Today, spinal curvature is quite common among children and adolescents. Often with the early development of scoliosis, which manifests itself from five to seven years, and also in the absence of proper treatment by the age of sixteen, a person turns into a "hunchback" who is diagnosed with multiple disorders in the body. Therefore, when making a diagnosis of dysplastic scoliosis, it is necessary to begin treatment to prevent the development of serious health complications. In this case, an important point is the prevention of the development of irreversible changes in the spinal column.
Problem Description
Dysplastic scoliosis is the most severe form of curvature of the spinal column with a congenital pathology of the development of its lumbosacral spine . At an early stage, the disease does not show symptoms, pathology is detected at the age of about ten years and is rapidly progressing. Such a disease develops against the background of metabolic and circulatory disorders in the tissues of the vertebrae and discs.
Pathology usually begins to manifest at an early age. The occurrence of scoliosis is caused by an increase in the load on the fifth lumbar and first sacral vertebrae as the body grows and develops. The dysplastic scoliosis code according to ICD-10 has M41, M41.8. The disease is characterized by the formation of anti-curvature arches in the thoracic spine , which is accompanied by a sharp turn of the vertebral bodies around the vertical axis of the spinal column (ribs twist). This causes the formation of a rib hump, which leads to disfigurement of the chest, respiratory failure, and a decrease in lung volume. A person has increased flexibility of the joints and spine, statistical flat feet, weakness of the muscles of the back, buttocks and abdominal wall, which leads to severe disturbance of posture and the progression of curvature of the spine.
Considering what scoliosis of the spine is, it should be noted that this disease is also characterized by rapid development, provoking the appearance of impaired functioning of the chest organs and disfiguring a person. In the absence of therapy, the pathology acquires a rather complex course.
Scoliosis: causes of development
The causes of the pathology lie in congenital malformations of the vertebrae. Such anomalies develop as a result of the following factors:
- The complete absence of fusion of the vertebral arches.
- Strong fusion of the vertebra with the sacrum.
- The fusion of the first vertebra of the sacrum and the fifth vertebra of the lower back.
There are no exact reasons for the development of congenital pathologies in medicine. Doctors put forward various theories, according to which scoliosis causes are as follows:
- Spinal pathology of a congenital nature.
- Violation of the growth of spinal elements as a result of the load on the spine.
- Unilateral growth retardation of one or more vertebrae as a result of the development of congenital epidystrophy.
- Violation of metabolic processes in the connective tissue.
- The movement of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc during the destruction of the cartilage tissue in the convex side, which causes the appearance of spinal deformity.
The risk group includes children whose parents have this pathology.
Symptoms of the disease
Usually, dysplastic scoliosis displays symptoms depending on the stage of its development. In the early stages, the disease is asymptomatic, over time, a curvature of the spinal column begins to form in the child. He has a stoop and an almost imperceptible asymmetry of the body in the form of different height of the shoulders and protruding shoulder blades of different localization. The main sign of pathology is the development of torsion - twisting of the vertebrae in a vertical projection. In the absence of treatment, a rib hump forms in a person, which can be seen when he bends forward. Then there is a shortening of the lower limb and a distortion of the pelvis. All these phenomena are accompanied by a pain syndrome, which increases with physical exertion.
Also, dysplastic chest scoliosis provokes pinching of the spinal cord, which can cause neurological symptoms in the form of loss of sensitivity, impaired motor activity, paresis and paralysis of the lower extremities.
In the neglected case, curvature of the toes, frequent urination, especially at night, mental disorders, disturbance of tendon reflexes are possible, blood pressure drops, hyperemia of the skin in the pathological area are observed. Compression of nerve fibers causes a disruption in the activity of the respiratory system, blood vessels, and heart.
Diagnostic measures
Many do not know which doctor treats scoliosis. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease is carried out by an orthopedist or surgeon. The main diagnostic methods are radiography, and the patient will encounter it more than once throughout his life. Pictures of the spinal column are performed in several projections and in different positions of the body. Usually in the pictures, an expansion of the gap between the vertebrae, the presence of wedge-shaped vertebrae, their sharp rotation around the vertical axis is detected. This technique makes it possible to identify dysplastic scoliosis at an early stage of development, as well as determine the possible causes of its further development. During radiography, the angle of curvature of the spine is determined.
