Health, After six months of bed rest, the condition of the muscles is very critical.

Lying down for a long time makes the muscles very at risk.

 

If someone is confined to bed for six months, what various negative changes can occur in the muscles? There are individuals who, due to necessity, must remain in bed for a long time after undergoing herniated disc surgery. The changes that occur due to prolonged bed rest and restricted physical activity can have serious impacts on physical, mental, and overall health. Let’s explore this in detail.

 

 

 

The Importance of Muscle

 

 

1. Decreased Strength

Muscle atrophy leads to a decrease in strength. If muscles are used very little for six months, their power can significantly diminish, making it difficult to perform even daily activities. For example, getting up, climbing stairs, and even sitting can become challenging. Often, when elderly individuals are hospitalized in nursing homes, they may find that once they lie in bed, they may never walk again. This is due to muscle loss. Decreased strength can cause other diseases, and complications such as pain from herniated discs and cervical discs can arise. Therefore, to avoid muscle loss, it is very important to walk and move, even if it is painful, to maintain muscle through appropriate physical activity.

 

 

2. Muscle Atrophy

One of the most noticeable changes is muscle atrophy. Generally, muscles decrease in size and strength when not used. Due to bed rest, specific muscles, especially those in the legs and hips, weaken and atrophy. For example, the quadriceps (the muscles on the front of the thigh) and the hamstrings (the muscles on the back of the thigh) are used during everyday activities like walking or standing, so these muscles are hardly used while lying in bed. In such a state, if one attempts to move excessively, muscle cramps may occur. Therefore, muscle relaxants are essential for patients who are on bed rest after herniated disc surgery. Muscle relaxants are very effective in relieving muscle tension and alleviating cramps or stiffness. They also help in reducing pain.

For those who have not used their muscles for a long time, it is important to gradually increase the intensity of exercise by doing light stretching rather than engaging in strenuous activity after taking muscle relaxants.

 

 

3. Joint Stiffness

Prolonged lying in bed can lead to stiffness and rigidity in the joints. This issue primarily occurs in major joints such as the knees, hips, and ankles, hindering everyday movements. When joint flexibility decreases, the range of motion is limited, increasing the risk of injury during the rehabilitation process. This stiffness can be further exacerbated by muscle atrophy.

Rigidity refers to a state where the muscles are abnormally tense, leading to pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion. Therefore, it is advisable to take muscle relaxants to relieve muscle tension and alleviate pain caused by cramps or stiffness. Along with this, it is beneficial to start stretching slowly. Beginning with smaller muscles and gradually moving to larger muscles can significantly help in restoring flexibility and reducing pain. Consistent stretching and proper management can alleviate stiffness in the joints and muscles.

 

 

4. Reduced Blood Circulation

When physical activity decreases, blood circulation also declines. This can lead to swelling in the legs, and in the long term, serious problems such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may arise. If blood circulation is not smooth, oxygen and nutrients cannot be properly supplied to the tissues that need them, making recovery even more difficult. In severe cases, this can lead to the worst outcome of amputation.

Ways to promote good blood circulation include warm showers, strength training, walking, stretching, elevating the legs, and massage. In particular, walking not only promotes blood circulation but is also beneficial for strength training and helps relieve stiff muscles. If there is tingling in the hands, it may be a circulation issue, but it could also be the result of cervical disc problems caused by prolonged bed rest.

To ensure good blood circulation, it is important to maintain consistent physical activity and engage in appropriate stretching.

 

 

5. Metabolic Changes

Muscles play an important role in metabolism. When the amount of unused muscle decreases, the metabolic rate declines, leading to potential weight gain. This negatively impacts overall health and increases the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Prolonged bed rest can easily lead to digestive issues, and gradually, the amount of food consumed may decrease. A reduced food intake means that our bodies may not receive sufficient nutrients, which can lead to the onset of other diseases. One of these is constipation.

Our bodies function properly through adequate exercise, which helps expel sweat and ensures sufficient nutrient supply. However, when bed rest continues, the biological rhythm is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of waste in the body and a deterioration of metabolism. This can result in weakened immunity and various complications. Therefore, appropriate physical activity and balanced nutritional intake are very important.

 

 

6. Mental Impact

Lying in bed for an extended period negatively impacts mental health as well. The lack of activity can increase feelings of depression and anxiety, which can adversely affect physical recovery. Physical limitations can trigger psychological stress, and this stress can further exacerbate pain.

 

 

7. The Necessity of Rehabilitation

After six months of bed rest, active rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy are essential. Exercises are needed to strengthen muscles and joints and to restore flexibility, and it is important to seek professional assistance. Initially, it is best to start with light stretching or movement and gradually expand to strength training. A good exercise to begin with is walking slowly on flat ground. Next, you can progress to walking quickly on flat ground, then walking slowly uphill, followed by climbing stairs, doing squats, and eventually engaging in high-intensity exercises.

 

8. Recovery Process

The recovery process varies depending on an individual's fitness, age, and underlying conditions, but it generally can take several weeks to months. During this process, consistent exercise and proper nutrition are very important. Protein intake is essential for muscle recovery, and sufficient hydration and a balanced diet are also crucial. Additionally, regular intake of muscle relaxants and using hot massages to relieve tense muscles can be beneficial.

 

Conclusion

Six months of bed rest has serious effects on muscles.

Several issues arise, including decreased strength and muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, reduced blood circulation, metabolic changes, and mental impacts.

Additionally, a person gradually loses muscle after the age of 40.

You need to move, even a little, right now to live healthily for a long time!

 

 Copyright2021olympithecus

 "muscles"  #muscles