Introduction

Neuromuscular disorders are a group of diseases that affect the nervous system and muscles. Symptoms can include muscle weakness and pain, as well as changes in sensation and reflexes. There are many different kinds of neuromuscular disorders, which are often named after the part of the body where they occur (for example, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Generally speaking, neuromuscular disorders fall into two categories: hereditary diseases (those passed down through families) and acquired diseases (which happen later in life). Chiropractor Ashford Kent provides fascilities for treatment of Neuromuscular disorders.

The diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders

A neuromuscular disorder is a condition that affects the muscles or nerves which are responsible for movement. Symptoms can include stiffness and pain, muscle weakness, muscle twitches (fasciculations), abnormal reflexes and muscle atrophy. Neuromuscular Disorders are those diseases that affect the motor system. The motor system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. They can be inherited or acquired at birth or during life.

The motor system

The motor system is responsible for all voluntary muscle movement. It is divided into two parts: somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system controls the voluntary movement of skeletal muscles, while the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions such as digestion, heart rate etc.

Neuromuscular Disorders can be classified into three categories:

Myopathies - a group of disorders affecting muscle fibres

Neuropathies - damage to peripheral nerves (affecting the skin and muscles)

Myasthenia gravis - a rare autoimmune disease where antibodies attack nicotinic cholinergic receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness.

How do you determine whether or not you have one?

It is imperative that you make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms. If your primary care physician is unable to provide a diagnosis, but there is a reason to suspect an underlying condition such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis, then it is possible that a referral to a neurologist may be suggested. If you have been sent to a neurologist, then this expert will do further tests on both of your upper extremities to determine the cause of your symptoms. These tests include nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), and their purpose is to determine whether or not there are any abnormalities within your nervous system that require further investigation. In addition, the neurologist will review any medications that are currently being prescribed by other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, and so on.

The treatment of neuromuscular disorders

You may be wondering what chiropractic treatment has to offer for these disorders. This is an important choice to discuss with your doctor and should be considered along with all other conventional treatments. Chiropractic care can help people who have been diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders. For example, the manipulation of the spine has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in patients suffering from herniated discs (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics). Chiropractic adjustments can also help to reduce muscle spasms, which often occur as a result of injury or degeneration of nerves (Neuromuscul Disord).

A chiropractor can help

Chiropractors are trained to treat neuromuscular disorders. Chiropractic care can help manage pain, muscle spasms and nerve entrapments associated with these conditions. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can alleviate symptoms of auto injuries, including whiplash and more.

Chiropractors can treat neuromuscular disorders in a number of ways. These include:

Spinal manipulation or adjustment:

Spinal adjustment is one of the primary treatments that chiropractors use for neuromuscular disorders. It involves applying force to a vertebra (spinal bone) to alleviate pain and pressure on nerves.

Trigger point therapy:

Trigger points are defined as small areas of muscle that are tender and painful when pressed upon. They are thought to be caused by spasms in muscle fibres, which can lead to cramping or tingling sensations in surrounding muscles. Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to trigger points to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Soft tissue therapy:

Soft tissue therapies help to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and improve mobility within the body's soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments). These therapies include myofascial release therapy, ART® (active release technique), deep tissue massage, etc.

Neurological rehabilitation:

Neurological rehabilitation is a physical therapy program designed specifically for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. The goal of this type of treatment is to improve movement control and coordination through exercises that target muscles and balance.

Chiropractors are qualified medical professionals

Alternative medicine takes the form of chiropractic care, which focuses primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical problems of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those affecting the spine. Chiropractors are qualified medical professionals who are authorised to evaluate, diagnose, and treat people who suffer from neuromuscular problems and the ailment itself. Chiropractors are also educated to diagnose, cure, and prevent developmental dysplasia of the hip, which is more generally referred to as "lazy hip." Chiropractors get their training in chiropractic colleges.

Primary focus of chiropractic therapy

The manipulation of the spine and several other joints and soft tissues is the primary focus of chiropractic therapy. They also focus on improving function throughout your body. A patient may experience improvement in their symptoms after just one or two visits to the chiropractor.

The goals of treatment include:

     Relieving pain

     Improving mobility

     Preventing recurrences

I really hope that reading this article has helped you get a deeper comprehension of neuromuscular problems as well as the role that chiropractors play in treating such conditions. Before coming in for an appointment, it's important that you talk to your doctor about any medications you take or health conditions that may be causing your pain. Your doctor will need to rule out anything else before determining if chiropractic treatment is right for you.