Imagine waking up every morning uncertain if your body will cooperate with you that day. For the one million Americans living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), this unpredictability is a daily reality. MS, a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system, can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, vision problems, and cognitive challenges—often making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, more than 1 million people in the United States live with MS, with most experiencing their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 50 (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2019). Additionally, research has found that women are three to four times more likely to develop MS than men (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2019).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to inflammation, scarring, and disruption of nerve signals. This damage results in a range of symptoms, including:

– Fatigue
– Muscle weakness
– Coordination and balance difficulties
– Numbness or tingling
– Vision problems
– Cognitive impairment

The Role of Sunlight and Vitamin D in MS Risk

Studies have indicated a strong connection between low sun exposure and an increased risk of developing MS. Research suggests that individuals living closer to the equator, where sunlight exposure is higher, have lower prevalence rates of MS (Toghiani et al., 2020). Sunlight, through UV-B rays, plays a key role in vitamin D production, which supports immune function and may reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases like MS (Lucas et al., 2020).

Infrared Light Therapy and MS

Near-infrared light therapy has been studied as a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing MS symptoms. Research suggests that infrared light therapy may help reduce inflammation, enhance nerve function, and improve mobility in people with MS.

A review of studies found that near-infrared therapy modulates brain markers related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, which may contribute to neuroprotection and functional recovery (Hamblin, 2022). Another study highlighted the positive impacts of mitochondrial function, immune cell regulation, and reduction of free radical formation, all of which contribute to a reduction in neurological deficits associated with MS (Salehpour et al., 2023).

Infrared light penetrates deep into tissues, where it stimulates cellular processes that promote healing and reduce inflammation. The key benefits of this therapy for MS include:

Reducing inflammation – PBM helps regulate inflammatory responses in the CNS, which is crucial in managing MS symptoms (Salehpour et al., 2023).
Enhancing nerve regeneration – Studies suggest that PBM supports neuronal repair by stimulating mitochondrial activity and reducing oxidative stress (Hamblin, 2022).
Improving mobility and function – Research indicates that MS patients undergoing PBM therapy report improvements in muscle function, coordination, and reduced pain (Salehpour et al., 2023).

The potential of infrared therapy is already making a difference in the lives of MS patients- right here in Early Texas! One client shared her experience after using infrared therapy after a diagnosis of MS:

“I was hoping for some small improvement after 90 days, but my pain level decreased, and I’m walking better after just one visit.”

Infrared therapy offers a promising, non-invasive approach to symptom management for MS. As Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month encourages education and advocacy, exploring innovative solutions like infrared therapy may provide hope and relief for many.

For more insights on MS management and real client experiences, visit our testimonials page.

“MS Ends With Us!”
– Your Friends at Innovation Wellness

References:

Hamblin, M. R. (2022). Photobiomodulation for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies. Frontiers in Neurology, 13, 1465621. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2024.1465621/full

Lucas, R. M., Ponsonby, A. L., Dear, K., Valery, P. C., Pender, M. P., Taylor, B. V., van der Mei, I. A., & Coulthard, A. (2020). Low sun exposure increases multiple sclerosis risk both directly and indirectly. PNAS, 117(29), 16456–16465. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7109160/

National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2019). Multiple sclerosis prevalence in the United States. Neurology, 92(10), e1029-e1040. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Who-Gets-MS

Salehpour, F., Khademosseini, M. H., Hamblin, M. R., & Rasta, S. H. (2023). Photobiomodulation therapy in multiple sclerosis: A review of mechanisms and potential applications. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 20(1), 9841388. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9841388/

Toghiani, F., Yavari, P., & Nikfar, S. (2020). Association between latitude and prevalence of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurology, 20, 8837843. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8837843/