Spina Bifida Essay

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There are many disabilities that affect the Musculoskeletal System. One disability is Spina Bifida, which is a series of spinal cord defects caused by abnormal fetal development. We don’t know all the causes of spina bifida. Genetics and the environment may play a role in causing spina bifida. Spina bifida can range from mild to extreme. Some people may have little to no disability while others people may be limited in the way they move. Some people may even be paralyzed or unable to walk or move parts of their body. Although, most people affected by spina bifida lead full and productive lives. There are three types which include myelomeningocele, occulta, and meningocele. Depending on the classification there will be different characteristics and symptoms. It may be treated in different setting, with different potential treatment ideas. Spina bifida is caused by the failure of the back bones to form over the back of the spinal cord, leaving the nerve unprotected. (Neural …show more content…

Not all people born with spina bifida have the same needs, so treatment will be different for each person. Some people have problems that are more serious than others. Therapeutic recreation services can be used to strengthen the upper body, help increase postural alignment, and prevent obesity. Excersizes like chair aerobics, strength training, swimming, and archery can help develop shoulder and arm strength. Aerobic activities such as swimming to control body weight and activities that require full range of motion (such as tossing a ball) can also be used to help people. Some may need to maintain upper body strength when a wheelchair is the primary method of getting around. Through play, sports and recreation experiences, TRSs encourages friendship development and social relationships. TRSs can assist young people to adapt to their means of mobility and the strength they need to maintain the ability to move on a daily basis. (Carter p. 204

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