When you think of a hug, you typically think of something warm and inviting, happy and comforting. For people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), however, the "MS Hug" means something entirely different.

MS is a chronic and unpredictable disease in which the body basically attacks itself. Put simply: The immune systems attacks myelin, which acts as a protective sheath around all the nerves in the body. Damage to myelin causes a breakdown in communication between your central nervous system and your brain, spinal cord and other areas of your body.

This breakdown in communication can lead to a long list of symptoms, ranging from double or blurry vision to slurred speech to irreversible neurological damage that eventually may cause the loss of the ability to walk.

One of the common neurological symptoms of MS is what is commonly referred to as the "MS Hug." It is sometimes also called "girdle-band sensation." People who suffer from it often refer to it as something much less mundane-sounding – "The Death Grip."

What Exactly is Causing the "Hugging" Sensation?

MS Hug is a sensation felt along the trunk of the body, anywhere from below the neckline to the waist. This is actually spasms of the small intercostal muscles between your ribs. The intercostal muscles hold the ribs together and keep them flexible so they expand when you move, bend and breathe.

When these muscles go into uncontrolled, involuntary spasms, the result is MS Hug, an abnormal and painful pressure that can last anywhere from a few seconds to hours or, in more extreme cases, even days.

Are You Being MS Hugged?

Many who experience MS Hug say it feels like they are wearing a girdle, only more painful. Common patient descriptions of the feeling include: squeezing, crushing, stabbing, gnawing, ants crawling under the skin, hot or cold burning, or pins and needles around the abdomen.

Interestingly, some people experience no pain but do describe tight pressure around the waist, torso or neck. Others may experience a band of tingling or burning or just general, widespread aching. 

These feelings can occur anywhere along the trunk of the body, as low as the waist or as high as the chest, but very rarely as high as the shoulders or neck. The sensations typically come in steady waves, lasting from several seconds to minutes or hours at a time.

MS Hug symptoms can become worse if the person is fatigued or stressed. Difficulty breathing or painful breathing often accompany these symptoms and sometimes are so severe that it is often perceived as or mistaken for a heart attack or panic attack.

Everybody experiences symptoms differently. When it comes to an MS Hug, feelings and sensations vary from person to person.

What Triggers MS Hug?

An increase in MS Hug symptoms does not necessarily mean the disease has progressed or is getting worse. Often, day-to-day activities and your reactions to them can cause an MS Hug attack or flare-up.

Too much heat, an increase in stress or general fatigue are all signs that your body is not running at its best, which can cause things to go askew. If you find your MS Hug symptoms are happening more often or getting worse, it may be a sign that you need to slow down, cool off, rest and give yourself a little more TLC.

Natural Treatment Options

MS Hug flare-ups can come on with no warning, and the painful, uncomfortable symptoms can make you feel like you're completely out of commission until they go away. Although there is no surefire way to prevent the MS Hug, there are several things a person can do to lessen his or her chances.

Heat therapy: Apply a warm compress to the area where there is pain, tingling or pressure. Keep in mind that although this benefits many people, others report that heat makes the sensation worse. So monitor your own body's reaction to this or any treatment.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Your body needs water to function at its peak, and MS Hug is no exception to the rule. More water can only help.

Healthy eating: Eat a healthy, balanced diet and monitor your nutrition intake. As with water, your body needs the right amount of nutrients to function at its optimal best and overcome MS Hug.

Get a massage: If you've been looking for an excuse to get a massage, this is it. A trained therapist may be able to help ease some of the discomfort associated with the condition.

Rest up: Get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Because fatigue and stress are common MS Hug triggers, you need to take care of yourself to alleviate both of those. Getting plenty of sleep can go a long way in making you feel better.

Breathe better: Sure, you breathe unconsciously every day, but take the time to really breathe and feel the healing power of it. Many people say deep breathing techniques, yoga and meditation have great restorative power when it comes to your body and MS Hug symptoms.

Dress comfortably: When your body is feeling restrictive, the last thing you need is to wear too-tight or constricting clothes. Leave your skinny jeans in the closet for now and slip into something more comfortable.

Drug Treatment Options

If none of the above work, or if you just want to try something more medical, there are several drugs available to help fight MS Hug.

Your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen, ibuprofen, pain relief cream, muscle relaxers, neuropathic medicines or relapse medications.

As with any other condition, talk to your doctor as soon as you feel any MS Hug symptoms so he or she can prescribe the best medicine or combination of treatments to get you back on your feet and feeling better again.