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Pain Medication Use and Perceived Effectiveness in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Mixed-Methods Study
Mohammed Suleiman Obsa1,2, Alice Saul1, Kristen Lefever3
1Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, utas.edu.au.
Pain Research & Management
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) use pain medications, with many finding them effective. However, side effects and ineffectiveness frequently lead to stopping medications, highlighting the need for tailored treatment plans for pain management in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) often involves multiple pain medications, yet comparative effectiveness data is limited.
- Understanding pain medication use and patient experiences in MS is crucial for optimizing treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe pain medication use and perceived effectiveness in individuals with MS.
- To identify factors influencing the number of pain medications used.
- To explore reasons for discontinuing pain medications and the lived experience of patients.
Main Methods:
- A pain survey was administered to 1691 participants in the Australian MS Longitudinal Study.
- Quantitative data (n=899 with regular pain) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and negative binomial regression.
- Qualitative data from 26 focus group participants were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- 87.3% of participants with regular pain used pain medication, with 62.3% reporting significant improvement.
- Opioids, cannabinoids, antimigraine drugs, paracetamol/NSAID combinations, and sedatives were commonly effective.
- Increased pain types/severity, female sex, and greater disability correlated with higher medication counts; side effects and ineffectiveness were key reasons for stopping.
Conclusions:
- The majority of people with MS pain utilize medications with acceptable effectiveness.
- Discontinuation due to side effects and ineffectiveness is common, necessitating treatment adjustments.
- Effective pain management is achievable for most individuals with MS through personalized treatment plans.
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