CAUSES OF BACK PAIN IN OLDER ADULT
They are several issues that causes back or waist pain in older adults. We are going to discuss just two of them, but focus more on just one. If you have such challenge please consult your doctor. What we will discuss in our topic today is “back pain in older adult caused by inflammation of the muscle”. This is one of the issues that causes back pain in older adult.
MYOSITIS
Myositis known as inflammation of the muscle is caused by an injury or autoimmune diseases. It causes weakness of the muscle closest to the trunk of your body.
TYPES OF MYOSITIS
They are two specific kinds namely:
1. Dermatomyositis
2. Polymyositis.
DERMATOMYOSITIS
The prefix-derma in dermatomyosis is a combining form denoting skin and myositis, and this means inflammation of the muscle, therefore dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disorder which affects skin and muscles. Some of the symptoms of dermatomyositis are: skin rash, worsening muscle weakness overtime, weight loss, fever, lung inflammation.
POLYMYOSITIS
This is a type of chronic muscle inflammation resulting from the inflammation of many muscle, hence the prefix-poly. The inflammation of polymyositis is mainly found in the endomysial layer (in the wispy layer of the areolar connective tissue that ensheaths each individual mycocytes (muscle cell)) of the skeletal muscle.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
1. Weakness of muscle.
2. Flexion of the neck, torso, and pains in same areas.
3. Areas around the hips where there is movement of joint that increased the angle between two bones at joints are often severely affected, leading to difficulty in movement, for instance rising from a seated position.
4. Low grade fever, enlarge nymph node may be present.
5. Inability to raise the toe or foot from the ankle (In one or both feet). This can be a symptom of advanced polymyositis.
Polymyositis tends to became evident in adulthood, and muscle weakness is often noted in the upper leg due to early fatigue while working.
CAUSES
The tentative evidence is an association with Celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine). The cause is unknown and may involve autoimmune factors (abnormal immune response to functioning body parts.)
TREATMENT
1. The use of corticosteroids. They are class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of the vertebrate.
2. Specialized exercise therapy as prescribed by a physiotherapist
3. Isomeric exercise (form of exercise involving the static contraction of muscle without any visible movement in the angle of the joint e.g. plank, side plank)
4. Aerobic activities. Example stair climbing, walking.
NOTE: EXERCISE SHOULD BE MONITORED.
FOODS THAT CAN HELP
1. Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in Salmon fish, Quail eggs, blue fish, Tuna, Mackerel, Flaxseed, walnut, Pecans, Canola oil, Walnut oil.
2. Fruits and vegetable have groups of nutrients that fights free radicals which can damage cells. Grains that supplies foliate, vitamin B6 and B2 like Rye, Oats and Barley.
3. Dairy products are rich in calcium (mineral that build bones and muscles) like Lactose free milk, Soya milk, Almond milk.
4. Eat beans, nuts, and seeds that provide protein and fiber: those that are excellent source of vitamin E and Selenium. Example, flaxseed, soy beans, kidney beans, Walnut, healthier fat like Avocado, Olive oil.
Note: limit solid fats like butter, lard etc. Consume these foods and foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids even if you have myositis or not.
Great piece!
You must be logged in to post a comment.