Scoliosis in children is one of the common diseases. It is characterized by lateral arcuate curvature of the spine, which is accompanied by twisting of the vertebral bodies around its axis. With the progression of the disease, irreversible deformation of the ridge, the formation of the costal hump, distortion of the pelvis are observed , the work of internal organs is disrupted. Children complain of periodic, sometimes prolonged back pain.
Scoliosis in children is congenital. The main causes of its occurrence are defects in the development of the spine.
The acquired form of the disease appears in such cases:
- After rickets, rickety scoliosis develops. It manifests itself in the first years of life.
- Static (functional) scoliosis in children develops after fractures of the lower extremities, with different lengths of legs, flat feet, dysplasia of the hip joints, and distortion of the pelvis.
- In schoolchildren, the disease develops when a persistent habit of incorrect posture appears when sitting and standing, which leads to a fixed shortening of the muscles on one side of the body and stretching to the other.
- Paralytic scoliosis develops as a result of paresis and paralysis. In children, this species progresses rapidly and a hump forms.
Age periods of intensive growth and puberty (6-8 years and 10-14 years) are most susceptible to this disease. This is due to the fact that during this period the muscular system does not keep up with the bone system in its development.
Constant medical examinations of children in kindergarten and school allow you to diagnose scoliosis in children in the early stages. Of course, parents can also notice abnormalities in the child’s posture. There is an informative test for parents. Inspect the back. The child is asked to lean forward, the head is at the level of the belt, the shoulder girdle is completely relaxed, hands hang freely. At the same time, rib asymmetry in the thoracic spine and muscle cushion in the lumbar are clearly visible, although the rib hump is still invisible in an upright position. In the standing position, different height of the shoulders, the pelvis is skewed, the head is deflected to the side, the waist triangles are asymmetric. After additional examinations (radiography and computer optical topography), the orthopedic surgeon will make a final diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of 1 degree of scoliosis (magnitude of the main arch up to 15 degrees) and 2 degrees of scoliosis (up to 30 degrees) is conservative. But with 3 (up to 60 degrees) and 4 degrees of scoliosis (more than 61 degrees), surgical treatment is indicated.
The main methods of treatment are charging for scoliosis, physiotherapy, massage, the use of special corsets, therapeutic swimming, 3D correction. The main task is to stop the progression of spinal deformity, stabilize the achieved correction, improve the respiratory function of the chest, achieve a cosmetic effect, and prevent pain. An individual approach is required taking into account the characteristics of the disease. In recent years, non-traditional methods have been used, yoga with scoliosis is especially popular.
Prevention of the disease begins at birth. No need to put the baby in pillows. The longer the baby crawls, the easier it will be for the spine to bear vertical loads. It is necessary to cultivate a persistent habit of keeping your body in different positions correctly, encourage outdoor games and limit the time spent at the computer.