Spinal muscular atrophy is an inherited disorder which impacts the nerves and muscles and weakens them, making the person increasingly weak. SMA mostly affects children and infants; however, adults are also vulnerable to spinal muscular atrophy.

If you or someone close to you is suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible. In this article, we will dive into the causes, treatment and cure of spinal muscular atrophy.

Why does Spinal Muscular Atrophy happen? The causes and symptoms

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disorder caused by the Spinal Muscular Atrophy  gene passed down from parents. This gene attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Eventually, the brain can no longer send signals to the spinal cord to control the muscles in the body. Over time, the muscles start to shrink and deteriorate; people suffering from SMA will start to experience difficulties with simple things such as moving their heads, walking and even sitting. Some people also experience difficulty breathing and swallowing.

Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy may vary from person to person, and symptoms depend on the type of Spinal Muscular Atrophy the individual is suffering from. Still, it is important to note that Spinal Muscular Atrophy does not impact the cognitive abilities or intelligence of the child or adult. So no matter how limited their physical movements might be, they can still be able to have interactions with other people.

Different types of Spinal Muscular Atrophy 

• Type 0: This is the most severe form of SMA and also the rarest. A child develops Type 0 SMA while still in the womb. Babies with Type 0 SMAs are born with issues such as joint problems and weak muscles, and weak muscles for breathing. Life expectancy for these babies is low, and generally pass away as they are unable to breathe.

• Type 1: This is a severe type of SMA that develops after birth. Children with Type 1 SMA will require help with sitting and simple movement. Life expectancy is low for children suffering from Type 1, and they usually don’t survive past the age of 2 due to facing difficulty in breathing.

• Type 2: Type 2 is less severe than Type 0 and Type 1, but it still creates great difficulties for anyone affected by it. Type 2 generally starts to manifest when the child is 6-18 months old. The child is usually able to sit or walk with help. Type 2 is also called chronic infantile SMA.

• Type 3: Also called Kugelberg-Welander disease or juvenile SMA, Type 3 is a mild to moderate type of disease that affects people from the ages of 2-17. The affected individual will have trouble climbing stairs or standing up from sitting. 

• Type 4: This form of SMA is mild and starts in adulthood. Symptoms include twitching, muscle weakness and breathing problems. Generally, Type 4 affects only the legs and upper arms. These symptoms will last for the rest of the person’s life, but Type 4 can be treated and kept under control through exercise and physical therapy.

Treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy 

SMA  treatments vary and are debated internationally. Approved medication for SMA  treatment include nusinersen (Spinraza), onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi (Zolgensma) and risdiplam (Evrysdi). This gene therapy affects the genes responsible for SMA. The medications provide SMN1 and SMN2 genes that instruct the body to produce protein for muscle movement. 

Other remedies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy 

• Breathing: This can be useful with Type 1 and Tyoe 2 SMA. Breathing exercises helps to keep the muscles strong, so the lungs keep functioning to an extent. Doctors may also advise the use of a mouthpiece or mask. A child with SMA could also need the support of a machine to help them breathe.

• Nutrition and swallowing aids: Weakened muscles make chewing and swallowing difficult. It is advised that a child be taken to a nutritionist to keep them healthy. A feeding tube can also be used to ease the food intake process.

• Movement: Physical movement and exercise are important to keep the muscles and joints strong. Leg braces and walkers can be very helpful. Special electronic machines and computers can assist in writing and drawing.

• Back brace and surgery: A child with SMA can need the support of a back brace while they are still growing. Once the growth stops, some doctors suggest spinal surgery to fix the issue.

Final thoughts

Spinal muscular atrophy and other spinal disorders can be difficult for the person suffering and their families. Hope is offered in the form of gene replacement and disease-modifying therapies.

The other solution can be Siddhi healing. Chakrasiddh offers holistic alternative healing. These healing solutions are painless and effective and have been developed to cure incurable diseases and health issues.

The Siddha system of healing has been passed down over 36 generations in the “guru-shishya parampara” and is known to be very effective. The efficacy of the Siddha system of medicine depends on the procedure being performed and the spiritual strength of the Siddhar.

We hope you have found all your answers to deal with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We hope this article will aid the healing of you or your loved one who is suffering from SMA.