Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness is defined as a loss of strength in the muscles that results in the inability to do specific tasks. It must be distinguished from fatigue, which is a feeling of tiredness.

What causes muscle weakness?

Muscles are activated by nerves, with one of the steps involving the release of chemicals at the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) where nerve cells interface with muscle fibers. Nerve signals for muscle movement arise in the brain or spinal cord (reflex movements) and travel through cranial nerves to muscles in the head and neck and through the spinal cord and peripheral nerves to muscles of the body. Muscle weakness can result from damage to nerves, alterations at the NMJ, or damage to muscles.

What types of muscle weakness can occur?

The most common cause of generalized muscle weakness is prolonged inactivity, such as from bed rest or a sedentary lifestyle. 

Sudden loss of muscle function is usually due to nerve trauma and requires immediate evaluation. Specific causes include infarction in the brain (stroke) or spinal cord and trauma (tearing, stretching, severing) or compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves. A lesion in the base of the spine, called the cauda equina, causes loss of function of smooth muscles in the bladder and bowel and sudden incontinence.

The relatively rapid onset of muscle weakness and other symptoms is typical with infection such as varicella zoster, syphilis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barre, HIV, Lyme disease, botulism or a brain or spinal cord abscess. Inflammatory causes of nerve damage include diabetes mellitus and vasculitis. 

Developing more slowly, chemical causes of muscle weakness due to nerve damage include vitamin (thiamine, B6, B12) or mineral (copper, phosphorus, potassium) deficiency; heavy metal (e.g., lead), alcohol, or organophosphate poisoning. 

Progressive muscle weakness can be seen as the result of diseases such as the various myopathies, Myasthenia Gravis and ALS, among others – as well as diseases of the brain and spinal cord such as MS and tumors.

How is muscle weakness treated?

Muscles weakened by disuse can often be strengthened by a planned program of physical conditioning and exercise. 

Treatments for other causes of muscle weakness depend on the mechanism and severity of injury and usually include medications or surgery. Physical therapy and exercises are also important in these cases to rebuild muscle strength and flexibility and prevent painful contractures. 

Back muscles, like any other muscle in the body, require adequate exercise to maintain strength and tone.

While muscles like the gluteals are used any time we walk or climb a step, deep back muscles and abdominal muscles are usually left inactive and unconditioned. Unless muscles are specifically exercised, back muscles and abdominal muscles tend to weaken with age. Trust the doctors at Integrated Pain Management to get you on the right path to better muscle strength.

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PRP Stem Cell Theraphy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative regenerative therapy that leverages the growth factors in your blood to heal your body.

Headache

Besides treating headache,
Dr. Roofian specializes in treating cervicogenic headaches, a head pain that originates in the neck.

Shoulder Pain

Dr. Roofian offers a variety of treatment solutions designed to treat your temporary or chronic shoulder pain at its source.

Herniated Disk

Dr. Roofian performs a physical exam, evaluates your symptoms & may recommend a digital imaging scan to rule out conditions.

IV Ketamine Infusion Treatment

Dr. Roofian designs individualized treatment protocols based on the nature of your pain and your responsiveness to initial sessions.

Knee Pain

Dr. Roofian is a pain management specialist offering knee pain treatments for men and women of all ages in Beverly Hills, Tarzana, and Chula Vista, California.

Lower Back Pain

Dr. Roofian reviews your personal and family medical history, discusses your pain, and performs a physical examination to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Pain Management on Lien

Dr. Roofian offers healthcare services for personal or workers compensation cases on a lien. If you’ve sustained a personal or work-related injury.

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Shawn Roofian, MD, Beverly Hills, CA
Phone (appointments): 310-926-4922 | Phone (general inquiries): 310-926-4922
Address: 8500 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 105, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Shawn Roofian, MD, Tarzana, CA
Phone (appointments): 310-926-4922 | Phone (general inquiries): 310-926-4922
Address: 5620 Wilbur Avenue, Suite 305, Tarzana, CA 91356

Shawn Roofian, MD, Glendale, CA
Phone (appointments): 310-926-4922 | Phone (general inquiries): 310-926-4922
Address: 111 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91206

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