Millions of people worldwide suffer from scoliosis. A large percentage falls on adolescent patients from 12 to 17 years. This is explained by the fact that at this time in the body there is a sharp jump in bone growth. Adult patients are most often prone to idiopathic or hereditary scoliosis.
Scoliosis of the first degree is not easy to independently identify, it is almost invisible. The child does not complain about anything, only a doctor can visually determine scoliosis, suspicious parents can suspect an ailment.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
Scoliosis of the 1st degree refers to the initial stage of spinal curvature. It is localized in the cervical, thoracic, as well as lumbar. Nowadays, this is the most common disease. What are the signs of scoliosis?
In the photo, scoliosis of the first degree is displayed as a stooped back.
The slight asymmetry is hardly distinguishable. In thoracic scoliosis, the scapula is asymmetric - one above the other, with lumbar - the asymmetry of the pelvis and waist is weakly expressed.
In young children with scoliosis, an asymmetry on the legs of the skin folds is noticeable. It should be borne in mind that scoliosis in babies is often combined with hip dysplasia.
Symptoms of scoliosis of the 1st degree are the following indicators:
Soreness and discomfort after long walks, playing sports, with any physical exertion.
Unpleasant sensations with prolonged standing, rapid fatigue at the same time.
Symptoms are not always expressed. Most often, the disease in the initial stage proceeds without any noticeable symptoms.
Scoliosis Classification
Scoliosis of the spine is classified according to a number of signs, this depends on the course of the disease, causes, clinical features and deformities. The following types of disease are distinguished:
Congenital form. It manifests itself as a result of improper intrauterine development, the laying of the spinal column has failed.
The acquired form can occur under adverse conditions: improper sitting posture, various diseases that contributed to impaired development of muscle and bone tissue - such as polio, rickets, Marfin syndrome, spinal tuberculosis, tumors and injuries. Scoliosis of the spine of the first degree often begins to develop in children due to poor posture already in primary school. Acquired scoliosis also includes:
Neurogenic form - develops in the presence of some neurological disorders that cause muscle weakness;
Static form - develops with imbalance of the lower extremities.
Idiopathic scoliosis has no apparent cause. It makes up 80% of cases.
Stages and types of scoliosis
Scoliosis, developing, goes through several stages.
Scoliosis of the first degree in a child is the easiest stage, there are slight deviations. But if the curvature is not given due importance, more complex stages may begin to develop.
The second - the curvature is already noticeable, a hump begins to form.
The last stage - severe lesions of the chest, a large rib-vertebral hump is formed, spinal mobility becomes insignificant.
There are several types of curvature, it depends on the configuration:
One curvature arc is a C-type.
Two arcs of curvature - S-shaped type.
Three arcs of curvature - Z-shaped type.
It must be remembered that even minor deviations, starting from the initial stage, can lead to grave consequences, severe anomalies, if no measures are taken to treat scoliosis.
Provocative factors
The disease is graduated taking into account which angle has a curvature. The first stage of the disease is considered the simplest. An abnormal process begins with it. Scoliosis of the first degree in degrees has an indicator of not more than 10. Doctors distinguish the following factors that lead to this pathology of the development of the spine:
spinal injuries and tumors;
natural diseases of connective tissue;
the presence of osteoporosis;
violation of posture since childhood;
hereditary predisposition;
injury to the pelvis, limbs.
Most often, scoliosis is diagnosed in adolescence, the peak of the disease from 10 to 15 years. In girls, the disease occurs many times more often. Most likely due to brittle bones and muscle weakness. Most often, idiopathic scoliosis of the first degree is established in children. There are suggestions that factors such as calcium deficiency, heredity, accelerated growth, and impaired posture may affect its development.
Manifestations of the initial stage
There is a left-side and right-sided type of scoliosis. Moreover, left-sided scoliosis of the first degree is more common. With this ailment, complications are detected in parallel with hemodynamic and respiratory disorders. The initial stage is characterized by a C-shaped spine. Then a gradual formation of a curved arc occurs, so offset the position of the center of gravity. At the initial stage, an arc is formed very rarely. The S-shape of the spine to the 1st degree can occur only if there are any natural defects. The thoracic region most often suffers, while the neck and lower back are involved in the process.
Thoracic scoliosis of the first degree is characterized by less clinical manifestations. There is a slightly noticeable curvature, rarely - back pain. Symptoms are practically absent, and therefore many parents do not attach importance to a small stoop, a distortion of posture. But it is worth remembering that the first degree is the most important step. The outcome of the disease will depend on whether timely treatment is taken. Otherwise, the disease will develop, the configuration of the spine will change, irreversible processes will begin.
