The treatment of spinal muscular atrophy is done to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the person, because it is still not possible to cure the genetic alteration that causes the disease.
To make the best possible treatment, you may need a team of various health professionals, such as orthopedists, physiotherapists, nurses, nutritionists and occupational therapists, for example, according to the difficulties and limitations of each person.
One of the most effective treatments is physical therapy exercises, but other techniques, such as feeding control or use of equipment, can also be beneficial.
1. Physiotherapeutic treatment
Physiotherapy is very important for all cases of muscle atrophy because it allows maintaining proper blood circulation, preventing joint stiffness, decreasing muscle mass loss and improving flexibility.
Lifting weights, doing exercises with elastics or practicing bodybuilding exercises are some examples of what can be done in case of muscular atrophy. But these exercises should be guided by a physiotherapist in a physical therapy clinic, for example, as they vary according to the limitation of each person.
In addition, electrostimulation devices can also be used to promote muscle contraction, as is the case with the Russian current, which is a great option to complement the treatment.
2. Use of equipment and occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a great option to increase the quality of life in cases where there is difficulty moving or doing simple daily activities such as eating or walking, for example.
This is because, in occupational therapy sessions, the professional helps the person to use some auxiliary equipment, such as tableware or wheelchair, that allow the same tasks, even when there is limitation of the disease.
3. Adequate diet
Proper nutrition is very important to ensure the development of those suffering from muscular atrophy, especially in the case of children. However, many have difficulty chewing or swallowing, for example, and in such cases, the dietitian can indicate the best foods and supplements to meet all the needs of the body.
In addition, in many cases, it may even be necessary to use a feeding tube or a small tube that attaches the stomach to the belly skin, allowing feeding without chewing or swallowing. See how to use and care for the power probe.
Other treatment options
In addition to prior treatment techniques, other types of treatment may be required according to the symptoms and limitations of each person. For example, in cases where breathing muscles are affected it may be necessary to use breathing apparatus that force air into the lungs, replacing the muscles.
For children with muscle problems near the spine, surgery may need to be done to correct scoliosis, since imbalance in muscle strength may lead to poorly deformed spine.
A new alternative treatment is the use of the Spinraza drug, which has already been approved in the United States and promises to reduce the symptoms of atrophy caused by alteration in the SMN-1 gene. Understand what Spinraza is and how it works.
