Can affect all around your chest and stomach area or only one side of your body. It is a common symptom of MS.

It is a type of Dysesthesia (a broad term for symptoms that are unexpected, unpleasant and painful.) It happens when part of your nervous system isn’t working properly.

Studies suggest that blocked nerve signals from your brain to other parts of your body cause an MS hug. This sensation is usually caused by demyelination (or damage) affecting your spinal cord. Specifically the muscles between your ribs (intercostal muscles) spasm or twitch. The sudden contraction of your muscles leads to symptoms of pain and discomfort.

An MS Hug can last for a few seconds or minutes. As with other MS symptoms, some people experience an MS Hug that can last much longer. Each person’s experience with this symptom is different. After the symptom goes away, it can com back again in the future.

My latest experience with the MS hug has been very painful and unpleasant and has lasted three days. It has been on my left side and under my left breast. It has taken my breath away and made it hard to lie down. I’ve been sleeping a little, sitting on the sofa.

I’ve found that stretching my rib and chest, though quite painful,, has helped. As of today, day four, the pain isn’t as severe.