During August, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month seeks to educate the public and generate support for those with SMA.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease affecting 1 in 11,000 births. The disease damages the spinal cord’s motor nerve cells. People who suffer from SMA lose the ability to walk, eat and breathe without medical intervention.
The condition is caused by the deficiency of a motor neuron protein called SMN. Other rare forms of SMA stem from chromosome mutations.
There is no cure, but treatments manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy help maintain muscle strength and function. Orthopedic interventions such as braces or wheelchairs can be used to improve mobility.
Nutritional counseling can help manage SMA. A dietitian can work with you to ensure you get the nutrients you need to maintain your health.
Chiropractic care is also a great way to help manage SMA. Chiropractors can help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle spasms. Regular chiropractic adjustments can also help prevent further decline in muscle function.
Chiropractic care is focused on the spine and the nerves and muscles surrounding it, so it is ideally focused to help people manage SMA and other chronic back conditions. Chiropractors Dr. Walker and Dr. Oby of Walker Chiropractic are highly trained and experienced in the physical manipulation of the spinal column and the muscles surrounding it.
By maintaining the spine’s natural alignment, regular chiropractic treatment takes stress off the surrounding muscles and relieves pain. It is believed that good alignment lets messages flow freely from your brain to other parts of the body and back, improving the overall function of your body.
Although chiropractic is not a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, it is a great way to manage symptoms. If you want to schedule chiropractic treatment for SMA or just want to ask some questions, Dr. Walker would love to hear from you. Contact Walker Chiropractic today to get started.
