Spinal muscle atrophy, or SMA, is a condition that commonly affects children and babies, which hampers their ability to use muscles. In children with SMA, the nerve cells present in the spinal cord and the brain break down. While the condition isn’t curable, it can be managed with extensive therapy and medication in most cases. Here’s what you need to know about the causes and natural treatment options for SMA.

Causes of SMA
Learning about who is at risk of the condition, the causes, and natural treatment options for SMA can help a lot of parents to give their children a better life. The condition occurs when the motor neurons present in the brain stem or the spinal cord do not work. It can also be caused when these motor neurons stop functioning due to any changes in the survival genes, which are SMN1 and SMN2. The genes SMN1 and SMN2 are responsible for providing instructions to produce proteins, which is important for the functioning of the motor neurons. While any changes to SMN1 causes SMA, any problems with SMN2 will determine the severity and the type of SMA. The genetic problems that can cause the condition are found in 1 in every 40 to 60 adults. A child will only develop the condition if the gene in both the parents has a problem.

Natural or alternative treatment options for SMA
The most commonly considered alternative or natural treatment options for SMA include the following:

• Acupuncture
  Acupuncture is an old practice that focuses on providing a cure by inserting needles in the various energy points of the body. Modern acupuncture has gradually replaced the traditional form to an extent and it focuses on anatomically stimulating the nervous system in localized areas instead of the energy points. The traditional form of acupuncture works by releasing the bad energy from the body and also by redirecting the trapped energy in the body. As far as the modern form is concerned, its mechanism might not be understood completely. But it is believed to work by having an effect on the neural system.
• Massage
  This is another alternative treatment for SMA. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms by applying pressure on various areas of the body by using hands or some mechanical aid. There are various types and forms of massages and they can be easily availed in spas or massage parlors. Massages for infants are also widely available. There are studies that have shown that the process definitely has an effect on the body. However, there is a lack of evidence to prove that that massage can show any improvements on the overall health of adults with SMA. But, they can help in getting relief from several symptoms of the same, with the most important of them being pain and depression.