Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Learn the benefits
How HBOT treatment can help mitigate MS symptoms
What is multiple sclerosis?
Around 1 million people in the United States have received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, according to a 2019 prevalence study funded by the National MS Society. This is more than twice the estimate from previous studies. MS organizations estimate that 2.3 million people in the world have MS. [1]
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. In the case of MS, the immune system, our body’s defense mechanism, mistakenly targets myelin cells, the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord nerves.
This damage to the myelin sheath disrupts the transmission of messages or signals that nerves send across the body, affecting crucial functions such as vision, sensation, and movement. While there is no cure for MS, treatment options are available to help lessen ongoing damage and help you mitigate symptoms. Continue reading to learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can aid in relief from MS symptoms.
Can hyperbaric oxygen help MS?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. During this process, the body’s blood and tissues experience an increase in oxygen levels. This boost of pure oxygen can provide many benefits, including accelerated healing, reduced inflammation, and quicker recovery time from fatigue and pain, all of which are common issues with autoimmune diseases like MS.
A noteworthy study at the Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres in the UK, involving 703 patients, has highlighted the effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The research showed that patients who received about 300 hyperbaric oxygen treatments every fortnight for 10 to 13 years saw a notable slowing in the progression of their symptoms. Those who received treatments more frequently, approximately once a week, experienced even greater benefits. [2]
Despite MS’s incurable condition, it is safe to presume that regular and sustained HBOT treatment can significantly mitigate the typical deterioration associated with MS, offering a promising method for managing this chronic condition.
Related resource:
What to expect during your first Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment
Is hyperbaric therapy good for autoimmune diseases?
Continuous research has shown that HBOT is promising for treating autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, may compromise oxygen availability in affected tissues, leading to cellular stress and dysfunction. This is where HBOT comes into play, offering a means to deliver increased levels of oxygen to the body and promote healing and immune regulation.
Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help nerve damage?
Nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy, happens when the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are impaired. This condition causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of the body, including digestion and urination. [3]
MS patients may experience pain due to nerve damage. MS directly affects the nerves that control muscles, leading to sudden sharp pains caused by nerve spasms. The painful sensations can occur in the face, arms, and legs and can present itself as:
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Pins and needles
- Abnormal sensations like burning, stabbing, electric shock, aching, and tightening [4]
Learn more:
What hyperbaric oxygen therapy can offer to those suffering from nerve damage
HBOT can aid in the healing of damaged nerves. By immersing the body in pure oxygen, HBOT effectively promotes regeneration and nerve growth. This is achieved by HBOT treatment, enhancing blood flow and oxygen levels in the affected areas and supporting recovery.
How we can help
At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we are here to support your healing journey. With our qualified team, highest safety standards, comfortable environment, and commitment to welcoming all patients, our goal is to prioritize you and ensure your needs are met throughout your experience at our centers in Orlando and New Smyrna Beach.
Our state-of-the-art Sechrist 3600 monoplane hyperbaric chambers are made of clear acrylic and equipped with streaming capabilities so you can relax and watch your favorite TV show during treatment.
Our team of hyperbaric specialists is ready to answer any questions you may have before undergoing treatment! We welcome you to contact us today.
Sources:
1: MS Prevalence | National Multiple Sclerosis Society
3: Mayo Clinic | Peripheral neuropathy
