The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1900-11-30

Muscular Rheumatism. - Although
this affection is designated rheumatism.
there Is every reason for believing that
its cause is quite different from that
disease. 1t seems to be Of the same
nature rs neuralgia, and might prop
erly be so described. though It IS con-
venient 10 follow the usual designation
as already given.
Symptoms.-The disease Is usually
developed gradually. dull pain IS
felt in certain muscles. gradually in
creasing until it becomes quite severe
The pain is usually Increased upon
movement. sometimes becoming con-
vulsive and cramp-likes causing the pa
tent 10 groan. OF even cry aloud. These
movements. and the consequent pain.
may occur during sleep and awaken the
I 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 cOnss
quent 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 mus
Giles most apt to be affected are those OF
the forehead and Of the temples An
other familiar example is in the neck.
resulting in what is popularity termed
"wry-neck." The pain may also be 10
Gated in the muscles OF the back and
loins. constituting the affection known
as lumbag0. It occurs not infrequenty
in the muscles OF the chest, where II
may for days render deep breathing i'm
possible without pain.
Wherever it may occur. the charac-
teristic feature OF muscular rheuma-
tism is the occurrence OF cramp-like
pain. aggravated by the movement OF
the part In this particular il is dis
tinguished from neuralgia. which Is a
eanstant pain, affecting perhaps the
same localities. This form OF rheuma-
tism is undoubtedly promoted by ex.
posture TO cold. and seems often to re-
suit from getting the feet wet The
treatment should consist in improving
general condition by such measures 3:
will invigorate the health. In the acute
cases benefit can also be derived from
the use OF liniments and Of gentle fric
: ton.
: Sciatica-This is a painful rheumatic
D. affection. confined 10 the hip-joint and
d lower extremities. and affecting th'
e large nerve called the sciatic nervel o.
a the leg
ID Treatment-Apply a small blister Of
D. the spine nj the bottom OF the loins
a. and when IT is removed sprinkle ia
; surface with one-third OF grain o
n acetate 81 morphia. mixed in littl
" starch-powder Or apply to the par
IN affected a bran pOultice. TO be followe
NJ .wicc or three times a day by an en-
re- hrocation composed Of one part Of tut
ia nentine. and two parts OF soap an
-b opium liniment A couple Of drachm
If this should be rubbed in for ten mil
MES at a time. Meanwhile, cleanse tn
bowels by purgative. and II there
v no tendency to fever. take drachm dose
ii NJ carbonate OF iron. three times
al twentv-four hours. When the pain
ID. very severe. accompanied with gener'
rs fever leeches should be applied. an
ay cooling purgatives taken II Will ais
rs he advisable 10 employ the hot bath
nc Temperature OF 1O5 degrees. and
lei remain in it from fifteen TO twenty-nS
he minutes. This should be repeated I"
lie Or three times week. II is often
ere very lingering affection. resisting a
IT, methods Of treatment and Discourage
It's patient and physician alike. IN SUD
rm cases keep the sick person usually
AZ restless mani absolutely quiet in b'
les hy putting a splint on the sore leg al
Did keep IL there until we'll AT the san
%. time IL is necessary TO be careful OF q
lily general health. which is apt TO be belo
par.