Degenerative disease

Theoretically, all organs and tissue structures can be affected by a degenerative disease, even if in practice corresponding pathological events are observed particularly frequently in the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. The degeneration is often irrevocable.

contents

definition
symptoms
diagnostics
treatment
Naturopathy in degenerative diseases

definition

"Degenerative diseases" are diseases in which tissue structures and organs are permanently influenced or damaged by the disease in its structure or function. This may also include tissue death (necrosis) or tissue atrophy. However, not every necrosis or atrophy necessarily results in a degenerative disease.

symptoms

The symptoms of degenerative diseases depend on their respective localization. If, for example, they affect the area of ​​the spine, as is the case with a herniated disc, a spondylarthrosis or spondylolisthesis, back pain and restricted mobility form an essential part of the symptoms. If there is a degenerative change in the kidneys, it may be associated with, among other things, flank pain and problems with urine output. Degenerative diseases of the cardiovascular system are often associated with changes in blood pressure and symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and a general performance weakness. Even tachycardia and chest pain or heart pain can occur here, when the heart and surrounding tissue structures are affected by degenerative changes.

Degenerative bone diseases
Degenerative processes can occur on all bones, but structures that are exposed to high levels of stress are particularly common. Here, above all, the spine is mentioned. Possible degenerative diseases in this area are, for example, the so-called spondylarthrosis, which includes degenerative changes of the vertebral arch joints, the so-called spinal stenosis, which describes a narrowing of the spinal canal, or the so-called spondylolisthesis (degenerative spondylolisthesis). A common consequence of the degenerative processes in the area of ​​the spine is the herniated disc. In addition, some people suffer from a lateral displacement of the spine (scoliosis), with which a degeneration of the vertebral joints and surrounding structures can go hand in hand.

In addition to the spine, especially the large, heavily loaded joints, such as the hip joint, the knee or the shoulder are often affected by degenerative changes. Accordingly, hip pain, knee pain and pain in the shoulder joint are among the possible complaints of degenerative bone disease. In addition, osteoporosis (bone loss), which is characterized by a decrease in bone density and susceptibility to fractures, is also a potential degenerative disease of the bone system. The same applies to osteochondrosis, in which the transformation from cartilage to bone and thus bone growth is impaired. The Scheuermann disease, which is characterized by a pronounced malformation due to growth disorders of the spine in adolescence, can also be assigned to this area of ​​degenerative diseases.

Degenerative Muscleoids
From the field of degenerative muscle diseases, for example, the so-called muscular dystrophies may be mentioned, which are characterized by genetically caused damage to the muscle cells. The result is muscle weakness and possibly muscle atrophy. Sometimes there is a complete loss of function of the affected muscles. Other degenerative muscle diseases are the so-called congenital myopathies. These special muscle diseases (myopathies) usually occur at birth or in infancy and early childhood. Muscle weakness is also possible due to mitochondrial myopathy, in which the miniature power plants of the muscle cells (the mitochondria) are disturbed in their function. Degenerative changes of the musculature can also occur as a result of numerous other diseases, but here is no underlying muscle disease.

Neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are relatively common, especially in the elderly, as the nervous system is exposed to multiple impairments and natural aging processes over time. Probably the best known form of neurodegenerative diseases is Alzheimer's disease. This most common variant of dementia is associated with the so-called tauopathies, in which a conspicuous accumulation of tau protein in the brain is observed. Alzheimer's disease is associated with significant cognitive impairment, ranging from mild forgetfulness in the early stages to complete memory loss later in the disease.

Another well-known neurodegenerative disease is Parkinson's disease, the most striking feature of which is an uncontrolled muscle tremor. Much rarer is the so-called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is associated with the degenerative disease of the motor nervous system. Damage to the nervous system also results in degenerative changes of the musculature or muscle weakness, as well as possibly muscle wasting. The paralysis that occurs causes discomfort such as difficulty swallowing, speech problems, difficulty walking, muscle fatigue and increased movement restrictions. The wide range of neurodegenerative diseases also includes a number of other, sometimes extremely rare, complaints, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Huntington's Disease (Huntington's Disease) or Pick's Disease.

Further degenerative diseases
In the broadest sense, degenerative diseases also include atherosclerotic diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as coronary heart disease. The cause is a progressive arteriosclerosis, which ends in the long run worst with a heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, individual tissue structures are increasingly affected by degeneration due to their special nature. This applies, for example, to the retina of the eye. Here are often degenerative changes in the point of the highest visual acuity - the so-called macula. This macular degeneration brings a significant reduction in vision.

diagnostics

In most degenerative diseases, tissue changes are detectable using modern imaging techniques. Therefore, ultrasound, X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the most important diagnostic tools. In particular, in neurodegenerative diseases, however, these methods can often contribute little to the diagnosis. Here, highly specialized investigations are required. Depending on the broad spectrum of degenerative diseases, numerous other examination methods can be used in individual cases, ranging from blood tests and urine samples to the removal of a tissue sample (biopsy).

treatment

A comprehensive presentation of all treatment approaches against the various degenerative diseases would go beyond the scope here, so that here only a reference to the fundamental goals of the therapy takes place. First, stop the progression of degeneration as much as possible. However, this is only partially possible with many degenerative diseases. For example, the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS can not be halted, but only delayed. If it is possible to delay the degeneration by therapeutic means, then a restoration of the original structures should be sought. Often, degenerative changes are irreversible. Overall, it should be noted that in degenerative diseases, the treatment options are often rather low and a cure can be achieved only in a few clinical pictures. The therapy is often aimed primarily at alleviating the symptoms.

Naturopathy in degenerative diseases

Naturopathy holds comprehensive treatment approaches against the various clinical pictures of degenerative diseases, which have meanwhile also found their way into conventional medicine. Particular mention should be made here of acupuncture and osteopathy. Physiotherapy, in turn, generally plays an essential role in the treatment of degenerative muscle and bone diseases. Also the nutritional therapy is ascribed an extremely positive effect in the treatment of various degenerative complaints. Overall, the holistic approach of naturopathy in degenerative diseases quite some advantages, since in other parts of the body possibly present causes of degeneration are taken into account. Thus, naturopathy in diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or a herniated disc make a significant contribution to therapy. (Fp)