Right-sided scoliosis of the first degree
Scoliosis is divided into left-sided and right-sided because of where the upper angle of curvature of the spine is directed. This pathology is dangerous not only by anatomical disorders of the bone structure, but also by possible irreversible changes in the work of internal organs.
With right-sided scoliosis, internal organs located on the left side (heart, lungs, digestive glands) are damaged. It is believed that scoliosis of the first degree in childhood is associated with weakness with intensive growth of the musculoskeletal structure. However, there are cases when scoliosis is caused by congenital abnormalities of the bone structure and ligaments of the spine. Possible violations:
the presence of extra (rudimentary) vertebrae;
individual vertebrae develop abnormally;
the possibility of splicing adjacent vertebrae;
abnormal development of the lumbosacral region as a whole.
If there are similar disorders in the spine, then right-sided curvature of the chest area can occur at an early age. By the year of the baby’s life, a diagnosis can be made.
Diagnostics
An orthopedic doctor can make a diagnosis of scoliosis based on a patient examination. Each pathological process draws a clinical picture and is the basis for determining the stage of changes occurring in the spine. The doctor pays special attention to the existing asymmetry of the shoulder blades, costal arches and femurs, as well as to the deviation from the physical axis of the body of the spinal column. Diagnosis is carried out in the following poses:
To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is sent for spinal X-ray. These measures are enough to not only establish an accurate diagnosis, identify the degree of the disease, but also to see possible concomitant pathologies.
Treatment methods
To treat the initial stage of the disease, several methods are used:
the use of medications;
massage, physiotherapeutic procedures;
Exercise therapy;
physical rehabilitation technique for the first degree of scoliosis.
If you use only medications, it is impossible to cure scoliosis, even at an early stage of development. Medicines are used in parallel to get rid of pain, to relieve possible inflammation. Immunomodulators and calcium preparations are also used. The main role in the treatment of scoliosis of the first degree is, of course, gymnastics. It helps to strengthen muscles, stabilize the development of the ridge. But, it is worth considering that overloads can have a negative effect, they will increase the instability of the vertebrae and can accelerate the progression of the disease. The principles of exercise therapy are based on an individual approach to each patient. The greatest effect of treatment is observed at the initial stage of development of scoliosis. Exercises are developed by Dr. LFK, the purpose of classes is to strengthen muscles. adjust the curvature. Those involved in the method of physical rehabilitation in a large percentage bring the condition of their spine back to normal. In addition, it is recommended to perform breathing exercises, swim and go for massage.
Massage
With scoliosis of the first degree, a special massage technique is used. The reason is the nervous tension of the spinal muscles. From the side, which is convex, they are weakened and elongated, on the opposite side, the muscles are unusually tense and contracted. In addition, it is necessary to massage not only the back, but also the shoulders, chest, arms, buttocks. Massage improves blood circulation, relieves muscle strain. Self-massage with this pathology is contraindicated. It should be carried out by a specialist. With improper movements, the situation can only worsen and worsen the condition of the vertebrae.
Swimming. Simulators
Swimming is considered a very effective treatment for scoliosis. Movements must be careful, metered, rapid movements and overloads are prohibited. The best option is lesson up to 60 minutes a day.
To strengthen the muscles of the back, classes on simulators are recommended under the supervision of an instructor. Muscles strengthen, become hardened, hold the spinal column better. After 20-30 days of constant training, patients notice that fatigue disappears, it becomes easier to keep your back in an upright position.
In the treatment of scoliosis of the 1st degree, they also resort to physiotherapy. It improves and consolidates the effect of gymnastic training. Physiotherapy includes muscle electrostimulation, electrophoresis, thermal procedures.
Prevention
The main rule for preventing scoliosis is correct posture, always a straight back.
To keep the muscles in the correct position, you must constantly engage, strengthen the muscles of the back. Nutrition should also be proper, rich in proteins and vitamins of group B.
Some orthopedists advise wearing special corsets for scoliosis. A moot point. With the constant wearing of such a holder, physical inactivity of the muscles occurs, they become lazy and weak. You need to use a corset only under loads, as necessary up to several hours a day.
Pay more attention to physical development, only the right exercises will bring real benefits to your spine.
Visit your orthopedic doctor regularly. He will track the development of the disease and adjust the treatment system.