Today, scoliosis is the most common disease in schoolchildren. The reasons for the development of such an ailment are many. However, like any other pathology, it is easier to prevent than to treat. In this article we will talk about what are the causes of the development of the disease, as well as how to treat it and what are the consequences of scoliosis. Carefully read the information provided in order to arm yourself and protect yourself as much as possible. So let's get started.
What is scoliosis
Before you begin to understand what the consequences of scoliosis are, it is very important to find out what this pathology is. According to doctors, scoliosis of the spine is its curvature, which can be on the left or right side, as well as on both sides at the same time.
The consequences of scoliosis are very dangerous, since the deformation of the spine is twisting, and this can lead to serious deviations in the development of internal organs. In addition, this disease can contribute to the formation of intervertebral hernias, radiculitis and many other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Of course, the very first sign of a disease is a curvature of the back. For example, one shoulder is slightly lowered while the other is slightly raised. However, a disturbed aesthetic appearance is not the only manifestation of the disease. In addition, the disease is accompanied by pain in the spine, as well as a deterioration in its mobility. Most often, such a pathology is acquired as a result of improper life. Scoliosis usually begins to develop in school-age patients.
What are the main causes of the development of the disease
The effects of scoliosis can be the worst. Therefore, it is very important to identify the disease in time and begin its treatment. Most often, such a disease develops in schoolchildren in the presence of asymmetric and abnormal load on the back. Spinal muscles begin to unfold the spine to the left or right side. This muscle tension also changes the position of the ligaments. But if the disease begins to acquire a severe form, then this can lead to such a consequence of scoliosis of the spine as vertebral dystrophy.
There are a large number of reasons that contribute to the development of this pathology. Namely:
- improper load distribution during exercise;
- carrying the bag on one shoulder, as well as prolonged sitting at the desk in the wrong position;
- spinal deformities obtained at birth;
- improper nutrition, as well as the intake of an insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals;
- the presence of inflammatory lung diseases.
Existing degrees of curvature
The consequences of scoliosis of the spine depend on the degree of the disease. Scientists distinguish four stages of the disease, each of which is characterized by its course, as well as complications. Let's consider each of them.
First stage
At the first degree, the curvature is noticeably slight and amounts to no more than ten degrees. At the same time, it is almost impossible to notice the problem with the naked eye. This can only be done during x-ray studies. If the patient’s condition does not change for a long time, then the disease will not lead to any serious deviations. So, it can simply be ignored, from time to time going to the doctor to check the condition of the spine.
Second stage
The consequences of scoliosis of the 2nd degree are already more significant. In the presence of this stage, the curvature of the spine is already more noticeable and amounts to 25 degrees. Usually the second stage very quickly passes into the third, if treatment is not started in time. Therefore, scoliosis at this stage needs to be given special attention and immediate treatment should begin.
Third stage
The consequences of scoliosis of the third degree are even more frightening. This stage of the pathology is characterized by a curvature of the spine up to fifty degrees. In this case, the problem is not only noticeable aesthetic in nature, but can also seriously threaten health. If you pay attention to the appearance of the patient, then you can notice how one of his shoulders is higher or lower than the other, the waist line is offset, and the shoulder blades and hips have different heights. To eliminate the third stage of the disease, it is very important to apply comprehensive treatment measures, which may include surgical intervention. Moreover, the third form also quickly flows into the fourth, if treatment is not started in time.
Fourth stage
According to doctors, the consequences of fourth-degree scoliosis are the most severe. The spine is bent by fifty degrees, while it is very easy to notice such a pathology. Just look at the patient. The curvature is so strong that many organs of the body suffer from it. According to doctors, this stage of the disease can lead to very bad consequences. Surgery for scoliosis of the 4th degree is the only treatment method.
Treatment features
In fact, any stage of scoliosis can be cured. The main thing is not to ignore your health and start treatment as soon as possible. Typically, schools conduct special checks to identify this pathology at its earliest stages of development. It is in childhood that the easiest way to get rid of it.
So, consider the most popular treatment methods.
Wearing a special corset
Such a product will help get rid of the effects of scoliosis on the body starting from the second stage of the disease. Such a corset, with its long-term use, is able to have an excellent therapeutic effect. However, it is very important to choose the product with your doctor. Only in this case, wearing it will make sense.
Performing special gymnastics
Performing special exercises will significantly speed up the healing process. The doctor will select the exercises individually, depending on the type of disease. The main thing is to engage in physical therapy regularly. Only in this case can good results be achieved.
