Curvature of the chest is a rather rare pathology, poorly amenable to conservative treatment. Deformation is acquired or congenital. The cause of the first may be chest injuries or the consequences of certain diseases (tuberculosis, rickets). The second is a genetic predisposition or a violation of intrauterine development.
Funnel chest curvature
This type of deformation is most common. It is characterized by a depression of the sternum inward and the formation of a specific funnel. The walls of the recess are formed from rib cartilages bent at right angles. The funnel can be symmetric and asymmetric. Due to such an anomaly, the rib cage expands; concomitant spinal disorders are often observed.
The main reason for the development of a funnel-shaped curvature is the pathological formation of cartilaginous ribs and the diaphragm. In addition to an unaesthetic appearance, such a deformation compresses the internal organs, disrupting their normal functioning. Moreover, with age, the pathology causes more and more serious side effects.
Keeled chest curvature
In another way, this deformation is called chicken breast. The keel-like curvature is a peculiar projection of the ribs forward. Pathology is almost always acquired. Unlike funnel-shaped, it causes less disturbance of the functions of organs. However, it also negatively affects human health.
Symptoms and degrees of development
Curvature of the chest manifests itself quite noticeably. First of all, these are external signs - the retraction of the arches of the ribs, a funnel-shaped "fossa", an increase in the deepening during inspiration. In addition, there are problems with breathing, the cardiovascular system, as well as the deformation of the spinal column.
There are several degrees of developed pathology: first, second and, accordingly, third. The first is characterized by a slight curvature (up to 2 cm), representing only a cosmetic defect. The second degree (up to 4 cm) is a more striking defect, but in most cases does not violate the function of internal organs. The third degree (more than 4 cm) is the most insidious curvature requiring surgical intervention.
Effects
Due to deformations of the chest, the work of the heart and lungs is disrupted. Patients often suffer from diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, hypertension, angina pectoris and arrhythmia.
Among other things, such pathologies are the cause of psychological complexes. The progression of the disease coincides with puberty, and, as you know, at this time people are especially scrupulous about their appearance.
Chest Curvature: Treatment
The main type of treatment is surgery. The main indicator for the operation is a violation of the functions of organs. This treatment consists in eliminating the defect and fixing a certain area with metal structures. After the operation, the volume of the pleural cavity increases , which leads to a regression of violations. However, in adults, surgery has virtually no effect on improving health, so surgery is recommended at an early age.
Conservative treatment has little effect on the curvature of the chest. Exercise, massage and physiotherapy can only stop the development of pathology. Previously, vacuum leveling or mechanical pressure was used for treatment, but due to inefficiency and doubtfulness, these methods were abandoned. The most effective conservative treatment is LFK - a set of elementary exercises, such as a “boat”, “a bicycle”, exercises with a gymnastic stick, etc. Physical training strengthens the muscles of the chest, which allows the internal organs to function better, although the deformation itself does not get smaller .