Signs of Muscular Dystrophy: Muscle Contractions
Muscle contractions are one of the warning signs of muscular dystrophy. When a muscle tenses up and is unable to relax voluntarily, it causes a muscle contraction or spasm. This sustained tension can result in painful muscle cramps. To alleviate muscle contractions, patients are advised to straighten the affected area and apply heat to promote muscle relaxation. In some cases, physicians may also prescribe muscle relaxers to help relieve the tension.
Unusual Walking Patterns
Individuals with muscular dystrophy often face challenges when it comes to walking. However, their bodies have a remarkable ability to adapt and compensate for these difficulties. When one walking pattern becomes ineffective, they can make slight adjustments to their gait to alleviate strain on the weakened muscles. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism can eventually lead to issues in the back and neck as the body continues to readjust in ways that may not be biomechanically ideal.