From the Guidelines
Muscle-Centric Medicine Overview
Muscle-centric medicine is a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of muscle-related disorders, emphasizing a combination of lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and pharmacological interventions. This approach is crucial for managing conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), where glucocorticoids are the pharmacological mainstay of neuromuscular management 1.
Key Components of Muscle-Centric Medicine
- Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging gentle exercises and activities to improve muscle strength and flexibility.
- Physical Therapy: Tailored programs to enhance muscle function and prevent contractures and deformities.
- Pharmacological Interventions: Use of medications such as glucocorticoids for DMD management, with careful consideration of dosage and potential side effects 1.
Pharmacological Management
For patients with muscle weakness or pain, conservative management is recommended, including physical therapy and gentle exercises. When pharmacological intervention is necessary, medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be prescribed for pain management. In cases of muscle spasms, cyclobenzaprine or baclofen may be used, with treatment duration limited to the shortest necessary period, typically 2-4 weeks.
Importance of Caution and Individualized Care
It is essential to approach muscle-centric medicine with caution, as overuse or misuse of medications can lead to adverse effects. A thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination and diagnostic tests, should be conducted to determine the underlying cause of muscle-related symptoms and to develop an individualized treatment plan 1. This ensures that patients receive the most appropriate care for their specific condition, minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition and Scope of Muscle-Centric Medicine
- Muscle-centric medicine refers to an approach that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of muscle-related disorders and injuries [(2,3,4,5,6)].
- This approach recognizes the importance of muscle health and function in overall well-being and quality of life.
Key Principles and Components
- Muscle-centric medicine involves a thorough medical history and neurological examination to diagnose and manage muscle disorders 3.
- It also includes the use of various diagnostic tools, such as electrodiagnostic and histological investigations, to identify the underlying cause of muscle disorders 4.
- Treatment and management strategies may include exercise, physical therapy, and other conservative approaches, as well as pharmacological and surgical interventions [(2,6)].
Advances and Developments in Muscle-Centric Medicine
- Recent advances in muscle research have led to a better understanding of muscle physiology and pathology, and have informed the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches 5.
- The use of molecular genetic studies, next-generation sequencing, and other technologies has improved the diagnosis and management of muscle disorders [(4,5)].
- Personalized medicine, genotype-phenotype correlation, and the use of biomarkers and imaging are also becoming increasingly important in muscle-centric medicine 5.