Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, can affect the entire body or specific regions. Almost everyone experiences such pain at some point in their life. While it can be treated, knowing the cause is essential to develop a treatment plan. The pain could be triggered by various factors, including injury, trauma, and even severe diseases or infections. Read on to learn about the five most common health conditions that may cause muscle pain.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain throughout the body. Muscle aches and pains are widespread in people with the condition. It is usually the first symptom that causes people to seek diagnosis and treatment. When lupus and muscle ache exist together, it is called lupus myositis. Patients may experience severe pain and inflammation in their shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. This can make it difficult for them to get up from a chair, climb stairs, or brush their hair. Although muscles do not weaken in lupus, the pain can be intense.
Multiple sclerosis
This is an autoimmune disease that damages the nerves in the body. Sometimes, it affects the nerves that control muscle movement, causing acute pain. The muscles usually become stiff or weak and trigger painful muscle contractions. This pain usually occurs in the arms and legs, affecting the ability to sit, stand, walk, or move about easily.
Myofascial pain syndrome
This is a chronic disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. It can impact either a single muscle or a muscle group. Some people with myofascial pain syndrome experience muscle pain occasionally, while the problem persists for others. The pain appears in specific trigger points in the body that usually develop in the upper back, neck, or shoulder muscles. It gets worse when the affected muscle is stretched or strained. The trigger points may feel like small bumps or knots in the muscle.
Thyroid disease
Muscle pain, weakness, and cramping are common in people with hypothyroidism, a prevalent disorder where the thyroid gland does not release sufficient thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. It mainly affects larger muscles, like those in the thighs and shoulders. Alternatively, the overproduction of thyroid hormones, or hyperthyroid myopathy, affects muscles throughout the body. This can lead to problems climbing stairs, holding objects, or reaching arms above the head. Some experience weakness in the throat, face, and respiratory muscles. There are treatments for hyperthyroidism, but it can take weeks or months for muscle cramps and stiffness to improve.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a prevalent autoimmune disease where the immune system affects the joints, causing inflammation and swelling. If the inflammation prevents a person from moving the joints, the muscles around them get stiff and sore. The pain that arises differs from the typical joint pain that primarily affects specific joints on both sides of the body. The intensity of pain also varies among individuals. When such muscle pain arises along with rheumatoid arthritis, the condition is called rheumatoid myositis. The common symptoms are weakness, swelling, and pain in the muscles. This health condition accelerates the loss of muscle mass that usually occurs as people age.
Muscle pain with loss of motion is a red flag to watch out for. But in most cases, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. If muscle pain or cramping affects the back, one can get relief by applying a pain-relieving patch. Back patches help manage pain, improve movement, and speed up recovery. They are also available in XL sizes that target maximum surface area. Individuals should consult a healthcare provider if the problem worsens or persists without an apparent cause.
-
The world of franchising explained
Read moreThe idea of owning a franchised business is appealing to many first-time business owners. The lure of buying into an existing, successful business model is hard to resist with many urban myths on the ease of owning and running a franchise. With many franchises failing within the first year of business is proof that the idea of a franchise that runs itself is nothing but a myth. This myth is the first and biggest pitfall of the Franchise business. So, first time investors, ask yourself the ultimate question before you commit to a franchised business, ‘Is Franchising for You?’
The first question before committing to a franchise is to know what franchise to pick. Most investors run through the plethora of available franchises and prefer to take one up, that is more attuned to their personal sensibilities. This may not be the best for the brand or the franchisee. A franchise, like another business, is dependent on the local market. If the product is sellable and has a demand in the area, the chances of it bringing in profits are higher. Buying into a franchise that is attuned to your personality will only offer you a happy work place.
The second question before settling down on a franchised business is, ‘How much time can you give the business?’. The idea of the self-running franchise, working at your own pace, and that the franchisor does most of the thinking are all myths. The reality is that a franchisee is solely responsible for the franchised business. Forget the Franchise myth of a 40-hour week, depending upon the business you choose, you may end up spending 70 hours a week to make sure everything runs right. Franchisees must understand that the business does not run itself, each outlet requires management, either from franchisees or from employees hired for the job.
The most important question to ask yourself before you invest in a franchise is, ‘can you afford the franchise?’ Though Franchisors will take in some of the costs to get the franchise up and running. Most franchises that die within the year die because of low capital. Franchisors can provide average running costs, but the franchise is still a business and needs to have enough funds to run till it is profitable. Most franchises start with a bang, but revenues coming in is solely dependent on local market conditions and how franchisees can tackle problems that arrive on a regular basis.
If you believe you can run your own business, toe the line and follow orders, put in the man hours, then buying into a franchise might bring you the financial rewards you seek.
-
Decorate your windows with Roman shade pattern
Read moreFurnishing the interior, whether it is your office or home, is a massive task in itself. The most difficult time is when you have to match the window blinds with the decor of the room. It is not always about privacy that one needs a drape on the windows. Sometimes it’s just to give a polished look to the interior of the house.
Roman shade patterns are decorative and elegant. Also it is considered the best by both homeowners and interior designers. There are mainly two types of Roman shades – flat or custom Roman shades and hobbled or looped Roman shades. The best thing about the shades is that they come in a variety of patterns. The texture, colours and patterned design make the shades even more attractive.What is so special about Roman shade pattern?
Roman shades are available in a variety of patterns, which gives your house the elegance that it requires.Relaxed Romans: As the name suggests, this type of shades come with a design that gives a soothing and relaxing effect. They are also known as London shades or soft shades, and they slightly bow when they are raised. These are appropriate for windows that are less than 54 inches wide.
Pleated Roman shades: Roman shades need a structure to stay on itself, and that is provided by the pleated or tucked pattern. The folds of this shade are sewn in a uniform manner, 4 to 5 inches apart from each other. The panels, when raised, are neatly stacked one on top of the other, 6 to 8 inches apart approximately. The shade is inspired from Asia and has horizontal lines with a Zen-like design.
Balloon Roman shades: It is the most beautiful shade owned among the variety of Roman shades available. It is not suitable for daily use, but it complements the decor that is conventional and not so modern. At the top, there are inverted box pleats.
Butterfly Roman shades: It looks bright and lovely when a butterfly-shaped offshoot hangs from the blinds at the bottom. It gives richness to your windows and a break from the monotonous drapes.
Embellished bottom: It is always a fascinating idea to customize one’s decor according to own style, and one such customization is to have an embellished bottom. Beads, fringe or even tassels can be added to give a more elegant look to the patterns. Many people prefer the European Style with a curved bottom, gathered vertically in the middle. There are never-ending varieties of such embellishments and patterns.