Muscle Disorders: A Medical Overview

There are many different kinds of muscle disorders that can affect the human body. This article provides an overview of each type.Photo byVictor FreitasonUnsplash

Muscle disorders are a type of illness that affects the muscular system within the human body, typically including muscle weakness as the main symptom. Muscle disorders can refer to any type of condition that affects the muscles or the nerves that directly control or supply the muscles, such as neuromuscular diseases or muscular dystrophy.

Types of Muscle Disorders

Muscle disorders are either classified as primary or secondary, genetic or acquired, or neuromuscular or myopathies.

• Primary — Disorders resulting from muscle abnormalities
• Secondary — Disorders that are secondary to another condition that could have led to long-term muscle damage
• Genetic — Disorders resulting from genetics/parents
• Acquired — Disorders that develop throughout a person's lifetime
• Neuromuscular — Conditions that affect the muscles in the arms, legs, heart, or lungs; also refers to the nerves that control the muscles
• Myopathies — Skeletal muscle diseases that cause the muscles to waste away over time

Causes of Muscle Disorders

Along with genetics and acquired muscle disorders, there are specific causes for certain types of illnesses or diseases that can lead to short-term or long-term muscle weakness and atrophy. Some of the most common reasons for muscle weakening, cramping, tearing, or straining include injury or overuse, such as in sports or repetitive motions. For example, hamstring tears from intense sporting activity without stretching can lead to long-term weakness if not properly cared for.

In addition, infectious disease, medicines, endocrine issues or metabolic causes can all lead to potential muscular issues that can cause weakening or inability to use specific muscles. Other disorders, like autoimmune disorders, can directly affect the nerves and muscles in the body, too.

Symptoms of Muscle Disorders

In order to care for muscle disorders and get the proper treatment, recognizing the signs and symptoms of this type of disease is key to receiving care as soon as possible. The most common signs of muscle disorders include weakness, breathing issues, fatigue, loss of strength, fever, stiffness, numbness, double vision, dysphagia, dyspnea, or problems walking/balancing.

Types of Muscle Disorders

There are a few common types of muscle disorders that can lead to the need for long-term care for patients. However, some are short term and acute due to activity, contractions, or weakness. For example, cramping is a common muscle disorder due to involuntary contractions that goes away over time.

Other types of muscle disorders that are more serious for long-term health are ‘myopathies’, including polymyositis and muscular dystrophy. These myopathies are degenerative and typically hereditary, although they can occasionally be caused by a weakened immune system. This leads to atrophy and wasting of the muscle over a period of time.

Lastly, fibrositis is a common type of muscle disorder that requires intensive treatment to mediate the symptoms. This disorder features musculoskeletal pain typically found in adults between 40 and 60 years old. The most common symptoms include aching muscles, pain, myalgias, articular pain, and neurovascular concerns.

Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

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Article originally written by Emma Starr.