Causes.—­Predisposed to it by previous attacks, having a rheumatic or gouty constitution (diathesis).  It follows sudden exposure, hence it is most common in men.

Symptoms.—­Local pain in the muscles, sharp or dull, aching constant, or caused by certain movements and is usually relieved by pressure.  It lasts from a few days to several weeks and frequently recurs.  The common forms are:  Lumbago.  This affects the muscles of the back, and usually comes on suddenly with a sharp stich-like pain, and is chiefly seen in those who labor hard, often completely disabling them for a time.

Torticollis (stiff or wry neck).—­It is usually on the side or back of the neck.  Comes from a draught of cold wind on the neck, etc.

Pleurodynia, pain in the chest muscles, etc.—­With pain in all movements of the chest, resembling intercostal neuralgia or pleurisy.

[324 Mothers’ remedies]

Diet for Rheumatism from the Head Nurse of a Prominent Hospital:—­

May Take—­

Soups.—­Mutton broth, chicken or beef tea, in small quantities.

Fish.—­Raw clams or oysters, fresh fish (whiter kinds) boiled.

Meats.—­Chicken, calf ’s head, sweetbread, tripe, broiled fat bacon or broiled ham (all sparingly).

Farinaceous.—­Whole wheat, corn or brown bread, arrowroot, rice, dry toast, milk toast.

Vegetables.—­Spinach, green peas or cabbage (well boiled), celery, lettuce, cresses, radishes.

Desserts.—­Milk, rice or arrowroot pudding, (all without sugar), junket.

Drinks—­Tea (without sugar), buttermilk, pure water, plain with lemon or lime juice (no sugar).

Must Not Take—­

Pork, veal, turkey, goose, duck, fried fish or salt meats, cooked oysters or clams, salted, dried, potted or preserved fish or meats (except fat bacon or ham), crabs, salmon, lobster, eggs, rich made dishes, gravies, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, asparagus, mushrooms, candies, rich puddings, pies, pastry, nuts, cheese, coffee, cider, malt liquors, wines.

Treatment for Stiff Neck.—­Wry Neck, (torticollis).—­Warmth applied either dry or moist as hot salt bag or fomentations of hops, etc.  Parke, Davis & Co., Detroit, now make a preparation called capsicine.  This is very good for this trouble, rubbed on thoroughly as directed.  It can be bought at most drug stores.  It is also good for headaches and neuralgias.  The same line of treatment, hot and cold applications, can be given for pain in the chest muscles (pleurodynia) and lumbago.

A mothers’ remedy for Stiff Neck.—­Hot Salt and Oil of Sassafras.—­“If troubled with stiff neck, fill a bag with hot salt and sleep on it, or rub the neck with oil of sassafras which, by the way, is also excellent for lumbago and to scatter, not cure, rheumatism pains.”