The neurons carrying sensory messages of pain, touch, heat, cold and pressure from the skin and deeper tissues back to the spinal cord and brain are unaffected.  However, while most people experience little or no pain at any stage of the illness, others may experience some pain or discomfort.

Examples of the types of pain are:

• Cramps in the muscles especially those of the legs. These are most common in the early stages of the disease and may occur with exercise or at rest.
• Weakness of the muscles around a joint allows excessive strain to be transmitted directly through the ligaments and soft tissues.This results in pain and stiffness in the joint.  The problem most commonly affects the shoulder joint.  Care should be taken not to pull on the arms when assisting transfers or to leave a weak arm hanging unsupported.
• Inactivity of muscles of the shoulder area may lead to a "frozen shoulder" problem, where movement at the shoulder causes pain.
• The loss of normal posture control, secondary to muscle weakness, can result in pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulder, hip and knees. The discomfort is characteristically improved by changing the patient's posture or position. This problem is worse in people who are too weak to readily move or reposition themselves. Carers need to know how and when to readjust the position of patients with MND in order to minimise this problem. Electrically operated beds and chairs can assist the person with MND to improve their mobility and subsequent comfort.
• Unpleasant feelings of exaggerated sensitivity of the skin. The cause of this uncommon problem is unknown.
• Pain can be treated using a number of physical measures.  Special cushions and mattresses provide extra 'padding' especially if patients have lost weight.  Prevention of pain arising from stiff shoulders and other joints is possible through gentle passive exercise of those limbs which are too weak to be moved by the patient's own efforts.An example of physical treatment is the use of hot packs - or even a warm bath.Similarly, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) may also be of value.Although TENS machines are expensive, they can be obtained on loan or hired.   Information about sources of supply in each State are available from the local Motor Neurone Disease Association.Physical treatments are best accessed through a physiotherapist.

Depending on the symptoms being experienced by the patient, Doctors can prescribe a range of medications for pain.