Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. The condition leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain, which governs the movement of the body. As a result, people with Parkinson’s tend to experience a number of symptoms related to movement, or lack thereof. Rigidity in the muscles is a major warning sign you may be in the early stages of the condition.
Rigidity, while seldom the main symptom early in Parkinson’s, is experienced as a stiffness of the arms or legs beyond what would result from normal aging or arthritis, said Parkinson’s Foundation.
It continued: “Some people call it “tightness” in their limbs.
“Stiffness can occur on one or both sides of the body and contribute to a decreased range of motion.
“This can lead to problems with achiness or pain in the muscles or joints affected.
Why do the muscles become rigid due to the condition?
It has been estimated that between 90 to 99 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience rigidity.
Rigidity is often associated with slowness of movement (bradykinesia).
It is often preceded by aching, stiffness or a feeling of weakness in the muscles.
Rigidity – meaning stiff or inflexible muscles – is one of the main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, along with tremor and slowness of movement.
Muscles become rigid because of their inability to relax.
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Talk to your doctor as rigidity tends to respond well to medication, for example levodopa, advised European Parkinson’s Disease Association.
The health site added: “As with all Parkinson’s medications though, what works for one person may not work for another.
“Be prepared for your doctor to try several approaches to see what works best for you.
“A referral to a doctor who specialises in movement disorders or to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or speech and language therapist may be recommended.
“Seeing a therapist soon after problems begin is more likely to result in successful treatment.”
Other symptoms to spot for potential early warning signs
A tell-tale sign you have Parkinson’s is slight shaking or tremor in your thumb, finger, hand or chin, the health site says.
It adds: “A tremor while at rest is a common early sign of Parkinson’s disease.”
It is worth noting that a person with Parkinson’s disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms.
According to the NHS, these include depression and anxiety, balance problems (this may increase the chances of a fall), loss of sense of smell (anosmia), problems sleeping (insomnia) and memory problems.”
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The NHS explained: “Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
“This leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain.
“Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body.
“A reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
“Exactly what causes the loss of nerve cells is unclear.
“Most experts think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible.”
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