1. Assessment Techniques of the Muscular System

2. Assessment Techniques
General Inspection: asymmetry, deformity, swelling or bruising
Systematic movement: weakness?
Reflex tests: assessing the neurological functioning of muscular system
Range of joint motion
Blood Tests: measure enzymes for possible muscular system damage
Electromyography: needles inserted in muscle
Biopsy: assessing tissue disorders

3. Disorders of the Muscular System

4. Disorders of the Muscular System
*Back Pain * Contracture *Muscle cramping * Muscular Dystrophy *Fibromyalgia * Gangrene *Hernia * Myasthenia gravis *Poliomyelitis * Muscle Sprain *Pes panus (flatfoot) *Muscle Strain *Tetanus *Trichinosis

5. Back Pain
Usually results from weakened muscles around the spine in the lower back
Recurrent back pain can be caused by:
- sedentary lifestyle
- obesity
- poor posture or muscle tone
- muscle strain or pressure on sciatica nerve
Treatment includes:
- bracing back for support
- heat applications
- exercises to strengthen the muscles
- Pain medication / Muscle relaxers

6. Muscle Cramping
Sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle producing pain
Usually occur in legs or feet
May result from exertion or unknown cause
Treatment includes stretching and gentle pressure to relieve the pain

7. Fibromyalgia
Includes a group of muscle disorders affecting the tendons, ligaments, & other fibrous tissues
Common sites of pain include:
- neck - thorax - thighs
- shoulders - lower back
S/S: Pain & tenderness after being exposed to cold, dampness, illness, or minor trauma
- does not cause inflammation
Generalized myalgia usually occurs in women
Treatment: decrease in stress, rest, heat, massage, exercise, and therapy to stretch the muscles

8. Hernia Abnormal protrusion of a body part into another body area
An example is protrusion of intestine through abdominal muscles in the groin area
May result from weakness in the muscles of the abdomen
Treatment: bracing, medication, & surgical procedure to restore proper positioning

10. Poliomyelitis Viral infection that results in paralysis of muscles
Can be prevented by vaccine
No cure
Treatment directed toward relieving symptoms

11. Pes panus Also called “Flatfoot” or “Fallen arches”
May be congenital or result from weakened foot muscles
Extremely painful
Treatment:
- corrective shoes
- massage
- special exercises

12. Tetanus Commonly called “lockjaw” Caused by a bacterial infection
Muscle spasms may be severe
Can result in death
Prevented by vaccine
No cure
Treatment involves preventing complications of muscle spasms & life support

13. Contracture
Condition in which muscles remain contracted as a joint loses flexibility and ligaments & tendons shorten
Results from gradual muscle wasting (atrophy) because of lack of movement of the muscles
Can be prevented with range of motion exercises
Treatment of severe contractures may involve surgical cutting of ligaments

14. Muscular Dystrophy
Group of genetic diseases involving painless, gradual atrophy of muscle tissue
Mild to severe disability
No cure
Treatment:
- meds to slow progression
- braces
- corrective surgery

15. Gangrene Caused by Clostridium, a bacteria that kills muscle tissue
Begins when the bacteria enters an area of the muscle tissue that has died
The bacteria then destroys surrounding living tissue
Extremities are most often affected, but gallbladder or intestines may become infected in some cases
Treatment: removal of dead tissue, antibiotics, & meds against the toxins produced by the bacteria

16. Myasthenia Gravis
Condition in which nerve impulses are not transmitted normally from the brain to the muscles
Unknown cause, although it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder
S/S : Muscle weakness in different body areas eventually becomes severe, although remission may occur
No cure
Treatment: may include maintaining life support

17. Muscle Sprain
Traumatic injury to the tendons, muscles, or ligaments of a joint
Causes pain and swelling
Treatment: Alternating heat & cold, rest

18. Muscle Strain Torn or stretched tendons and muscles, causing pain
May occur if muscles are exerted too suddenly or for too long
In severe cases the muscle may break in two pieces, leaving a gap in the middle
Treatment: stopping all activity, elevation, ice application to minimize swelling, or alternating heat/cold applications

19. Trichinosis Parasitic infection caused by eating undercooked pork
Parasite forms cysts in muscle tissue, especially diaphragm & chest muscle
S/S: Pain, tenderness, & fatigue
Can be fatal if it affects the brain or heart
Treatment: fluids, nutritional support, medication to relieve pain, reduce fever, and kill the parasites