The spinal column of a person is not only a straight line. Immediately after birth, physiological bends begin to form gradually. They are necessary in order to soften the load on the spine.
In addition to natural bends, pathological can appear. They are called curvatures. The spine, when they occur, begins to function somewhat differently. Not only will an outwardly physical defect be noticeable, but the performance of the lungs, heart and digestive system will also be impaired.
Types of curvature of the spine
As mentioned above, normally a person has several bends. They allow less strain on the body throughout life. There are four physiological curvatures of the spine . They are located in the thoracic, cervical, in the sacrum and lower back.
As for unnatural curvatures, those are called those that deviate from the axis of the spine to the sides or back and forth. If we are talking about deviations to the right or left of the axis, then in medicine such a disease is called scoliosis. There are also lateral curvatures: kyphosis and lordosis. In some cases, they are considered normal, but only when the curvature does not exceed certain indicators. As soon as differences with the norm appear, it is necessary to undergo a special course of treatment.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is called the chest curvature of the spine. Sometimes it can affect other departments, but most often the above suffers.
This disease is first diagnosed before the age of 15 years. If we are talking about a severe degree of pathology, then it is easy to notice because of a raised shoulder blade, side deviations of the body. Scoliosis affects the posture of a person, as well as how he walks.
This pathology is C-shaped, S-shaped and Z-shaped.
The easiest is the first form. Here we are talking about one-way curvature. This degree is considered the most common.
In the presence of S-shaped scoliosis, the formation of two arcs is diagnosed. The first is considered the main one. The second one arises in order to straighten the spinal column. As a rule, it is located above the main one.
If a person has three arcs of curvature at once, then we are talking about Z-shaped scoliosis. The first two are very pronounced. Such a curvature of the spine can be noticed with ease. The third is detected only with the help of an x-ray. This disease is considered very serious. He has severe symptoms and a small percentage of the probability of cure.
Lordosis
Curvature of the cervical spine, as well as the lumbar spine, indicates the presence of lordosis. A pathological disease is called too large a deviation of the axis forward. Sometimes it can occur where there is natural chest kyphosis.
Lordosis leads to the fact that a person has problems with the movement of the lower extremities. The functionality of the hands and shoulder girdle is impaired, and severe headaches can also disturb. Due to the fact that the spine is deformed, the work of the lungs, heart and kidneys changes in a person. The greater the degree of curvature, the stronger these manifestations will be.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is the pathological curvature of the spine, or rather its axis. This is a deviation back.
At the moment, two forms of the described pathology are known. There is an arcuate and angular. In the first case, we are talking about the formation of a uniform arc, which indicates curvature. As for angular kyphosis, here we are talking about bulging vertebrae. They look like a corner.
As a mild form of kyphosis, stoop should be called.
Causes of occurrence
Spinal curvature may be acquired or congenital. A very large number of provoking factors can lead to a similar pathology. As a rule, various vertebrae or the entire spinal column can be affected separately.
The diseases that lead to such pathologies are most often attributed to diseases of the central nervous system. This can be poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, rickets and osteoporosis, bone tuberculosis, rheumatism, as well as a hereditary predisposition or genetic problems.
As a rule, in adults, curvature begins on the background of osteochondrosis. At risk are also people who have an intervertebral hernia.
Secondary curvature
There are curvatures that are called secondary. They arise due to any pathologies associated with diseases of the organs or bone system. The main reasons for this should be called deep skin scars that lead to muscle tension, inflammation of the latter, pain that occurs when there are problems with the gall bladder, liver or kidneys, spinal injury or congenital anomalies.
Spinal curvature in children often occurs due to the fact that their skeleton is rapidly growing and posture is forming. Now children are sitting improperly in the classroom or doing their homework at home. Accordingly, due to a weak muscle corset, unnatural bends begin to appear in them.
Symptoms
The patient’s complaints completely depend not only on the presence of a pathological bend, but also on where he is located and what degree of curvature is involved.
The first degree of curvature of the spine is set in the case when the angle of the arc is not more than 10 degrees. As a rule, outwardly the defect is invisible, there are no special changes in well-being either. A small stoop may develop. There are different blade heights. Often noticeable slightly raised shoulder girdle when a person is without clothes.
The second degree involves a curvature of up to 25 degrees. In this case, violations in the vertebrae are recorded. The tone of the muscles that are on the back and on the chest can change. If a person sits for a long time, he has pain in the spine. It also becomes difficult for him to endure physical activity.
The third degree is characterized by a curvature of up to 50 degrees. In this case, the deformation is noticeable immediately. A person constantly has back pain, it is difficult for him to do even the simplest physical exercises, there is shortness of breath at rest.
