Restricted movement (movement disorder) – causes, treatment and prevention

A movement restriction (movement disorder) is caused by a functional impairment of nerve cells, muscles or bones. Both the postural and the musculoskeletal system can be affected. This can trigger a wide variety of complaints for individual parts of the body or the entire body. These can occur once, repeatedly or permanently and can be presented as an injury, illness or genetic consequence.

Many neurological diseases have movement disorders as symptoms. These include strokes, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease as well as tremor or restless legs syndrome (RLS). In addition to malfunctions in the central nervous system , movement restrictions can also be caused by sports injuries , traffic accidents or accidents at work. In addition, movement disorders often show up as a sign of aging or as a result of surgery.

Causes

Movement disorders can be caused by inflammatory, degenerative or traumatic damage to the central nervous system (CNS).Neurological diseases

A movement restriction due to a malfunction of the central nervous system is caused by damage to the control function. This can be hereditary or occur later due to neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s. With this disease, there is an increasing slowing down and reduction of movements.

In so-called Tourette syndrome , the person affected compulsively injures themselves or sticks out their tongue while losing control. A neurological movement disorder can also occur as an uncontrolled urge to move the legs ( Restless Legs Syndrome ).

In the case of spastic movement disorders, there is increased muscle tension and misdirection when tensing and relaxing the muscles. These erroneous, spasmodic muscle contractions can unintentionally change gait and steps, leading to the risk of falling.

Nerve damage can also lead to paralysis of individual muscles or muscle groups. Trembling as a movement disorder can be symptomatic of a genetic tremor disorder. In addition to the impairment of movement control, balance problems can also negatively affect posture and the movement of the body.

Damage to the joints and soft tissues

Osteoarthritis and arthritis can cause significant movement restrictions in the area of ​​joints. Shoulder, ankle and knee joints as well as hips and elbows are particularly affected in old age. As a result, the gait and movements of older people often appeared unsteady and significantly restricted. Functional impairments of the joints can also result from injuries to ligaments and tendons in the soft tissue. Fractures and severe bruises as a result of accidents also severely restrict physical mobility.

Back and posture injuries

Injuries and diseases of the spine can also be responsible for movement disorders. In the long run, sitting incorrectly can lead to considerable muscle tension and thus affect posture and movement. Standing for long periods of time due to professional needs, such as at a hairdresser’s, can also cause complaints and movement problems in the spine and neck.

Psychogenic causes

Movement restrictions can also have psychological/emotional causes. Psychogenic movement disorders are often the result of unresolved personal conflicts. Cardiovascular disease can slow down the ability to move.

Other causes

In addition, medication, excessive alcohol consumption and considerable obesity as well as cancer can severely impair physical movement. Congenital movement disorders can already become noticeable in infancy or in small children.

When to the doctor?

Sore muscles from exercise or an uncomfortable seat on an evening visit can lead to sore muscles or mild neck or back discomfort. These frequently known complaints with a known cause usually subside after a short time.

In the case of major movement restrictions that last longer and are unpleasantly painful, a doctor’s visit is a good idea. In this way, causes and possible health consequences can be clarified by experts. Painkillers can relieve the symptoms. Depending on the findings, further treatment measures can be carried out. A physiotherapist, an orthopedist or a chiropractor can act as required.

In the case of psychogenic causes, a specialist should be consulted in all cases. This also applies to cardiovascular diseases . A doctor should be consulted if symptoms such as speech disorders, staggering gait or tremors are present.

Diagnose

Bruises and fractures are not always distinguishable. In the case of accident events with painful symptoms, these should be examined by a doctor if in doubt. Complaints in sensitive areas such as the spine can often only be clarified using special imaging examination methods. Therapeutic measures not only have a pain-relieving effect, but usually also improve mobility. Alcohol abuse can lead to serious falls and requires abstention, and in severe cases, treatment.

Massive obesity should not be underestimated as a risk of possible movement impairments. Over a longer period of time, it can cause considerable damage to the joints and also severely impair everyday movement due to cardiovascular problems as a secondary disease.

Treatment and therapy

Therapy depends on the underlying disease. In mild cases, in which medical treatment can be dispensed with, it can subside within a few days without treatment measures. These include complaints such as sore muscles or excessive alcohol consumption . If necessary, existing ointments, painkillers or home remedies can also be used. A hot bath with a suitable additive can also have a soothing effect on muscular complaints.

If the movement disorders are more intense and last longer, the cause must be clarified by a medical diagnosis. Depending on the findings, various therapeutic measures can be used. This often involves physiotherapeutic treatment such as massages , electrical stimulation or physiotherapy , as well as muscle building training and ergotherapy . In addition, orthopedic aids can counteract the causes of restricted mobility. These include shoe inserts, bandages and orthoses. This can partially or completely compensate for a loss of physical stability and mobility.

In the case of severe movement disorders, it may be necessary for the person concerned to use a walker or even a wheelchair. In addition, conversion measures for a barrier-free design of the apartment can be considered. In the case of necessary movement exercises for small children, the parents are involved in the therapeutic implementation.

A variety of serious illnesses can result in longer hospital stays. Musculature, condition and mobility can be noticeably weakened as a result. Rehabilitation measures to restore mobility and performance are often unavoidable in these cases. Absolute passivity and relieving posture are inappropriate and lead to poor posture. In each individual case, the personal stress limits in the context of rehabilitation measures must be taken into account.

Psychological causes of movement restrictions can be reduced or eliminated by therapeutic measures led by a specialist. If the causal problem cannot be eliminated, the patient should be helped to be able to live with it better. Underlying neurological diseases can be treated with special drugs.

For people who are severely overweight, losing weight improves mobility with every pound they lose. It can also reduce cardiovascular problems. Office chairs should meet ergonomic requirements to avoid poor posture. A suitable posture and sport can also contribute to this.

Congenital movement restrictions and mobility disorders as well as age-related signs of wear and tear can usually not be eliminated. However, compensatory aids and how the affected person deals with the movement problem are helpful. The symptoms can get worse with age.In the case of accidents and injuries, the severity decides what happens next. In addition, the quality of treatment affects a healing or recovery process. This also includes rehabilitation measures.

Treatment success for psychological causes varies greatly from person to person and is therefore difficult to predict. In the case of serious underlying diseases, the necessary treatment methods are used. Complaints caused by excessive muscular demands usually go away without treatment and without consequences. Measures to improve blood circulation can speed up this process.

Outlook and prognosis

Movement restrictions are widespread and occur in all age groups. Cause, intensity and treatment options can be very different. In the case of prolonged, particularly painful movement disorders, the cause should be clarified by a doctor.