Heat and MS — Not a Happy Marriage

It’s about 2 degrees shy of hell here in Washington, D.C. right now. Last year, I swore I’d be in San Diego for the summer. Yet here I am.

By: Mariska Breland ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

For people with multiple sclerosis, heat is like kryptonite. I literally feel my strength draining away when it’s hot. Or humid. Or — worst of all — hot and humid, which is basically D.C.’s summer motto. Today, walking to the corner feels like a marathon. I’m even dealing with a little vertigo-induced nausea because, apparently, I live in a sauna.

Again, I’m rethinking my life choices.

Over a decade ago, I almost moved to Seattle. But then I remembered: the Pacific Northwest has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. (On the bright side, I already have MS, so maybe environmental risks are a moot point?)

Why Is Heat So Bad for MS?

In MS, inflammation around the brain and spinal cord can “heat up” (pun intended) as your body temperature rises. This leads to a temporary worsening of symptoms — weakness, fatigue, brain fog, and sometimes even trouble walking. The same thing happens if you have a fever.

Back in the flu season of 2012–13, I caught the flu from my 3-year-old nephew (aka the bioterrorist). I could barely walk. It felt a lot like it does now, except my current “fever” is just from living too close to the sun (I’m thinking 30–40 miles, tops). Same thing happened each time I’ve gotten Covid.

The good news: When you cool down, your MS symptoms usually subside. No lasting damage is done. It’s like Superman shaking off kryptonite — except instead of a lead apron, I just need a cold drink and some AC.

Cooling Devices and MS

There are cooling vests and other gadgets designed (or at least marketed) for people with MS. Personally, I find them a bit cumbersome for working out, so for now, I’m sticking to staying indoors.
If you’re a fitness professional working with MS clients, remember: cranking the AC to Arctic levels isn’t the answer. Extreme cold can also impair nerve conduction and make spasticity worse. The goal is a comfortable, moderate temperature — not a freezer.

What’s the Solution?

Honestly, the only real option is… San Diego. (Or anyplace with perfect, mild weather. A girl can dream.)

But since I’m still in D.C., I’m focusing on what I can control: staying cool, staying active (indoors!), and keeping my sense of humor. If you’re dealing with heat intolerance, you’re not alone. Check out our Online Classes for workouts you can do in the comfort of your own (air-conditioned) home.

Want to learn more about exercise for neurological disease and the latest in neuroscience? Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page.

For more on heat and MS, check out this National MS Society: Heat & Temperature Sensitivity resource

Mariska Breland is a prominent Pilates instructor and advocate for those living with neurological conditions. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002 and became a Nationally Certified Pilates teacher shortly afterwards. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Mariska channeled her experiences into creating transformative solutions for teachers and patients. She is notable for her neuro-based workshops, inventing the Fuse Ladder fitness apparatus, and her popular classes on Pilates Anytime. Mariska's current focus is brain-based fitness training and lifestyle guidance for patients and education for providers. She provides resources and strategies for living with neurological conditions through The Neuro Studio.

Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash