Abnormalities of the Musculoskeletal System

Scoliosis

Definition: Abnormal sideways (lateral) curvature of spine

Symptoms:

• Often none if mild

• Severe: back pain, heart/lung problems

Tx:

• Braces / shoe lifts

• Exercise / electrical stimulation

• Severe: casting or surgery

Common in: Adolescents

Lordosis

Definition: Excessive inward curve of lower back
Also called: Swayback

Causes:
Aging, poor posture

Kyphosis

Definition: Excessive outward curve of upper back
Also called: Hunchback

Causes:
Aging, poor posture

Herniated Disk

Definition: Protrusion of nucleus of intervertebral disk

Risk Factors:

• Improper lifting

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Repetitive strain

Symptoms:

• Lumbar: low back pain → radiates down leg

• Cervical: neck pain → radiates to arms/fingers

Tx:

• NSAIDs / analgesics

• Physical therapy

• Chiropractic care

• Epidural steroid injections

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Definition: Chronic autoimmune inflammatory joint disorder

Symptoms:

• Morning stiffness

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Weight loss

Tx:

• NSAIDs

• Corticosteroids

• DMARDs (e.g., Methotrexate, Leflunomide)

• Biologics (e.g., Etanercept, Infliximab)

Fibromyalgia

Definition: Chronic widespread muscle pain of unknown cause

Symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Chronic pain

• Sleep problems

Associated:
Sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome

Tx:

• Pain control

• Sleep improvement

• Stress reduction

• Meds (e.g., Pregabalin, Duloxetine)

Myasthenia Gravis

Definition: Autoimmune neuromuscular disease → muscle weakness

Commonly Affects:
Eyes, eyelids, facial muscles, swallowing

Tx:

• Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

• Thymectomy (removal of thymus gland)

Spasm

Definition: Involuntary muscle contraction

Signs of Inflammation:
Redness, heat, swelling, pain, ↓ range of motion

Cause:
Often trauma or muscle irritation

Bursitis

Definition: Inflammation of bursa → joint pain & ↓ movement

Common Sites:
Knee, shoulder, elbow

Cause:
Overuse

Tx:

• Rest

• NSAIDs

• Corticosteroids

Lupus

Definition: Autoimmune disease causing inflammation in joints & organs

Symptoms:

• Joint pain/swelling

• Fever

• Chest & muscle pain

Gout

Definition: ↑ Uric acid → crystal buildup in joints

Risk Factors:

• Kidney disease

• Alcohol use

• Obesity

• Hypertension

• Family history

Common Site:
Big toe / foot

Tx:

• NSAIDs

• Colchicine

• Allopurinol

• Probenecid

Lyme Disease

Definition: Tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi

Key Sign:
Bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans)

Symptoms:
Flu-like symptoms

Tx:

• Doxycycline

• Amoxicillin

• IV Ceftriaxone

Restless Leg Syndrome

Definition: Unpleasant leg sensations with urge to move, especially at night

Symptoms:
Tingling, aching, twitching during rest

Associated With:
Stress

Tx:

• Lifestyle changes

• Ropinirole

• Gabapentin

• Pregabalin