Spinal Muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the weakness of muscles caused by the breakdown of the nerve cells in one’s brain and spinal cord. The symptoms of SMA can range from mild to disabling, and the early signs and popular treatments for SMA vary depending on the severity of the condition. That said, involuntary muscles like the heart muscles, digestive tract muscles, and blood vessels are not affected. This is a debilitating genetic disorder that can disrupt the normal growth and development of the affected child.

Early signs and symptoms
Listed here are the most common signs and symptoms of this condition:

• Weakness involuntary muscles
• Problems in breathing
• Problems in swallowing
• Limited mobility
• Floppiness
• Diminished muscle tone, also known as hypotonia
• Delayed gross motor skills
• An abnormal bending of the spine that is known as scoliosis
• Spontaneous and uncontrollable movements of the tongue
• Progressive muscle weakness
• Muscle wasting, also known as atrophy
• Inability to control head movement
• Inability to sit without help

There are different types of SMA, but the primary symptoms in all forms include muscle weakness and muscle wasting. This happens because the nerves that regulate the movement, also known as motor neurons, are unable to give muscles the signal to contract. Typically, the weakness is caused in the muscles close to the center of the body.

Treatment for SMA
Although the debilitating condition cannot be cured, several treatments help in improving the symptoms. It is extremely important to start SMN-enhancing therapies as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. The early signs and popular treatments for SMA depend on the type of the condition. The various forms of treatment include:

Gene therapy
Two FDA-approved medications are available to treat SMA, namely, nusinersen (Spinraza) and onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi (Zolgensma)

Nusinersen

• This is used by both children and adults with SMA
• This medication is injected into the fluid around the spinal cord and has to be administered several times
• Studies reveal that it helps about 40% of SMA patients and slows the progression of the disease

Nasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi

• This is administered to children under two years of age
• It is injected directly into a vein in the arm or hand and is administered only once

Chiropractic treatments
These treatments include the following:

• Therapeutic program that targets the location of the affected muscles
• Regularly massaging the affected area
• No pharmaceutical medicines or invasive surgery
• Dry needling therapy
• Electrotherapy
• Application of hot and cold compresses

Assistive devices and therapy
Various assistive devices can also help improve an SMA patient’s quality of life. Assistive technology includes powered wheelchairs, ventilators, modified access to computers, and such. This can enable individuals to be more active and live longer.

A team of efficient doctors and skilled therapists provide medical care and help in keeping children with SMA motivated and interactive. Awareness regarding the early signs and popular treatments for SMA is important to cope with and fight this disease.