Sometimes, when people have problems with the spine, doctors make a diagnosis such as “lordosis”. What it is, how it manifests itself and why it arises, we will consider in detail in this material. In addition, you will learn about the methods of treatment and diagnosis of this ailment.
Etiology
Pathological lordosis is a polyetiological disease that develops against a background of a number of predisposing factors, including:
- injuries of the lower extremities and spinal column;
- overweight and obesity;
- malformations of the vertebra;
- prolonged violation of posture;
- swelling of the spine;
- osteoporosis;
- inflammatory processes in the vertebrae;
- dysplasia and dislocation of the hip joints;
- Ankylosing spondylitis ;
- flat feet;
- contracture or spasm of the back muscles;
- osteochondrosis;
- kyphosis;
- smoking, alcoholism;
- high growth in adolescence;
- spondylosis;
- endocrine gland dysfunction (hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism);
- herniated discs;
- spinal tuberculosis ;
- muscle imbalance;
- sciatica of the spine;
- deficiency of vitamins, proteins, macro- and microelements.
A long stay at the computer, inactive lifestyle, sedentary work, lack of physical activity also provoke the development of the disease.
Classification
Lordosis is a bend of the spine, in which its bulge is turned forward. Physiological lordosis is recorded in all people in the lumbar and cervical spine. A huge role in the formation of physiological lordosis is played by the development of the bones of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, the condition of the spine and muscle system of the child.
Pathological lordosis is localized, as a rule, in the same departments, but differs from the physiological degree of bending. In rare cases, pathological lordosis can occur at the site of thoracic kyphosis.
Primary and secondary lordosis are also distinguished. What it is? So, the primary lordosis develops due to pathologies of the spinal column, and the secondary - due to diseases of the body, accompanied by obesity, the appearance of malignant neoplasms, metabolic disturbances.
Symptomatology
Lordosis of the cervical spine is manifested as follows:
- constant aching pain in the shoulders, neck and shoulder blades;
- violation of posture;
- sleep disturbance;
- noise in ears;
- decreased range of motion and muscle strength in the upper limbs;
- migraine;
- nausea;
- hypertension.
In addition to all of the above, in the presence of a disease, the patient has a decrease in immunity, fatigue, as well as problems when performing some physical actions. Due to improper load distribution, patients diagnosed with cervical lordosis often complain of pain in the back or neck, metabolic processes, high blood pressure, and sometimes malfunctions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. An unnatural posture with lordosis contributes to excessive muscle tension in the affected part of the spinal column.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of “lordosis of the cervical spine” is established on the basis of medical history, visual examination and instrumental examination. An external examination is performed by a surgeon, therapist or traumatologist. Violation of posture indicates the presence of pathology. In order to determine which patient has lordosis in the cervical region (pathological or physiological), doctors use special rulers. One of them is applied to the edges of the lordosis, and the second is set perpendicular to the entire depth of concavity. After the manipulations, the distance from the top of the concavity to the first ruler is measured. When the cervical lordosis is straightened, the indicated distance does not exceed three centimeters. Of the instrumental diagnostic methods , a radiograph, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography are used.
Treatment methods
So, we continue to talk about a disease such as lordosis. What is it, we found out, but how to deal with this ailment? Only an experienced doctor can establish the true causes that provoked the development of the disease, and prescribe the most effective treatment. Therefore, do not self-medicate, if you detect the first symptoms of the disease, you need to contact specialists, since this pathology lends itself well to cure in the early stages of development. Treatment of lordosis should be comprehensive, including courses of drug and physiotherapy.
Drug therapy
Primary cervical lordosis is practically incurable. A positive result can give surgery. With secondary lordosis, the situation is somewhat more optimistic. After eliminating the root cause that provoked the development of the disease, they begin treatment. The straightening of lordosis in the early stages is much more effective than the treatment of an advanced form of the disease. The most serious complications of lordosis include chronic compression, impaired nerve endings.
If the diagnosis of cervical lordosis is established, then doctors prescribe a course of NSAIDs (Arkoxia, Movalis, Dolobene, Diclofenac, Ketonal). To relieve pain, water-soluble B vitamins (cyanocobalamin, thiamine, pyridoxine) are often prescribed. Muscle relaxants are used to eliminate muscle spasm (Sirdalkut, Midolkam). To activate reparative processes in the vertebrae, chondroprotectors are prescribed (Chondrogard, Alflutop).
Physiotherapy
Many experts argue that the most effective method of treating lordosis is physiotherapy:
- magnetotherapy;
- UHF;
- wearing neck collars;
- manual therapy;
- underwater traction of the spinal column;
- massage of the affected area;
- acupuncture;
- a course of physiotherapy exercises (swimming, gymnastics, etc.).
Diet therapy
Equally important in the treatment of the disease is nutrition. The following foods should be included in the diet:
- low-fat varieties of meat (chicken, veal, turkey, beef) and fish (cod, saffron cod, haddock, pollock, polar cod , pikeperch, perch, roach, flounder);
- vegetable soups;
- milk and dairy products;
- cereals from cereal plants;
- bread and other pastries;
- fresh fruits.
The following list of foods is recommended to be removed from your diet:
- mayonnaise;
- smoked meats;
- ketchup;
- salty and sour foods;
- coffee;
- carbonated drinks;
- sweets;
- alcohol;
- legumes (lentils, peas, beans).
Prevention
In order to prevent cervical lordosis, doctors recommend observing some rules:
- balanced diet;
- quitting smoking and drinking alcohol;
- fight against excess weight;
- strengthening the muscle corset (yoga, aerobics, fitness);
- active lifestyle (cycling, hiking, swimming);
- healthy sleep on hard mattresses.
So, if you are diagnosed with lordosis, what it is, what are the causes and symptoms of pathology, you now understand. Do not delay with a doctor if you have the symptoms described!