises on pain, muscle strength and dexterity in Multiple Sclerosis patients.