What Is Neuromuscular Disorder? How To Treat It
The neuromuscular disorder is a condition that affects the nerves which are responsible for controlling the voluntary muscles in the body. Simultaneously with the nerves that carry the sensitive data back to the brain. Neurons, also known as the nerve cells, are back and forth interacting with the body by sending and receiving electrical messages that assist the control of voluntary muscles.
Hence, a patient diagnosed with this disorder experiences the neurons becoming unhealthy and eventually dying. Thus, breaking the communication between the muscles and the nervous system. Hence, this ultimately results in the weakening of the muscles without any activeness and then waste away over a period of time. Also known as atrophy.
What are the neuromuscular disorder symptoms?
According to the health specialist, there are several neuromuscular disorders. However, these have a common ground of symptoms and fatigues that occur over time. In many cases, it is evident in infancy, while in other cases, the symptoms may begin to appear either in childhood or in adulthood.
However, according to the type of neuromuscular disorder, there may be additional symptoms. Below mentioned are a few symptoms, that are commonly present in neuromuscular disorder.
- Loss of muscle
- Muscle weakness
- Twitch, cramps, and pain due to muscle feebleness
- Issues occurring in mobility and movements
- Having a problem with stability and balance, eventually affecting motor skills.
- Prolonged painful sensation or numbness.
- Droopy eyelids
- Vision duplication
- Having difficulties in swallowing
- Trouble in regular breathing
One of the types of neuromuscular disorder is piriformis syndrome. It is a condition that causes a prolonged irritation of the sciatic nerve, caused by the compression of the piriformis muscle. This muscle is located in the buttock region, which bears a seizure resulting in buttock pain; and nearby tangling and numbness in the leg and into the foot. It basically means aching the whole lower part of the body.
Here are the facts of the piriformis muscle
- It begins at the lower spine and gets attached to the upper part of each thighbone.
- The function of this muscle is to assist in the movements of the hips. Besides that, it also helps with the turning movements of the leg and foot.
What causes the neuromuscular disorder?
Neuromuscular disorders can be derived or happen due to a gene mutation. On the other hand, the immune system disorder could also result in neuromuscular disorder.
What is the treatment for this disorder?
As of now, there is no specific treatment to cure the disorder entirely. The researchers are trying to come to a solution with a compilation of therapies and medications.
In today’s time, the quality of life is being enhanced by occupational therapy, heat therapy, physical therapy, and, if necessary, surgery and medications.
So, if we look into treating the piriformis symptoms, these are the following healing methods use nowadays.
- Apply heat
- Ice pack massages
- Acupuncture
- Recommended exercises to increase the movement of the sacroiliac joints.
- Adjusting body postures
- Strengthening the hips through physical therapy
However, in most cases, if it is beyond physiotherapy, one has to undergo surgery.