Myopathy Muscular Disease
Causes
Muscular dystrophy is triggered by a genetic mutation that affects muscle fibres and compromises the proper function of the muscles. The condition is often inherited from one or both parents who either have or are carriers of the gene. Sometimes, muscular diseases seem to develop without there being any family history of myopathy. Endocrine myopathies are caused by an excess or deficiency in the hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Symptoms
People with muscular dystrophy will become more physically limited over time as their muscles deteriorate. The condition can be life-threatening if the heart or respiratory muscles are affected. There are numerous different types of muscular dystrophy that affect different parts of the body and different groups of people. Some types of the disease develop very slowly and don’t have much of an impact on a person’s life expectancy, while others can cause much more rapid deterioration and may cause a person to only live into their 20s or 30s. Some cases will develop during childhood or young adulthood, while others may not be evident until a person is in their 60s. Early signs of the disease may include difficulty climbing stairs or lifting objects; young children may fall over more than other children of the same age or struggle to stand when sitting on the floor. Children may also have disproportionately large leg muscles or sway from side to side when they walk. Behavioural problems and learning difficulties, including delayed speech, may occur. Some people have an exaggerated spinal curve in the back or a sideways curve. Other symptoms that can affect people of any age include: cataracts, stiffness, sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, weakness and back pain.
BICOM® Programs to be Used
Supplements to take
Creatine, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, omega 3 fatty acids
Other therapies
Gentle physical exercise such as swimming and physiotherapy will help a person suffering from this condition to remain as mobile as possible. Massages or acupuncture can also be beneficial in helping with muscle function. Crutches or a wheelchair may be necessary to enable a person to stand and move around. Making appropriate changes to a person’s environment to suit their needs is vital so that they can maintain some independence. When the respiratory muscles are affected, breathing equipment will be needed, especially when the person is sleeping. Emotional support from friends and family as well as professional counselling is important. In some cases, surgery is used to correct physiological deformities or to help expand the oesophagus in the case of swallowing difficulty. A feeding tube may need to be implanted. Medication such as steroids, in tablet or liquid form, can be used to help strengthen the muscles and if the heart muscles are affected then drugs used to treat heart problems may be appropriate. A newer medicine, Ataluren is available to help address the underlying cause of the condition. Creatine supplements may help improve muscle strength. If swallowing is a problem, it may help to eat soft foods and smoothies. Plenty of water needs to be consumed and it is beneficial to avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking and any suspected allergens.
Experiences and case studies
One 59-year-old woman had Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, arthritis of the hip and inguinal pain. She was already having weekly physiotherapy when she had bioresonance treatment. Just 2 days after, she was free of symptoms for 6 months before needing any other treatment. She didn’t need any physiotherapy during this time.
