Can scoliosis be cured? This question arises quite often. We will understand it in more detail.
Scoliosis is a persistent curvature of the spine to the side (relative to its axis). All sections of the spinal column are involved in this pathological process, therefore, curvature in the front and rear directions and twisting of the spine are subsequently attached to the lateral curvature. As scoliosis develops, a deformation of the pelvis and chest occurs, which is accompanied by a violation of the functions of the heart, pelvic organs and lungs. The curvature is formed, as a rule, in childhood.
Description of the disease
Scoliosis (ICD code 10 - M41) can occur due to injuries, various diseases and congenital malformations. In 80% of cases, the causes of this disease remain undetermined. Treatment can be conservative and prompt. A further prognosis depends on the degree of scoliosis, the presence and intensity of secondary deformation and the state of the organs.
Age
The most dangerous periods in the development and progression of this pathological phenomenon are the stages of intensive growth of the child: from 4-7 years and 10-15 years. In this case, parents need to be especially careful at the stage of puberty, which occurs in boys 11-14 years old, and in girls 9-12 years old. The risk of complications of scoliotic deformity increases in those cases when at the beginning of the transition period, children already have x-ray confirmation of the first degree of scoliosis.
Scoliosis should not be confused with a violation of posture, which can be corrected with the help of ordinary exercises, proper landing at the table and other similar events. This pathology requires a special systematic comprehensive treatment in the process of child growth. Today, everyone knows about the benefits of swimming for health and strengthening the spine.
Scoliosis Classification
Two main groups of scoliosis can be distinguished: structural and nonstructural. With the non-structural form, the usual lateral deformation of the spinal column is observed, which is not accompanied by severe pathological rotation of the vertebrae.
Depending on the causes, the following non-structural types of scoliosis are distinguished:
- posture - resulting from a violation of posture, and disappearing when leaning forward and conducting an x-ray examination in a supine position;
- reflex - due to forced posture of the patient in case of pain;
- compensatory - resulting from the shortening of one of the lower extremities;
- hysterical - having a psychological nature of origin (very rare).
Structural scoliosis (ICD code 10 - M41) is also divided into several categories, taking into account etiological factors:
- traumatic - due to injuries of the musculoskeletal organs;
- cicatricial - arising due to severe cicatricial deformity of soft tissues;
- myopathic - caused by pathologies of the muscular system, for example, myopathy or muscular dystrophy of a progressive form;
- neurogenic - arising from syringomyelia, neurofibromatosis, poliomyelitis, etc .;
- metabolic - due to metabolic disorders and a lack of certain substances in the body, and can develop, for example, with rickets;
- osteopathic - resulting from congenital anomalies;
- idiopathic - the cause of the development of this type of scoliosis is unknown.
Given the time of occurrence, idiopathic scoliosis is divided into:
- infantile - arising in 1-2 years of life;
- juvenile - arising between 4-7 years;
- adolescent (adolescent) - appeared in 10-15 years.
By the shape of the curvature
According to the forms of curvature, scoliosis is divided into three categories: C-shaped, S-shaped and Z-shaped. The latter form is rare.
Given the location of the curvature of the spine, scoliosis is distinguished:
- cervicothoracic;
- thoracic;
- thoracolumbar;
- lumbar
- lumbosacral.
Causes of Scoliosis
This pathology belongs to the category of deformations that occur during the growth period.
Children with scoliosis are a common occurrence. The above classification lists many reasons for the development of this phenomenon. However, in the first place in frequency is the idiopathic form of scoliosis, that is, that arose for an unknown reason. It accounts for about 75% of the total number of cases of the development of this disease. At the same time, girls suffer from scoliosis 7 times more often than boys.
In the remaining 25% of cases, scoliosis is most often observed, resulting from congenital spinal deformities, metabolic disorders, pathologies of connective tissue, injuries and amputation of limbs, as well as a significant difference in leg length.
Symptoms and clinical diagnosis of the disease
Early diagnosis of such a pathological process is of great importance for the effectiveness of further treatment, compensation for all kinds of disorders and normal development. At the same time, at the initial stages, the disease is almost asymptomatic, therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the following symptoms:
- one shoulder is higher than the other;
- the child is standing with his hands down, while the distance between the waist and the arm is different on both sides;
- asymmetrical arrangement of the shoulder blades - on the concave side, one of them is closer to the spine, the angle of the shoulder blade sticks out;
- when bending forward, the curvature of the spine becomes noticeable.
If you find the listed symptoms of the pathological process, you should contact an orthopedist for a detailed examination, confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate therapy.
Can scoliosis be cured? It all depends on the degree of development of the pathology.
Degrees of scoliosis
This disease can have several stages:
- 1st degree, at which the angle of curvature is up to 10 degrees. In this case, such radiological and clinical signs as stoop, lowered head, different height of the shoulders, asymmetric waist are determined. An x-ray shows a slight tendency to torsion of the vertebrae. At this stage, exercises for spinal scoliosis will be effective.
- 2nd degree, at which the angle of curvature is from 11 to 25 degrees. In this case, the curvature of the spinal column is observed, which does not disappear with a change in body position. At the same time, one side of the pelvis is lowered, the contours of the neck and the triangle of the waist are asymmetric, and some protrusion is noted in the area of the thoracic region on the curvature side. On the radiograph, you can notice the torsion of the vertebrae.
- 3rd degree - the angle of curvature - from 26 to 50 degrees. In this case, protrusion of the front costal arches and a clear rib hump become noticeable. There is a retraction of the ribs and muscle contractures. The x-ray shows a sharp torsion of the vertebrae.