If the angle of the arc is more than 50 degrees, then we are already talking about the most severe degree of curvature. This pathology greatly affects the work of the lungs, heart, liver, stomach and bronchi.
What symptoms are completely dependent on the type of curvature of the spine. If we are talking about a cervical one, then headaches, dizziness, and also problems with movements will constantly disturb. With disorders in the lower back, lower limb diseases can occur, ovarian dysfunction and sexual dysfunction appear.
How to determine the presence of the disease?
Deformation of the spine can be seen at a careful external examination, even if we are talking about the first degree of development. It is quite possible to independently identify the curvature of the spine. Photos of some pathologies are available in the article.
If a person becomes straight, then in the presence of one of the above diseases, he will have one shoulder below the second. When examining the back, you can notice the angle of the shoulder blade, which bulges out strongly. If you lean forward, the curvature of the spine will be easily noticeable. Standing straight, you need to lower your hands down. Next, you should pay attention to the distance between them and the waist. If it is different, then we are talking about anomalous curvature.
If we talk about subjective symptoms, it should be noted numbness of the extremities, pain in the back, neck, chest. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to do an x-ray or computed tomography. If there is suspicion of a deterioration in the functioning of internal organs, then an ultrasound scan is performed and analyzes are performed.
Effects
The treatment for spinal curvature cannot be ignored . This is due to the fact that the first degree, which is less noticeable and practically does not bring any discomfort, quickly passes into the second and subsequent forms. Most often, people do not notice that their spine is deformed, respectively, do not conduct treatment. As a result, complications begin to manifest rather quickly.
If we are talking about the second degree, then for people around you, a problem with a skew of the body will be noticeable. Also, a person may complain of muscle spasms, back pain. People with such a disease can not perform any physical exercises for a long time.
The curvature of the third and directly fourth degree is already quite serious. Often, patients who suffer from such a pathology have cardiac abnormalities, they have breathing problems. Often bronchitis develops. Also, due to this disease, stagnant processes in the gastrointestinal tract can occur. This leads to cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and other serious illnesses. In women, a similar degree of curvature can lead to problems with pregnancy, as well as bearing a child.
Can I fix it?
A slight degree of curvature can be cured on its own. However, this is real only if the person is ready to constantly monitor his posture and do the necessary exercises. With curvature of the spine, this is quite important, and often a few months of such therapy can completely eliminate the problem.
If we talk about the second degree, then you need to go for massage, play sports and carry out manual therapy. Very often, pathological bends of this form that occur in children are completely cured.
If we talk about the third or fourth degree, then correct this pathology will not work. In order to prevent further development of the deformation, it is necessary to perform all the procedures that the doctor prescribes. In severe stages, a latch is specially installed. It allows you to hold the spine in position.
How to cure pathology at home?
A pretty topical question is how to fix the curvature of the spine. You can do this at home. As a rule, this pathology is treated in a hospital only if the treatment involves surgery.
Everything that doctors prescribe must be performed in full. From the patient only the habit of walking with the correct posture, maximum muscle activity, the elimination of unnecessary stress on the body is required. During treatment, all secondary symptoms will completely disappear.
The treatment regimen is individual. The most important is always exercise. The set of classes is selected by the doctor, you should not do this yourself. Otherwise, you can achieve, on the contrary, deterioration. Massage, physiotherapy and much more are considered additional treatments.
Gymnastic exercises for the back
When curving the spine in children or adults, you need to pay attention to gymnastic exercises. Thanks to them, you can strengthen the muscles. Accordingly, the spinal column will be maintained in position. Recommended exercises include the following.
In the supine position, it is necessary to stretch the arms and legs alternately up. Next you should kneel. With one hand you need to rest on the floor, and the second pull to the side. The same must be done simultaneously with the feet.
From a standing position, stretch your torso up. You also need to raise your hands. Keep in this position for a few seconds.
In the same position, standing, it is necessary to perform the torso tilts. This should be done in different directions.
This set of classes is approximate. As a rule, it is used in any therapy. Most of all, it will be effective in the first degree of curvature. In order to achieve a result, you must regularly perform them. It is also necessary that the doctor select the exercises and adjust them as they are treated.
Prevention
Curvature of the spine in adults and children leads to the fact that other organs and systems cease to function normally. That is why it is necessary to constantly carry out prevention. To do this is not difficult.
You must constantly engage in any kind of sport. You should also control your posture. Be sure to eat well. Do not forget about the treatment of diseases that are associated with metabolism and directly with the musculoskeletal system.