MUSCULAR

See also:

• RHEUMATISM (from Gr. /56µa, flux)

RHEUMATISM  .—By this is understood a painful affection of certain groups of muscles attributable to inflammation of their fibrous and tendinous attachments . It is commonly brought on by exposure to cold and wet, and especially by a chill after violent exercise and free perspiration when the clothes are not changed . Any movement of the affected muscles gives rise to severe and sharp pain which may induce a certain degree of spasm and rigidity at the time . The pain usually subsides and passes off completely while the patient is at rest, but occurs on the slightest movement of the affected muscles . The chief varieties of muscular rheumatism are: r . Lumbago, in which the muscles of the lower part of the back are affected so that stooping, particularly the attempt to rise again to the erect position, induces severe pain . 2 . Intercostal rheumatism, affecting the muscles between the ribs, so that taking a deep breath and certain movements of the arms give rise to pain . 3 . Torticollis or stiff neck, affecting the muscles of one side of the neck . Treatment.—Salicylates, which are of service in acute rheumatism, are not so reliable in the chronic varieties, but are some-times of service . Aspirin, salicin, quinine and iodide of potassium may be more successful, but other active treatment is usually required .

The application of

heat in the form of poultices or fomentations, counter irritation by mustard leaves or blisters, are indicated in some cases . In others massage, hot douches, or electricity may be required . Mineral waters and baths of various health resorts are often of great benefit in obstinate cases, such as those of Buxton, Bath, Harrogate, Woodhall Spa, &c., in England, or of Aix-les-Bains, Wiesbaden, Wildbad, &c., and many others on the continent of Europe . Wintering abroad in warm, dry and sunny climates may be advisable in some cases when this is practicable . (J . F . H .