The costal hump formed as a result of curvature of the spinal column is called scoliosis. It is lumbar, thoracic and cervical. Sometimes there are mixed types of scoliosis. The causes of this disease have not been identified to the end, but usually they are considered weakness and insufficient development of the ligamentous-muscular apparatus.
Types of curvature of the spine
- Cervical scoliosis: leads to modifications of the facial bone and chest.
- Thoracic type: the thoracic spine changes.
- Lumbar scoliosis: does not appear externally, but is accompanied by persistent pain.
Treatment methods
Specialists distinguish between acquired and congenital scoliosis. Proper treatment is possible only with a correctly diagnosed. Today, tools for diagnosing scoliosis are quite diverse. The course of treatment mainly depends on the degree of damage to the vertebrae, the type of disease and the patient’s intention to recover.
Modern medicine in the treatment of scoliosis distinguishes two methods:
- The method of conservative treatment (physical therapy sessions, massage, swimming pool visit). At the same time, wearing special corsets and electrical stimulants is recommended.
- The surgical method is indicated in the absence of a result from conservative treatment or in an acute form.
Conservative method
Over a rather long history of studying this disease, no effective way has been found how to correct scoliosis, or at least measures that would ensure a stable remission.
Experts use a conservative method for the treatment of curvature of the spinal column only in the initial stage of the disease. A progressive disease or its neglected form is no longer amenable to such treatment.
Each patient undergoes a treatment course individually, depending on what stage of development is scoliosis. The doctor determines the direction of the treatment process, offers to undergo a course of special physical education, which will strengthen the muscles of the back, which will unload the spinal column.
For those who are wondering how to correct scoliosis at an early stage, it is recommended to enroll in the pool. Swimming perfectly strengthens the muscles of the back, especially its upper part, and helps to keep the spinal column in a natural position.
Patients must be prescribed massage and other types of manual therapy, which make it possible to strengthen the muscles, relieve spasm from them, and normalize the blood supply to the spinal column. To complete all the procedures, the patient will be recommended to wear a corset, scarf or bandage that fix the damaged parts of the spinal column; apply electrical stimulants.
A course of medications is mandatory, most of which are anti-inflammatory and vitamin-mineral complexes.
Surgical method
How to fix scoliosis in advanced form? Such curvature of the skeleton, as well as acutely progressive, severe forms (most often in adults) can be cured only by surgery. The decision is very serious, since complications are possible, and experts are sure to warn about this.
When do they resort to surgery?
The operation is sent if:
- ongoing pain (even after procedures and courses of medications);
- the ongoing destruction of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, which has reached the fourth degree and has become a threat to the normal functioning of the lungs and heart;
- various cosmetic defects leading to disability.
Different "age" of scoliosis
Experts believe that in childhood, curvature of the spine can be cured the easiest. Physiologically, it is arranged that in the process of growth and development, the children's skeleton is able to regain its natural form with some help of corrective technique. Such, for example, is a plastic-based corset attached to the body. Similar orthopedic devices vary according to the growth of the body. For two-year-old children, for example, corrective corsets are replaced at least every three months (always under anesthesia).
Sometimes they use special children's bandages. They are worn constantly, taking off is allowed only during a shower. Together with them, mandatory sessions of physiotherapy exercises with elements of power load are prescribed. Such procedures are necessary to strengthen the muscles of the back. Only in this case, there is hope for a full recovery. If such conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is prescribed. In its process, each deformed vertebra is straightened with metal braces.
Teenage scoliosis
At this age, spinal curvature is the most common in the world. Puberty weakens the body, especially predisposed to this disease.
Like any disease, s-shaped scoliosis is more likely to recover when treatment is started early. Conservative treatment started as early as possible will stop spinal deformity. The doctor recommends the use of therapeutic exercises. It, strengthening the muscles of the back, has a positive effect on posture and restores the function of external respiration. The mandatory treatment course also includes manual therapy sessions and swimming, at least an hour a day.
Severe and advanced cases require surgical intervention. It consists in the installation of endocorrectors on the deformed areas of the spinal column, which correct the work of the spine in a state of rest and movement, which helps to stop the development of the disease. A huge plus of endoprotectors is that they do not interfere with the formation and normal growth of the skeleton.
A necessary condition for positive dynamics in scoliosis in adolescence is the proper nutrition system. The diet must be balanced and enriched with vitamins and minerals. It is necessary to make a daily routine so that the teenager has time for walks and sports training, during which adults will observe the condition of the spine and posture.
It was previously believed that if a teenager “outgrew”, then the disease can be forgotten, it stopped in development. Today, scientists have proven that this is not so. If scoliosis is not addressed regularly and seriously, the disease will destroy the spinal column throughout life. Any minor injury will significantly increase the rate of destruction of the spine.
Scoliosis (photo) in adults
In mature people, spinal curvature is often treated only promptly, less commonly with manual therapy. Today, there are many correctors for the vertebrae. But all of them are not good enough. Most of them are easily deformed, require the use of long periods of rehabilitation.
The result usually "freezes" in the postoperative stage. Physical activity is very limited, sometimes to a disability group. Manual therapy may bring relief, but will not help stop the disease. Pain relief is assigned to painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Correction of scoliosis and its prevention from the first days of life
You need to start preventative measures literally from the first weeks of life. In order not to then wonder how to correct scoliosis, you need to remember that an asymmetric load is contraindicated in the spine. You can’t make the baby sit down before he decides to sit down himself: due to the skeleton’s unpreparedness for vertical loads, s-shaped scoliosis may develop.
It is strictly forbidden to cover the sitting child with pillows. When the baby grows up and starts walking, you need to drive it alternately for the right handle, then for the left. A child-student needs to pick up furniture that will grow with him. The ratio of the height of the chair and the table must be constantly adjusted. Adults are required to monitor the child's posture and be an example of a flat back. How to prevent childhood scoliosis (photo shows some methods)? In no case should parents ignore this question.
Parents should teach the child that “movement is life”: you need to sit as little as possible, and move as much as possible. Scoliosis of the thoracic spine may develop due to poor posture. The bed for a small child, a teenager, and an adult should be tight, and the pillow should be small.
Throughout life, you need to do morning exercises. Even a small load will help the body begin to work actively and correctly. In addition, it is necessary to engage in any sports section: athletics, swimming or fitness.
An equally important aspect of maintaining a healthy state of the spinal column is proper nutrition. Be sure to eat fish (preferably marine), fruits, vegetables, dairy products several times a week.