Muscle atrophy is a consequence of diseases such as malignant tumors, vitamin deficiency, paralysis of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Also, muscle atrophy can develop against the background of various kinds of injuries, starvation and intoxication.
The following forms of muscle problems are distinguished:
- neuropathic form. It occurs as a result of damage to the spinal cord or large nerve trunks.
- ischemic form. The development of this form of the disease is preceded by thrombosis of large vessels or squeezing of the feeding artery with scar tissue, exostosis or a tumor.
- functional form. The cause of development in this case is the inactivity that arises from pathologies such as arthritis, osteomyelitis, and the like.
If we talk about the picture of pathogenesis, then with various forms it is slightly different. So, muscle atrophy of neuropathic origin is fraught with the complete disappearance of muscle cells. In this case, muscle fibers become thinner; their nuclei end up in voids as a result of such modifications. As a result, the muscle pattern disappears. After two to three months, it is almost impossible to distinguish between “red” and “white” fibers in the affected muscles. In parallel with these processes, creatine, glycogen, the level of lactic acid and phosphocreatine are reduced.
The pathogenesis of ischemic atrophy is characterized in that cell degeneration is absent. With this form of the disease, impaired arterial blood supply becomes important. In this regard, the influx of nutrients is significantly reduced. The volume of the working muscle, respectively, decreases. As soon as the blood flow is restored, the affected areas gradually return to their previous form.
Muscle atrophy is easily determined by clinical signs. At a visual examination, atrophied areas are immediately noticeable, especially against the background of symmetrical areas of the body. Unlike healthy ones, damaged muscles are much denser and much smaller in volume. On palpation, a mild protective reaction is detected. Bone protrusions in the area of the affected areas are striking. Muscular atrophy develops especially rapidly due to paralysis of the motor nerves.
In the case when it comes to ischemic and functional muscle atrophy, the underlying disease, which serves as the impetus for the pathology under consideration, is of great importance. If the diagnosis is carried out correctly, then making a forecast for the future and choosing the appropriate treatment will not be difficult. In some cases, there may be a need for differential diagnostic measures . We are talking about functional and neurogenic atrophy. In this situation, the clinical picture cannot be limited. A prerequisite in this case will be a muscle test using galvanic current. In the absence of a reaction to the current, everything indicates atrophy of the muscles of neurogenic origin.
As for treatment, it usually comes down to stopping the underlying disease. Based on the symptoms and course of this pathology, even uninitiated people can understand that muscle atrophy, the treatment of which is reduced to massage procedures, is a concomitant disease. In addition to the course treatment of the underlying disease, in this case, injections of strychnine, vitamins of groups B and E, as well as veratrin are indicated. Great importance is attached to physiotherapy.
In conclusion, I would like to note the importance of conducting a regular preventive examination. Most of us avoid this kind of procedure, which is completely in vain. Perhaps, it is not necessary to explain to anyone that it is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it and the subsequent consequences. And in some cases, the result may be irreversible. Remember this and try to find time for prevention!