The human body has approximately 639 muscles , of which some are under our voluntary control (skeletal muscles), while another group acts autonomously (smooth muscles).

In some situations, skeletal muscles exhibit atypical behaviors that are beyond our control; in the case of paratonia, there is usually a disproportionate level of tension in some muscle region.

In this article we will see what paratonia consists of , to what level it can affect our organism, the cases where this situation usually occurs, the ways to diagnose it and its treatment, as well as some ways of prevention.

What is paratonia?

What happens during paratonia is that we suffer an inability to relax the skeletal muscles voluntarily; on the contrary the muscle presents an abnormal tension and contracts without us being able to avoid it .

This symptomatology can be caused by various factors associated with somatomotor disorders, trauma in some parts of the body, or high levels of stress, which can cause muscle contraction in the subject.

This condition, although it occurs on a physical level, can also cause mental compromises related to its symptoms . The following are some of the consequences, both physical and psychological, that derive from this pathology.

Effects on the body

The consequences that this condition can cause are varied. Moreover, depends to a great extent on the affected area, the levels of intensity and frequency with which the symptoms occur and also the personal characteristics of the subject.

First there are the physical conditions, which range from weakness and pain, or even paralysis in the affected area of the body; then there are also the psychological consequences of this circumstance. The latter appear as background illnesses caused by the muscular affection (comorbidity), which may range from anxiety, psychosomatic illnesses, hypochondria, etc…

Considering that we are bio-psycho-social beings, diseases of the body are intrinsically related to diseases of the mind . This is evident in the case of paratonia in the muscles.

When it occurs

The causes that can provoke paratonia are diverse , and among them are the following:

  • Muscle overloads.
  • Muscle injuries.
  • Cramps or tendinitis .
  • Muscular dystrophy (genetic origin)
  • Inflammation of the skeletal muscle (Myositis).
  • Nerve damage affecting muscles.
  • Some infections .
  • For drug side effects.

To this list can be added the above-mentioned emotional causes; stress and anxiety, as risk factors that trigger the symptoms of tension and contraction in the muscles of the human body.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of this type of pathology is usually made through a routine physical examination , where abnormal tension levels can be noted in some specific muscles. If necessary, the specialist may instruct the patient to undergo some extra tests.

Tests your doctor may need include a muscle biopsy, electromyography, blood aldolase test, creatine phosphokinase test, and lactate dehydrogenase test.

Treatment

The treatments for muscular pathologies, including paratonia, are mainly based on physiotherapy sessions, which can be accompanied by psychotherapy sessions, together with relaxation techniques that are applied by the therapist in a controlled environment.

When the symptoms of the case are too intense and persistent, in addition to not responding to other treatment methods, then Botulinum toxin injections for muscle spasms and contractions are used . Botulinum toxin is a protein that helps relax tense muscle.

When the injection is applied directly to the affected muscle the chemical signals that generate the contraction in the area disappear, because the botulinum toxin blocks those signals.

Preventive methods

These methods can be used when you are in the process of recovering or have just come out of a muscle injury or paratonia.

  • Avoid excessively high temperatures.
  • Avoid excessive low temperatures.
  • Avoiding stressors in our daily life.
  • Don’t wear too tight clothes.
  • Take care of our food.
  • Avoid excess alcoholic beverages.
  • Maintaining correct posture .
  • Have good sleep habits.

Exercise is included among the protective factors for muscle injury, but it should be done under a careful regime, avoiding excessive lifting, or strenuous routines if you have not prepared adequately for them.

It is advisable to be under the supervision of an instructor who can give you specific guidance on which exercise routines to do, according to your body type and personal needs.

If for some reason you don’t like to go to the gym, you can work out at home, as long as you take the precautions mentioned above the results will be good and you will notice an improvement in your quality of life.

Bibliographic references:

  • Hobbelen, J. S. M., Tan, Frans E. S.; Verhey, F. R. J.; Koopmans, R. T. C. M., Bie, R. A. de (2011). Prevalence, incidence and risk factors of paratonia in patients with dementia: a one-year follow-up study. International Psychogeriatrics. 23 (7): 1051–1060.
  • Trompetto, C.; Marinelli, L.; Mori, L.; Pelosin, E.; Currà, A.; Molfetta, L.; Abbruzzese, G. (2014). Pathophysiology of Spasticity: Implications for Neurorehabilitation. BioMed Research International. 2014: 1–8.