As additional methods for studying the state of internal organs, nerves and blood vessels, other diagnostic methods can be used, for example, ultrasound, MRI and CT. It is necessary to differentiate pathology with scoliotic posture. In the latter case, there are no bending of the spine.
Treatment
We already know which doctor treats scoliosis. Therapy of the disease is prescribed after making an accurate diagnosis and identifying the degree of development of the disease. Treatment is primarily aimed at solving the following problems:
- Return the axis of the spine to the correct position.
- Normalization of respiratory function.
- Elimination of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
An experienced doctor will tell you how to cure scoliosis.
Conservative treatment
In the early stages of the development of pathology, the following methods are usually used:
- Breaststroke swimming gives the opportunity to achieve good results in three months. Today, there are special groups in which the trainer individually selects a set of exercises, taking into account the characteristics of the disease.
- Massage for scoliosis in children and adults can normalize blood circulation and muscle tone.
- Therapeutic gymnastics is the main method for correcting spinal deformities. In this case, an experienced instructor will select a set of exercises in each case.
- Diet, which involves the exclusion of preservatives and fatty foods. The patient's diet should include fish, dairy products and olive oil.
- Wearing an orthopedic corset to reduce the load on the spinal column and prevent its curvature. Wearing a corset is also provided if chest deformity with scoliosis is observed.
- Electromyostimulation aimed at normalizing muscle tone.
Surgery
If the pathology is in the late stages of development and is rapidly progressing, how to cure scoliosis, the surgeon will tell you, as in this case surgery is used. Indications for the operation are:
- Pain syndrome, which cannot be eliminated with a medication;
- Rapid progression of spinal deformity;
- The angle of curvature is more than sixty degrees, which provokes the development of pulmonary and heart failure;
- Disfiguring the patient.
Surgical intervention is aimed at eliminating curvature of the spine, preventing damage to the spinal cord, stopping the compression syndrome, eliminating cosmetic deficiency.
Types of surgical interventions
Surgery for dysplastic scoliosis can be carried out in two ways:
- Stage surgical intervention involves the establishment of a temporary metal structure. In a certain period of time, a series of operations is performed during which the structure is removed. The disadvantage of this method is not one operation, but several.
- A one-step operation, in which a permanent metal structure is established, which helps to fix the vertebrae. A positive result is achieved with a single operation.
Operation selection
The choice of surgical intervention in each case is considered individually. In this case, the doctor takes into account the following points:
- The age of the patient. Usually, surgery is prescribed in adulthood, as children often manage to eliminate the curvature by conservative methods.
- Localization of spinal deformity.
- A person has mental problems that can develop due to the presence of a disease.
- The duration of the course of the disease. In advanced cases, they resort only to surgical interventions.
Disease prognosis
This disease is characterized by rapid progression, so the prognosis will depend on the timeliness of patient care. In the early stages of the development of the disease, good results can be achieved with conservative treatment. Gymnastics and massage helps with scoliosis in children and adults with its early detection. Doctors note that when using surgical treatment of pathology, negative consequences and complications often arise.
Pathology Prevention
For the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to conduct educational work on what scoliosis of the spine is, as well as on methods to combat this disease. Preventive measures should be as follows:
- Regular outdoor walks. This makes it possible to improve metabolism. Provide tissue with oxygen for the normal functioning of cells.
- Finding a long period of time in a horizontal position on a hard surface. This event is especially relevant for those people who suffer from periodic pain in the back. Such an event will allow you to get rid of pain and discomfort.
- Constant adherence to proper posture, the back should be even. This condition is the main one for the normal process of formation of the vertebral axis. Often in the early stages of the development of pathology, the constant maintenance of correct posture, physical activity can completely eliminate the curvature of the spinal column.
- Conducting classes in physiotherapy exercises. This makes it possible to tone the whole body, adjust the spine. Often, exercise therapy is prescribed one month before the planned operation, as well as during the rehabilitation of the patient.
Recommendations
There are several principles for developing a healthy spinal column. These include:
- When staying in one position for a long time, for example, when sedentary work, it is necessary to periodically take breaks to get up and move.
- When sitting at the table, it is recommended to change the position of the legs often enough.
- When sitting in a chair, you need to periodically put your hands on the armrests to relieve stress from the spine.
- To relax the spinal column, it is recommended to periodically lift the knees to the chest.
- During physical education, you need to bend your back as much as possible to eliminate dislocation of the vertebrae.
Adhering to these simple rules and recommendations, a person will have a healthy spine and proper posture.