What does "rigidity" mean?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing frequent lower back pain recently, and my range of motion is somewhat limited. After getting checked, I found out it's ankylosis. But what exactly does ankylosis mean?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Rigidity, in medical terms, typically refers to a pathological condition of muscles or joints characterized by persistent contraction or stiffness, leading to limited range of motion. This condition can occur as a result of various causes, including diseases of the central nervous system, musculoskeletal disorders, inflammation, or infections. For example, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing stiffness and pain in the spine; while neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease can also lead to increased muscle tone and rigidity in the limbs.
1. From a pathological perspective, rigidity refers to continuous muscle contractions caused by successive motor impulses that interfere with muscle relaxation. This situation is particularly common in conditions such as tetanus, spastic disorders, and epilepsy.
2. From a symptomatic perspective, rigidity most commonly affects the neck region, although it can also involve muscles throughout the body. Patients may experience joint or muscle stiffness, pain, and restricted movement. In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, these symptoms are especially pronounced and may significantly impact the patient's daily life.
