Symptom 2: Rigidity and Stiffness: A Silent Struggle
Next, we traverse the path of rigidity and stiffness, a telltale sign of CBS that casts a long shadow over patients’ lives. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill muscle tension that follows a strenuous workout; it’s a relentless stiffness that doesn’t wane with rest, turning even the simplest movements into a battle.
The hallmark of this symptom is a form of rigidity known as ‘cogwheel rigidity‘. It’s a type of stiffness where the muscle resistance to movement has a distinct ratchet-like feel. This is due to the muscle tension alternating between being on and off, much like the cogs of a wheel.
Rigidity doesn’t play favorites. While it can begin in a single limb, similar to motor impairment, it gradually sprawls to affect other parts of the body. As the condition advances, the grip of rigidity tightens, encasing the body in a virtual straitjacket of muscle stiffness.
Rigidity, coupled with other symptoms of CBS, can exacerbate the difficulty of movement, further snuffing out the independence of affected individuals. Even the act of turning around or rolling over in bed can turn into an arduous endeavor. (2)
