Hypertrophy, specifically muscle hypertrophy, can be caused by certain neurogenic diseases that affect the nerves and muscles.
Neurogenic Disorders Leading to Hypertrophy
While muscle hypertrophy is commonly associated with exercise and bodybuilding, it can also occur due to specific medical conditions. These conditions are primarily neurogenic, meaning they originate from the nervous system. Here's a breakdown:
Specific Diseases Associated with Muscle Hypertrophy:
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Neuropathies: These are conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nerves. This damage can sometimes lead to unusual muscle growth as a compensatory mechanism.
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Radiculopathies: These conditions involve compression or irritation of nerve roots in the spinal column. Nerve root issues can also result in muscle hypertrophy in some cases.
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Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): While primarily known for causing muscle weakness and atrophy, in some specific forms or stages, SMA can be associated with unusual muscle hypertrophy, rather than atrophy. This is due to the fact that there is a loss of motor neurons, causing some remaining neurons to compensate by innervating more fibers.
- Mechanism: The underlying mechanism involves the reinnervation of muscle fibers by the remaining nerve cells which leads to enlargement of muscles.
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Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS): People who had polio may experience PPS decades later. This can sometimes be associated with muscle hypertrophy in certain muscle groups as they struggle to compensate for weakened areas due to the disease itself.
Why Do These Diseases Cause Hypertrophy?
The exact mechanisms are still being researched. However, a common thread is nerve damage or dysfunction. The muscles may be attempting to compensate for nerve issues by growing larger. This is different from hypertrophy caused by traditional weightlifting.
Table Summary
| Disease | Description |
|---|---|
| Neuropathies | Damage to peripheral nerves can sometimes lead to unusual muscle growth. |
| Radiculopathies | Nerve root compression or irritation may cause muscle hypertrophy. |
| Spinal Muscular Atrophy | A motor neuron disorder, though primarily known for atrophy can result in hypertrophy in some instances due to muscle fiber reinnervation. |
| Post-Polio Syndrome | Late-onset syndrome from polio may sometimes lead to hypertrophy due to muscle compensation. |
Key Differences
It's crucial to differentiate between hypertrophy from these neurogenic disorders and muscle growth from exercise. The hypertrophy in these diseases isn't associated with increased strength; rather, it's an unusual physiological response to nerve damage.
Conclusion
While muscle hypertrophy is usually a desired outcome of exercise, specific diseases related to nerve function can also cause it. The most common diseases associated with hypertrophy, as described in the reference, include neuropathies, radiculopathies, spinal muscular atrophy, and post-polio syndrome. Understanding the root cause of hypertrophy is important for correct diagnosis and management.
