Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1900-11-23

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 Ms neuralgia, and might prop
erly be so described, though it is con-
venient to follow the usual designation
as already given.
Symptoms.-The disease is usually
developed gradually. A 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-like, causing the pa
tlent 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 conse,
quent upon the painful movements.
The duration of this disease may vary
from a day to week or may last, in
less severe form, indefinitely. The mus
cles 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 To-
Gated in the muscles of the back and
loins. constituting the affection known
as lumbago. 1t occurs not infrequently
in the muscles of the chest, where 1t
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 1t is dis
tlnguished from neuralgia, which Is q
canstant pain, affecting perhaps the
same localities. This form of rheuma-
tism is undoubtedly promoted by ex-
posure to cold. and seems often to re-
suit from getting the feet wet The
treatment should consist in improving
general condition 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 fric-
tlon.
Sciatica. This is n painful rheumatic
affection. confined to the hlp-joint and
lower extremities. and affecting the
large nerve (called the sciatic nerve) OF
the leg. 80,
Treatment.-Apply n small blister on
the spine mt the bottom of the loins,
and when il Is removed sprinkle the
surface with One-third of a grain OF
acetate OF morphia, mixed in a little
starch-powder Or. apply to the part
affected bran poultice. to be followed
.wce or three times n day by an en-
brocation composed OF one part Of tur-
pcntine. and two parts OF soap and
opium lniment. A couple OF drachms
Of this should be rubbed in for ten min
utes at time. Meanwhile. cleanse the
bowels by purgatlve, and II there Is
no tendency TO fever. take drachm doses
/ Of carbonate OF iron. three times in
twenty hours. When the pain Is
very severe. accompanied with general
fever. leeches should be applied, and
cooling purgatives taken. 1t will also
be advisable to employ the hot bath at
temperature OF 105 degrees. md to
reman in II from fifteen to twenty-five
minutes. This should he repeated two
or three times week. II Is often
sery lingering affection, resisting all
methods OF treatment and discouraging
\ patient and physician alike. In such
eases keep the sick person usually n
restless nam absolutely quiet in bed
by putting a splint on the sore leg and
keep II there until well. At the same
time II IL necessary to he careful OF the
general health, which is apt to be below
par.