Difference Between Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Disorders

The key difference between neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders is that neuromuscular disorders are diseases that affect the nerves controlling the voluntary muscles and their communication with the brain, while musculoskeletal disorders are the diseases that affect muscles, bones and joints.

Neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders are two types of diseases that mainly affect our muscles. Neuromuscular disorders affect our neuromuscular system. The nerves that control the voluntary muscles and the communication between nerves and muscles are disrupted by these disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, bones and joints. They are one of the most common work-related disorders. They affect the everyday activities of people.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Neuromuscular Disorders
3. What are Musculoskeletal Disorders
4. Similarities Between Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Disorders
5. Side by Side Comparison – Neuromuscular vs Musculoskeletal Disorders in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What are Neuromuscular Disorders?

Neuromuscular disorders are the diseases of neurons that control the voluntary muscles. Therefore, these disorders affect a part of the nervous system and muscles. The nerves that facilitate the communication of sensory information between the brain and the voluntary muscles are affected by these disorders. The peripheral nervous system is mainly affected due to these disorders. Neuromuscular disorders are mostly genetic disorders. They can arise due to new mutations in our genes as well. Some neuromuscular disorders are autoimmune diseases. They can pose a direct or indirect impact on an individual, leading to a loss of functional capacity.  However, most neuromuscular disorders are treatable and can be improved to increase mobility and lengthen life if diagnosed at an early stage.

The predominant muscle weakness is the main symptom of these disorders. Moreover, difficulty with dressing, brushing teeth and combing hair can occur with weakness of the shoulder and arm due to these diseases. Moreover, swallowing difficulty, speech problems, and drooping of the upper eyelid are some more problems associated with these disorders. Some treatments for neuromuscular disorders include medical therapy, including immunosuppressive drugs, pain management and assistive devices. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, diabetic neuropathy, toxic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, and spinal muscular atrophy are several neuromuscular disorders.

What are Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Musculoskeletal disorders are diseases that affect muscles, bones, and joints. They are one of the most common work-related diseases. The development of musculoskeletal disorder increases with age. However, people of all ages can be affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Other than age, occupation, activity level, lifestyle and family history are the risk factors for these disorders. The sudden lifting of heavyweight can cause a musculoskeletal disorder. Furthermore, significant mental health decline and deteriorated functioning are highly associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, and bone fractures are several musculoskeletal disorders. The pain and discomfort associated with these disorders affect the day-to-day activities of the affected people.

Musculoskeletal disorders show symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, muscle weakness, etc. In severe symptoms, doctors will prescribe medication in order to reduce inflammation and pain. Musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented following a healthy lifestyle. People can engage in regular strengthening and stretching exercises. They can also maintain a tall posture to prevent back pain. They can be careful when picking up heavy objects. In addition, they can avoid repetitive motions as much as possible.

What are the Similarities Between Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Disorders?

• Neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders are two types of disorders that affect our muscles and their movements.
• The risk of developing them increases with age.

What is the Difference Between Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Neuromuscular disorders are diseases that affect neurons controlling the voluntary muscles. Musculoskeletal disorders are diseases that affect muscles, joints and bones. So, this is the key difference between neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, neuromuscular disorders show symptoms such as muscle weakness, movement issues, balance problems, droopy eyelids, troubled swallowing, double vision and troubled breathing. Musculoskeletal disorders, on the other hand, show symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling and muscle weakness, etc. Thus, this is the difference between neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders with regards to symptoms.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, diabetic neuropathy, toxic neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, small fiber neuropathy, spinal muscular atrophy, etc., are several neuromuscular disorders while tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, bone fractures, etc. are several musculoskeletal disorders.

Below is a summary of the difference between neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders in tabular form.

Summary – Neuromuscular vs Musculoskeletal Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control the voluntary muscles. Due to these diseases, the communication between the brain and the muscles gets interrupted. Musculoskeletal diseases affect muscles, joints, and bones. They affect the day-to-day life activities of people. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders.

Reference:

1. “Neuromuscular Disorders.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Mar. 2020, Available here.
2. “Musculoskeletal Conditions.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Walk for Muscular Dystrophy” By Muscular Dystrophy Canada (CC BY-NC 2.0) via Flickr

2. “Carpal tunnel splint” By SPUI – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia