The human body contains many reflexes from the moment of birth. One of them is the Achilles reflex.
From the moment of birth, there is a set of unconditioned reflexes in the body, however, this is true if there are no various pathologies and some diseases. It is this set that helps and guides the development of a person at a young age.
There are reflexes that are activated by the skin, visual, and charm receptors. And also coming into action, after exposure to organs inside a person. And finally, there are muscle reflexes. We will just consider one of them. It is worth noting that disruption of this reflex indicates problems with the human nervous system.
The concept and methods of diagnosing the Achilles reflex
The Achilles reflex is a reaction that is triggered by a doctor using a point hit with a special hammer on a tendon just above the heel. In order for a qualitative reaction to occur, the calf muscle should be relaxed as much as possible for this procedure. The patient is advised to kneel on a chair so that his feet are in a sagging state.
The second method of diagnosis is the supine position of the patient. He needs to sit on the couch. Then the doctor raises the patient's shin so that the Achilles tendon is slightly stretched. For a doctor, this method is not very good, because you have to hit with a hammer from top to bottom. This method is most widespread when examining children.
Reflex arc
The reflex arch consists of motor and sensory fibers of the tibial nerve "n.tibialis" and segments of the spinal cord S1-S2. This is a deep, tendon reflex.
It is also worth noting that when examined by a doctor, first of all, attention is paid to the force of this reaction. Each time it changes within the framework of the norm, but its constant decrease or an increase in turn indicates a violation and malfunction of the body.
Possible reasons for the lack of the Achilles reflex
- Sometimes there are cases when a person who is not sick with anything at this moment does not have this type of reaction. Toga should refer to the history of the disease, it can be said with almost complete certainty that the diseases that caused this problem will be present;
- Also, his absence is caused by various diseases in the spine and spinal cord. Thus, disturbances in such vertebral regions as the lumbar and tibia are certainly caused, and a reflex arc passes through them;
- For the above reason, the absence of this reaction is a violation in the spine due to injuries and diseases. The most dangerous diseases are: lumbar spinal osteochondrosis causing sciatica, as well as herniated discs. In these cases, the damage caused pinches the nerve channels, thereby disrupting the passage of signals in the receptors. Treatment consists in establishing and restoring these connections;
- This problem can also be caused due to neurological pathologies. Because of which, in some places, the work of the spinal cord is partially disrupted. Such problems can cause the following diseases: back tabes, polyneuritis, and other types of neurological diseases;
- However, the absence of this reaction is most likely a symptom in combination with others. Such as pain in the sacral region, periodic numbness of the legs, as well as a reduced temperature in them. In some cases, diseases cause strong excitation of the spinal nerves. Then the reaction will be stronger.
Areflexia
There are diseases that cause a decrease in the activity of all reflexes. These are diseases such as polyneuropathy, spinal cord degradation, atrophy, and motor neuron disease.
In such cases, all nerve foci in the spinal cord and brain are affected. This leads to a gradual extinction, areflexion of all reactions at the same time. Such diseases can become acquired or be congenital.
The Importance of Diagnosing Achilles Tendon
Although the very absence of this reaction will not affect the person's lifestyle in any way. It is important to diagnose it, first of all, because the disruption in work, its absence, are the first bells about the disease in the spine itself. And early detection of a failure will help cure the disease at an early stage.
It should also be noted that it is better to consult a doctor with extensive experience for diagnosis. After all, it is he who will be able to correctly recognize a decrease or increase in muscle response. Thus, it is possible to identify the disease in the embryo.
In conclusion, we note that the Achilles reflex itself does not qualitatively affect a person's lifestyle. However, its violation or absence speaks of a disease of the spine, which makes it important to periodically diagnose it.
