Stiff Muscles (Rigidity) in Parkinson’s Disease

Rigidity is an inability of a muscle to relax normally. Most people with Parkinson’s disease experience muscle rigidity or stiffness of limbs. This rigidity and stiffness is caused by tensing o muscles and inhibits your ability to move about freely. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder if it first presents with problem of movement than cure is impossible. Smooth and coordinated muscle movements of the body are made possible by a substance in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine is produced in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. In Parkinson’s disease the cells of the substantia nigra start to die when this happens, dopamine levels are reduced, when they have dropped 60 to 80 percent, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease starts to appear.

Tremor:

Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic shaking of limb, head or entire body. The most recognized symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, tremor often starts with an occasional tremor in one finger that eventually spreads to the whole arm. The tremor may affect only one or one side of the body, especially in the early stages of the diseases. The muscle rigidity experienced with Parkinson’s disease often begins with leg and neck. The muscles become tense and contracted and some people may feel pain and stiffness.

Bradykinesia:

Bradykinesia is a slowness of movement or absence of movement a person with Parkinson’s disease may develop stopped posture or slow, shuffling walk. They eventually also may lose their ability to start and keep moving. After a few years they may experience akinesia or freezing and are not able to move at all. Parkinson’s disease patient typically becomes stooped and may walk with a shuffle or limb their arms sees to swing when they walk and they can have problem in turning around. When large muscles are affected, people can have difficulty in standing and walking. Involuntary muscle activity may also get Impaired.

Treatment:

The treatment includes different types of therapies and medicines as well. The first and most important thing is to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Mobility, coordination, range of motion can be controlled by physiotherapy it increasing muscle strength, improving gait and balance. It prevents falls and gives a patient confidence. Except therapy medicines are also given to improve the working of the brain and to maintain adequate quantities of dopamine in the brain.  Deep brain surgery (DBS) is also recommended but it can be life threatening.

A non-profit Canadian based worldwide organization about the disease of the nervous system (Parkinson’s) named as World Parkinson’s Program. more Info visit :