Homestatic imbalances

Myasthenia Gravis

Autoimmune disorder destroying ACh receptors at the neuromuscular junction; causes muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

X-linked disorder causing lack of dystrophin protein; progressive muscle weakness starting in childhood, often leading to paralysis by adulthood.

Myotonic Dystrophy

Inherited mutation (DMPK or CNBP genes); delayed muscle relaxation and weakness, sometimes with heart or cataract issues.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Trigger points in muscle fascia cause referred pain; often linked to stress, poor posture, or overuse.

Fibromyalgia

Chronic muscle and connective tissue inflammation; widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and tender points.

Muscle Strain (“Charley Horse”)

Overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers, often due to poor warm-up or overexertion; treated with RICE

Disuse Atrophy

Muscle wasting from inactivity or nerve damage; loss of muscle mass due to reduced protein synthesis.

Tetanus

Caused by Clostridium tetani toxin blocking inhibitory neurotransmitters; leads to constant muscle contraction and rigidity.

Aerobic Training

Improves endurance by increasing capillaries, mitochondria, and myoglobin in muscle fibers.

Strength/Resistance Training

Builds muscle mass through high resistance; enlarges fibers and increases myofibrils and glycogen.

Interval Training

Alternating high- and low-intensity workouts; boosts aerobic fitness and fast-twitch muscle conditioning.

Anabolic Steroids

Synthetic testosterone that increases muscle mass rapidly; misuse leads to hormonal and behavioral side effects.

Bell’s Palsy

Facial nerve inflammation (often viral); causes one-sided facial paralysis and drooping; treated with steroids like prednisolone.

Inguinal Hernia

Intestinal tissue protrudes through weak abdominal wall; causes groin bulge and discomfort; may require surgery.

Urinary Stress Incontinence

Weakened pelvic floor muscles cause urine leakage during coughing, laughing, or exercise; treated with Kegel exercises.

Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder tendon “pinching” from repeated overhead use; causes pain and weakness; may lead to rotator cuff tear.

Compartment Syndrome

Dangerous pressure buildup in muscle compartments after injury; can cause tissue death; requires emergency surgery.

Calcaneal (Achilles) Tendon Rupture

Sudden tendon tear causing heel pain and swelling; often from overuse or improper stretching; may need surgery or boot.

Back Injury (from Heavy Lifting)

Strain of lumbar muscles/ligaments from lifting or twisting; causes sharp or dull back pain; usually heals with rest and medication.

Groin Pull

Tearing of adductor muscles from sudden stress; causes pain in inner thigh; treated with rest and gradual stretching.

Hamstring Strain

Overstretching or tearing of posterior thigh muscles during sprinting or jumping; causes pain and bruising; treated with RICE.

Shin Splints

Overuse injury causing pain along tibia due to inflammation or stress fracture; rest, ice, and new shoes aid recovery.

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of plantar fascia from overuse; causes stabbing heel pain; treated with anti-inflammatories and orthotics.

Torticollis (Wryneck)

Neck muscle contractions twist the head; may result from injury or drugs; managed with therapy, braces, or surgery.