Muscular Rheumatism.

Although this affection is designated rheumatism, there is every
reason for believing that its cause is quite different from that of the
disease just described. It seems to be of the same nature as
neuralgia, and might properly be so desoribed, though it is convenient
to follow the usual designation as already given.

Symptoms.—The disease is usually developed gradually. A
dull pain is felt in certain muscles, gradually increasing until it be­
comes quite severe. The pain is usually increased upon movement,
sometimes becoming convulsive and cramp-like, causing the patient
to groan, or even cry aloud. These movements, and the consequent
pain, may occur during sleep and awaken the patient. The muscles
thus affected are somewhat tender upon pressure, but present no
other signs of disease, such as swelling or redness. The constitu­
tional condition is otherwise good, and no interference occurs in the
bodily functions except such as are consequent upon the painful
movements.

The duration of this disease may vary from a day to a week,
or may last, in less severe form, indefinitely. The muscles most
apt to be affected are those of the forehead and of the temples.
Another familiar example is in the neck, resulting in what is popu­
larly termed “ wry­neck. “ The pain may also be located in the
muscles of the back and loins, constituting the affection known as
lumbago. It occurs not infrequently in the muscles of the chest,
where it may for days render deep breathing impossible without
pain.

Wherever it may occur, the characteristic feature of muscular
rheumatism is the occurrence of cramp-like pain, aggravated by the
movement of the part. In this particular it is distinguished from
neuralgia, which is a constant pain, affecting perhaps the same
localities. This form of rheumatism is undoubtedly promoted by
exposure to cold, and seems often to result from getting the feet
wet. The treatment should consist in improving the general con­
dition by such measures as will invigorate the health. In the acute
cases benefit can also be derived from the use of liniments and of
gentle friction.

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