Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating genetic disease that destroys the muscles and leads to the formation of an abnormal type of muscle protein called dystrophin. Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms include a progressive muscle weakness and wasting among many other things. This disorder usually affects males but is passed on by their mothers. This is referred to X-linked recessives.

This is one of the more common kind of MD, and it is caused by a misfunction in the procedure of producing dystrophin (a form of protein). If the process is completed correctly, that protein will make the muscles solid and stay in shape. Thus, without the protein, a person will become very vulnerable as the muscles break down. Unfortunately, people suffering from DMD often pass away before they fully grow up.

Some like, Duchenne's disease, commonly can result in death. Typically the most severe cases occur during childhood, but some do not occur until the person is over 40 years of age. While there is no known cure, physical therapy has been shown to help in some cases and is widely practiced. Most importantly perhaps is allowing the individual to be as independent as possible. This helps on a physiological and psychosocial level that is often very powerful.

Duchenne's muscular dystrophy symptoms are the most severe and the most common. The disease affects children and adults, mostly males, and can result in constraint to a wheelchair and a shortened life. The disease usually strikes in the legs and the pelvis first but will move to the arms, neck and other areas of the body as the disease progresses. The muscles will weaken and worsen until it is impossible to walk on your own. Most children with Duchenne's MD do not live to see 25.

The Ayurvedic treatment of muscular dystrophy is aimed at treating the basic pathology of the disease, preventing or reducing further progress of the disease, preventing or reducing disability and prolonging survival. Medicines which act on the muscle tissue are used in this condition.

These medicines include Yograj-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Ekang-Veer-Ras, etc. Regular massage of the entire body is also believed to help in strengthening the muscles.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that causes weakness in the muscles that allow your body to move. Patients that have MD have do not have the correct information in their genes. This prevents the body from making the proper proteins needed for healthy muscles. Because Muscular Dystrophy is genetic, you have the problem at birth. You cannot catch it from another person, so it is by no means contagious.

The symptoms of muscular dystrophy or its signs may be recognized earlier or overlooked, depending on the family history. The muscles which first show signs of weakness are those around the hips, thighs and shoulder. There may be delay in walking or failure of the gait to become steady and coordinated. The child may fall frequently without apparent cause.

Regular massage therapy, in conjunction with traditional therapies, can also help in reducing the severity of muscle spasms, relax tight muscles and restore some range of motion. It can also help to ease some of the pain associated with MD.