Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy affects males and females. Most commonly it causes progressive (worsening) hip and shoulder muscle weakness that spreads to the arms, legs, and back. Symptoms usually begin between 8 and 15 years of age, and progress slowly. Initially, patients may experience low back pain as they begin to stand with their lower back arched forward to compensate for weak buttock muscles. Overtime, muscles of the arms and legs begin to shrink (atrophy). Neck muscles become weak, as well. Patients usually become confined to a wheelchair by 30 years of age. Intelligence is usually normal. Heart muscle involvement is uncommon.