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Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. It can be caused by disuse of muscles, neurogenic conditions, malnutrition, age, genetics, or certain medical conditions. Disuse atrophy occurs when muscles are not used enough, leading to a decrease in size and strength. Neurogenic atrophy is caused by nerve problems or injuries affecting nerves connected to the muscles, resulting in their inability to contract. Age-related atrophy, known as sarcopenia, is a natural part of the ageing process, typically starting around the age of 30, with muscle loss becoming more noticeable around age 60. This can be accelerated by inactivity and poor diet. Muscular dystrophy is another condition that causes muscle weakness and wasting over time due to genetic factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Physiologic (Disuse), Pathologic, Neurogenic |
| Causes | Sedentary lifestyle, malnourishment, lack of exercise, desk job, old age, nerve damage, stroke, muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, dermatomyositis, arthritis, myositis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), mitochondrial dysfunction, polio, carpal tunnel syndrome |
| Symptoms | Reduced muscle mass, weakness, numbness, tingling in limbs, trouble walking or balancing, difficulty swallowing or speaking, muscle pain, heart issues, breathing issues |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, surgery, functional electrical stimulation (FES), progressive resistance-based strength training, healthy diet, hormone supplements |
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What You'll Learn
Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can lead to muscle deterioration, or muscle atrophy. This is because the body, including the heart, lungs, and muscles, is being "deconditioned", which can happen in as little as a couple of days. The body becomes deconditioned because, when you don't use your muscles, they can atrophy. In other words, when your muscles don't contract, your body thinks you don't need them anymore, so it starts breaking them down, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and strength.
Research shows that it can take just two weeks of inactivity to cause significant health effects, including reduced muscle mass and metabolic changes. The more sedentary you are, the higher your health risks are. Minimal movement and a sedentary lifestyle can make you feel winded faster, and the more stagnant a person is, the greater the risk of mortality and heart disease. A sedentary lifestyle is also linked to an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including weight gain and obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic issues.
Inactivity also leads to stiff muscles, decreased mobility and strength, and nervous system problems like slower mental processing, issues with memory and concentration, depression, and anxiety. However, the good news is that the adverse effects of physical inactivity can be reversed by exercise training. Even a small increase in physical activity can decrease inflammation, increase mobility, and reduce pain.
There are many ways to add more movement to your daily routine. You can try walking, swimming, or water aerobics, or doing yoga stretches, or lifting hand weights while watching TV. You can also try to do housework, gardening, or yard work at a more vigorous pace.
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Malnutrition and poor diet
Malnutrition occurs when a person's diet does not provide enough nutrients or the right balance for optimal health. It can be caused by a lack of access to a variety of foods, a sedentary lifestyle, economic disadvantages, or a lack of knowledge about nutrition. Malnutrition can lead to muscle atrophy or muscle wasting, which is a decrease in muscle mass and strength. This can happen due to a deficiency of macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, which are the main building blocks of a healthy diet. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamins and minerals, can also contribute to muscle deterioration.
Undernutrition, which is often associated with malnutrition, can cause visible wasting of fat and muscle. It occurs when an individual does not have an adequate diet or when their body struggles to absorb enough nutrients from food. It is important to note that a person can be overweight or obese and still be undernourished. This is because their diet may be lacking in essential nutrients, even if they are consuming an excess of calories.
Overt nutrition, another form of malnutrition, can also impact muscle health. It occurs when an individual consumes more nutrients than their body needs, leading to an accumulation of body fat and potentially resulting in overweight or obesity. Overnutrition can have detrimental health effects and increase the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Muscle atrophy caused by malnutrition or poor diet is often physiologic or disuse atrophy, which can be treated with regular exercise and a healthy, nutrient-dense diet. Working with a healthcare provider or dietitian can help individuals recover from muscle atrophy and improve their nutritional status.
Older adults, especially those in hospitals or long-term care facilities, are at a higher risk of malnutrition and the associated muscle deterioration. This can further lead to functional impairment, an increased risk of falls and fractures, and a lower quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the maintenance and restoration of muscle mass in individuals at risk of or suffering from malnutrition.
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Neurological conditions and nerve damage
Peripheral neuropathy, a type of neuromuscular disorder, can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. It can also lead to muscle atrophy, with muscles shrinking in size and weakening, particularly in the feet, lower legs, and hands. Peripheral neuropathy can affect nerves anywhere in the body, disrupting automatic processes, the sense of touch, and muscle control. It can be diagnosed through physical and neurological exams, blood tests, nerve ultrasounds, MRIs, and genetic testing. While there is no cure for neuromuscular disorders, treatment options include medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and surgery, which can help manage symptoms and slow down disease progression.