Manual therapy method
A special massage helps to relax the muscles along the spinal column, as well as improve joint mobility. This massage technique helps to improve blood circulation, which slightly stops the processes of ossification. The manual method is able to improve posture at any age. However, the best results can be achieved for schoolgirls under the age of sixteen.
Surgery
The disease in the first and second stages is very easy to cure using conservative methods. The third stage also lends itself well to such treatment. However, if conservative methods do not help, and the pathology continues to progress, doctors can prescribe surgery in the third stage to exclude the fourth.
If the disease has already managed to move to the fourth stage, this can be fraught with serious consequences. In this case, surgical intervention simply can not do. Surgically, special metal devices are inserted into the spine that correct curvature and help get rid of unwanted effects.
Quite often, the main goal of surgery is to relieve the pain syndrome, because if the disease is neglected, the pain can be simply unbearable. Using the surgical method, you can prevent further curvature, as well as give your body a more aesthetic appearance.
What are the consequences of scoliosis
Curvature of the spine of the third and fourth degree can lead to very serious health consequences. That is why it is very important to notice the pathology at its earliest stage and to begin treatment in a timely manner.
Thoracic Curvature
The consequences of scoliosis in adults can be the most deplorable. If pathology affects the cervicothoracic region, then this can be fraught with many consequences. Namely:
- pinched spinal nerves;
- circulatory and metabolic disorders;
- displacement and deformation of the internal organs of the chest and abdominal cavity;
- chest deformity;
- the occurrence of pathologies of the development of the genitourinary organs.
With this type of scoliosis, many diseases of the internal organs can occur. Most often, the heart, lungs, digestive and genitourinary systems suffer.
Lumbar Spine Disorders
Such curvature of the spine can also have very dangerous consequences. In addition to severe back pain, there is also a large number of diseases of the internal organs. Quite often, patients suffer from pathologies of the genitourinary system, which are accompanied by very frequent urination. In addition, there are a large number of other consequences, namely:
- the occurrence of problems with the intestines (the patient begins to suffer from constipation and excessive gas formation);
- the abdominal muscles begin to weaken gradually;
- stagnation occurs in the pelvic organs and kidneys;
- pinched nerves leads to neurological disorders, which make themselves felt in the form of headaches, dizziness, pain, loss of sensitivity, and paralysis.
As you can see, the consequences can be really terrible. Therefore, start treatment immediately. Scoliosis (surgery, the consequences are described in this article) requires urgent treatment, and it is best to do this even in childhood, when the skeleton is not fully formed.
Preventative measures
Even at school age, it is very important to prevent scoliosis in children. Indeed, curvature of the spine is a disease that is much easier to prevent than to cure. Doctors give special recommendations for parents, which must be followed. Only in this case you will be able to maintain a beautiful posture and the health of your child.
So, we will consider the main preventive measures:
- Using a special orthopedic mattress. It would seem that sleeping on a soft feather bed is much more convenient. However, you can get used to an orthopedic mattress very quickly. This product helps to maintain the correct position of the spine during sleep.
- The child should not be allowed to sit at the table for a very long time. Mental activity should always alternate with physical activity. That is why it is very important not to sit at a desk at school breaks, but to walk along the corridor. It is also very important to attend physical education classes and sports sections.
- It is very important to monitor nutrition. A daily diet should include foods that have enough nutrients and vitamins.
- It is equally important to choose the right orthopedic backpack. Bags that are worn on one shoulder will in any case lead to problems with the spine. Therefore, take this issue seriously.
- It is also very important to learn how to sit at the table correctly. This should be done not only for children, but also for adults. Pay attention to how you are sitting right now. In fact, sitting with a perfectly flat back is a fairly rare occurrence today.
conclusions
In this article we talked about what scoliosis is, how to treat it, and also what consequences this pathology can lead to. Once again, it is worth saying that the disease must be treated immediately, otherwise it will lead to very serious consequences. It is also important to monitor posture. In fact, it’s not so easy to sit and walk with a straight back all day. To do this, you need to regularly perform gymnastics, which helps strengthen the muscles of the back. It is also worth taking care of good nutrition and maintaining a proper lifestyle.
Usually, scoliosis in the first, second and third stages lends itself well to conservative treatment. However, in the fourth stage one can not do without surgical intervention, since the health consequences can be extremely dangerous. Severe scoliosis can lead to pinching of the nerves, as well as to deformation of the internal organs. This will severely worsen your health and can be fatal. Take care of your health right now and align your back.