There are approximately 639 skeletal muscles in the human body that function to help us do everything from the simplest task of turning our head to running a marathon. Now, imagine those very same muscles on which you rely suddenly and unexpectedly grow weaker or give out completely. This is often the case for individuals suffering from polymyositis.
What is Polymyositis?
Polymyositis is a muscular disease that falls into a group of similar disorders known as the inflammatory myopathies, and is characterized by chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. While the causes of such diseases are still largely unknown, polymyositis affects skeletal muscles on both sides of the body, which are necessary for movement. The disorder is typically found in adults between the ages of 31 and 60.
What are the symptoms?
Individuals affected by polymyositis typically begin to experience weakness in the proximal muscles, or those located closest to the trunk of the body, and move to the outermost muscles as the disease progresses. Other symptoms include difficulties climbing stairs, rising from a seated position, lifting objects or reaching overhead, arthritis, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and heart arrhythmias. When polymyositis manifestations include a cutaneous (skin) rash, the disease is referred to as dermatomyositis (DM).
Are there treatment options?
While there is no cure for polymyositis, there is a plethora of treatment options that integrate techniques such as medications, physical therapy, heat therapy, exercise, orthotics and rest. Medication-based treatments often include high doses of what known as “corticosteroids,” anti-inflammatory medicines related to cortisone. Another drug option involves the use of immunosuppressant medications. These work to suppress the immune system’s natural response of attracting white blood cells to muscles, which causes inflammation.
As with many other disorders that fall into the inflammatory myopathies, supplementing medical treatment with physical activity and various alternative therapies is recommended. Be sure to check back for a future post on testing and diagnosis protocols.
Sources:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – NINDS Polymyositis Page: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/polymyositis/polymyositis.htm
CNN Health – Polymyositis: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/polymyositis/DS00334.html
The Mayo Clinic – Polymyositis: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polymyositis/DS00334
MedicineNet.com – Polymyositis: http://www.medicinenet.com/polymyositis/page4.htm#5howis
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