Motor neurons, which are nerves in the brain and spinal column that communicate with muscles, can be affected by diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), resulting in nerve damage that worsens over time. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins B6 and B12, can also lead to symptoms of nerve pain and damage, including weakness and burning sensations. Alcohol consumption and gastric surgery can contribute to these deficiencies. Certain infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease, herpes viruses, HIV, and hepatitis C, can also impact the nerves.
Nerve pain and damage can seriously impact an individual's quality of life, as nerves are essential for various bodily functions, including movement, breathing, and sensing pleasure and pain. Treatment for nerve pain typically focuses on addressing the underlying condition and managing pain through medication and physical therapy.
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Muscular dystrophy and genetics
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of over 30 inherited genetic conditions that cause progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to the degeneration of muscle cells. MD is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for the structure and functioning of an individual's muscles. These mutations lead to changes in the muscle fibres, interfering with their ability to function properly. The symptoms of MD vary in age of onset, severity, and the pattern of affected muscles, but they generally worsen over time.
The different types of MD are grouped by the specific genes affected and the muscle groups impacted. For example, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) initially affects the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms, with progressive weakness. Other types of MD include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common childhood form, which results from an absence of the muscle protein dystrophin. DMD primarily affects boys, causing progressive weakness and muscle wasting that begins in the upper legs and pelvis before spreading to the upper arms.
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing and understanding MD. It can help identify the specific gene mutations causing the condition and confirm a diagnosis. If MD runs in a family, genetic counsellors can provide emotional support and guidance on inheritance patterns and risks for future generations.
Currently, there is no cure for MD, but treatments such as drug therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Researchers are actively working towards finding effective treatments and repairing the genetic mutations associated with MD.
If you suspect you or a family member may have MD, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
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Age-related atrophy (sarcopenia)
Age-related muscle atrophy, or sarcopenia, is a condition characterised by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia is primarily caused by the natural ageing process, with muscle loss typically beginning in one's 30s and becoming more noticeable around age 60. The rate of muscle loss varies depending on individual factors, with studies estimating that between 5% and 13% of individuals aged 60 and above experience sarcopenia, increasing to a range of 11% to 50% in people aged 80 and older.
The biological changes associated with ageing contribute to the development of sarcopenia. Specifically, the body's ability to produce muscle-building proteins decreases with age, resulting in smaller muscle cells. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as lower levels of testosterone and insulin-like growth factor, further impact muscle fibres, leading to sarcopenia. A reduction in nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to initiate muscle movement is also believed to play a role in age-related muscle atrophy.
Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for sarcopenia. Individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles, have health issues restricting movement, or have low activity levels are more susceptible to the condition. Inactivity contributes to muscle loss even in those who exercise, highlighting the importance of overall daily activity. Progressive resistance-based strength training is often recommended to help improve muscle strength and reverse muscle loss due to sarcopenia.
Nutrition also plays a crucial role in sarcopenia. A poor diet, particularly one lacking in protein, is associated with an increased risk of developing the condition. As the body ages, it becomes less efficient at converting protein into energy, making adequate protein intake essential. Additionally, diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in ultra-processed foods may contribute to low muscle mass. Malnutrition, whether due to inadequate food intake or insufficient nutrient absorption, further elevates the risk of sarcopenia.
While sarcopenia is a natural part of ageing, certain steps can help slow down its progression. These include staying physically active, incorporating progressive resistance exercises, and maintaining a healthy diet rich in high-quality proteins. Although there are no FDA-approved medications for treating sarcopenia, research is exploring the potential of hormone supplements to increase muscle mass.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your muscles might be deteriorating. This phenomenon is called muscle atrophy or muscle wasting, and it involves a significant shortening of the muscle fibres and a loss of overall muscle mass. Here are some potential reasons:
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle or having a desk job
- Malnutrition or a poor diet
- Ageing
- Genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy
- Neurogenic atrophy caused by nerve problems or diseases
- Medical conditions such as arthritis, myositis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), or mitochondrial dysfunction
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass, also known as muscle loss. It can be classified into three types: physiologic, pathologic, and neurogenic. Physiologic atrophy is caused by not using muscles enough, and can often be reversed with exercise and better nutrition. Pathologic atrophy is associated with ageing, starvation, and diseases like Cushing's disease. Neurogenic atrophy is caused by nerve problems or diseases and is the most severe type.
Symptoms of muscle atrophy include a decrease in muscle mass, with one limb being smaller than the other. There may also be weakness, numbness, and tingling in the limbs. In more severe cases, there could be trouble walking or balancing, and difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the underlying cause and the degree of muscle loss. Physical therapy, functional electrical stimulation (FES), ultrasound therapy, and in some cases, surgery may be recommended. Treating the underlying condition can help slow the progression of muscle loss.
To prevent muscle atrophy, it is important to stay physically active and maintain a healthy diet. Progressive resistance-based strength training can help improve strength and reverse muscle loss. Eating a diet rich in high-quality proteins is also beneficial.
