VIII.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
A. Anatomy & Physiology

The wear and tear theory of aging, one of several theories, asserts that the effects
of aging are caused by progressive damage to cells and body systems over time. Essentially,
our bodies "wear out" due to use. Once they wear out, they can no longer function correctly.
German biologist Dr. August Weismann in 1882 stated “we simply expect that the body, as a
mechanical system, is going to break down with use over the years”. The wear and tear
theory of aging may also be referred to as simple deterioration theory or fundamental
limitation theory. Muscle pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or
bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Muscle aches (myalgia) are
extremely common. Almost everyone has experienced discomfort in their muscles at some
point. Because there’s muscle tissue in nearly all parts of the body, this type of pain can be
felt practically anywhere. However, there’s no single cause for muscle aches and pains. While
overuse or injury is common, there are other possible explanations for ongoing discomfort.

Ref: https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-aches#prevention

B. Overview of Disease:

Muscle pain is produced by the activation of specific receptors (so-called nociceptors): these
receptors are specialized for the detection of stimuli that are objectively capable of
damaging tissue and that are subjectively perceived as painful. They consist of free nerve
endings and are connected to the central nervous system (CNS) by way of unmyelinated
(group IV) or thinly myelinated (group III) fibers. They can be sensitized and activated by
strong mechanical stimuli, such as trauma or mechanical overloading, as well as by
endogenous inflammatory mediators.
Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696782/

C. Contextual mapping/ Schematic Diagram

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