- 4th degree at which the deformation angle is more than 50 degrees. In this case, the patient has a marked deformity of the spine, the above symptoms are intensified. Significant muscle strain is observed in the curvature. How are different types of scoliosis detected?
Diagnostic measures
Examination in a medical facility includes an examination in a standing, lying and sitting position to identify the main signs of the disease.
In the standing position, the length of the lower extremities is measured, the mobility of the knee, ankle and hip joints is evaluated, kyphosis is measured, the mobility of the lumbar spine and the symmetry of the triangle of the waist are evaluated, the position of the shoulder blades and shoulder girdles is determined. An examination of the abdomen, chest, lower back and pelvis is also performed. The state of muscle tone is assessed, the presence of muscle ridges, deformation of the ribs, etc. are revealed. When bending, the asymmetry of the spine and its degree are determined.
Lordosis
In a sitting position, the length of the spine is measured and the degree of lumbar lordosis is determined. The doctor also reveals lateral curvatures and deviations of the trunk, evaluates the position of the pelvis.
In the supine position, a change in the arc of the spine is established, the state of the muscles of the abdomen and internal organs is evaluated.
Which doctor should I contact for scoliosis? About it below.
Roentgenography
The main instrumental technique for diagnosing scoliosis is radiography. If you suspect a curvature of the spine, an X-ray examination should be performed at least 2 times a year. The roentgenogram is carried out in a standing position. Subsequently, it can be performed in two projections.
When studying radiographs of patients with scoliosis, curvature angles are measured using a special technique. In order to calculate such an angle, two lines are applied to the radiograph, parallel to the vertebral end plates that are not involved in the curvature, and then the angle formed by these lines is measured.
Features on the radiograph
In addition, the following features are revealed on the radiograph:
- undistorted basal vertebrae, which are the basis for the disturbed part of the spinal column;
- climax vertebrae, which are located at the highest point of the curvature arc;
- beveled vertebrae located at the junction between deformation and anti-curvature;
- intermediate vertebrae located between the climax and beveled and vertebrae;
- neutral vertebrae - vertebrae that are not involved in the pathological process.
It is possible to perform x-rays using low radiation (with a reduced period of exposure). In such images, small details are not visible, however, they can be used to measure the angle of deformation during scoliosis.
If necessary, MRI of the spine can also be prescribed to determine the causes of scoliosis.
So, can scoliosis be cured?
Scoliosis Therapy
Patients with scoliosis are observed by an orthopedist or vertebrologist. Possible rapid progression and the effect of curvature on the work of internal organs, which requires proper treatment, as well as referrals to other specialists: cardiologists, pulmonologists, etc. The treatment of scoliosis can be conservative and surgical, depending on the causes and severity of the disease, absence or presence progression. In any case, it is imperative that it is continuous, comprehensive and timely.
With scoliosis due to the effects of trauma, a violation of the length of the limbs and other factors, it is necessary to eliminate the cause. For example, use special orthopedic shoes or insoles to compensate for the difference in leg length. With myopathic and neurogenic scoliosis, conservative treatment, as a rule, is ineffective. Surgical therapy required.
Patients often ask if scoliosis can be cured by yoga. Yoga is an unconventional treatment for scoliosis, which gives excellent results when properly performed exercises. You can do these exercises at any age. It is recommended to combine yoga with traditional methods of exercise therapy. Yoga helps to solve many problems with human health, but still it is not worth brushing off the instructions of the attending physician.
Conservative therapy
Conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis includes anti-scoliotic gymnastics and the use of corsets.
A corset can be worn only at night, sometimes it is prescribed to be worn constantly. After completion of intensive growth, the corset becomes unnecessary.
In the case of progressive scoliosis, inpatient treatment in a vertebrological clinic is indicated. At the same time, it is recommended that the derot corsets be constantly worn in combination with gymnastics.
Surgery
If the angle of curvature is more than 45 degrees, surgical treatment is usually required. Indications for it are determined individually and may depend on the causes of scoliosis, age category, physical and psychological condition of the patient, type and localization of deformation.
Exercise therapy and swimming in the treatment of scoliosis
Exercise therapy for scoliosis of the 2nd degree is the main method of treatment.
It is forbidden to carry out exercises in the following situations:
- 3rd or 4th degree of curvature of the spine;
- severe pain;
- cerebrovascular accident;
- disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system.
It is necessary to do exercises with scoliosis of the spine 3-4 times a week for 40 minutes every day for 2 years. Regularity and diligence are the main components of progressive treatment.
Here is a set of exercises at this stage:
- walking on all fours or with half bent knees in a circle;
- lying on your side, you need to raise your leg up;
- standing on all fours, bend like a cat;
- lying on his stomach (hands closed behind his head), try to rise and bend as far as possible.
Exercise therapy for scoliosis of the 2nd degree can completely eliminate the disease, therefore, if we are talking about the initial stages of the disease, then we can say with confidence that it can be cured.
Swimming
Swimming is recommended for everyone who suffers from impaired musculoskeletal system functions. Scoliosis is a direct indication for visiting the pool.
Everyone knows about the health benefits of swimming.
Moreover, this method is considered the safest for correcting the condition of the spine.
If scoliosis is diagnosed, are they enlisted in the army or not?
Young men with scoliosis of the 1st degree are called up for service in the armed forces. The presence of the 2nd and subsequent degrees of this pathological process, confirmed by the radiologist, is the basis for exemption from military service.
In the article, we found out whether scoliosis can be cured.