Kyphosis of the thoracic spine is called its C-shaped curvature in the anteroposterior plane, which leads to the formation of a hump. In the normal position, there is a slight torso forward. With kyphosis, this slope becomes pronounced, and the posture becomes bent. Pathology is much more common than other types of the disease (cervical or lumbar kyphosis) and may be accompanied by cervical and lumbar lordosis.
Symptoms of the disease
It is a mistake to assume that the main sign of kyphosis of the thoracic spine is a growing hump. As a rule, such an external manifestation of the ailment occurs only in the later stages. The early symptoms include frequent back pain in the area of kyphotic curvature, which is usually caused by muscle spasm. In the evenings, tired muscles of the back and neck are felt. Another common symptom is weakness in the forearms. At later stages of the disease, numbness of the fingers and toes caused by compression of the nerve roots may be added to these signs.
The neglected course of kyphosis of the thoracic spine (see photo above) is harmful to the whole body. The resulting hump and lowered shoulders cause narrowing of the chest, which seriously complicates ventilation of the lungs and can lead to heart failure. Compression of internal organs caused by kyphosis causes shortness of breath, heartburn, acute pancreatitis, diseases of the pelvic organs.
Consider the degree of kyphosis of the thoracic spine.
Degrees and Forms
Physiological kyphosis of the thoracic spine will be, if the spine has an angle of inclination of 15 ° to 30 °, this is considered normal physiological curvature, if the angle of inclination is greater than 30 °, this is considered an enhanced form.
At the first stage, the disease practically does not cause inconvenience. There is evening fatigue of the muscles of the back and neck, but it is easily removed when taking a horizontal position. The angle of the spine is not more than 40 degrees. Most often, a disease of the first degree occurs in adolescence and young age, that is, during a period of active growth.
The second degree of kyphosis of the thoracic spine is characterized by its inclination from 40 to 50 degrees. At this stage, a pronounced pain syndrome appears, the deformation of the thoracic region acquires a fixed character, neurological manifestations are aggravated.
In the third stage, lordosis occurs in the lumbar and cervical spine. These changes in the bending of the spine adversely affect the general condition of the body and exacerbate posture problems. The angle of inclination of the spine is already about 50-60 degrees.
The fourth - the most serious degree of the disease - is characterized by stable changes in the shape of the spine and the development of diseases of the internal organs. The blood supply to the brain is disturbed, the load on the ligaments and joints increases significantly, the constant compression of the internal organs causes problems in the gastrointestinal tract, impaired liver and kidney function.
Smooth kyphosis of the thoracic spine is considered a situation when the inclination of the pelvis in relation to the spine exceeds 60 °. This shape is easy to notice with the naked eye: the chest is flat, too narrow than it should be, the stomach is clearly protruding forward. Weak development of the muscle corset is noted. Smoothness is a physiological form that can most often be observed in weakened children who are constantly sick and lie a lot of time. Due to this pathology, scoliosis usually occurs.
In orthopedics, several forms of kyphosis are distinguished. It is:
- about the functional (stoop);
- dorsal youthful (manifests itself in Scheuermann-Mau disease);
- congenital;
- paralytic;
- post-traumatic;
- degenerative.
Functional kyphosis
Functional kyphosis of the thoracic spine, or stoop, is considered to be a manifestation of incorrect posture. This type of ailment is caused by weakness of the spinal muscles, incorrect position of the body during the day. Also, sometimes the problem arises for psychological reasons (for example, in shy teenagers). In this case, X-ray does not show any pathological changes in the spine.
Dorsal juvenile kyphosis develops in Scheuermann-Mau disease. One of the causes of dorsal juvenile kyphosis is a hereditary predisposition. Although the causes and mechanisms of the disease are not well understood. Presumably, kyphosis develops due to the death of cartilage layers between the vertebra and the intervertebral disc or due to excessive growth of bone tissue in the vertebral bodies. It is also believed that the cause is hidden in multiple vertebral micro fractures in osteoporosis.
Scheuermann-Mau disease causes deformation of several thoracic vertebrae, as a result of which they become wedge-shaped. Changing the shape of the vertebrae enhances kyphosis, so that the bend in the thoracic region exceeds 45 degrees. In the early stages, the disease most often does not cause discomfort, however, as the disease progresses, deformity of the chest increases, which leads to difficulty breathing and impaired cardiac activity. Neuralgic symptoms are uncharacteristic for this type of kyphosis.
Congenital kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis occurs due to abnormalities in the formation of vertebrae during embryonic development. As a result of developmental pathologies, the formation of wedge-shaped or butterfly-shaped vertebrae, posterior half-vertebrae, micro-vertebrae is possible.
Congenital kyphosis can be accompanied by scoliosis, characterized by curvature of the spine in the lateral plane. Kyphotic curvature, which has a progressive character, is possible not only in the chest, but also in the cervical and lumbar spine.
Paralytic kyphosis
Paralytic kyphosis is caused by diseases accompanied by paralysis and paresis of the muscles of the back. Among them - cerebral palsy, polio and others. In this case, the kyphosis of the thoracic region is enhanced and spreads to the upper part of the lumbar region. Deformation gradually progresses.
Paralytic kyphosis
The most common cause of thoracic kyphosis is a fracture of the vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar. The risk of developing deformity is determined by the severity of the injury, violations of the musculoskeletal system, compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician during treatment and recovery. Kyphosis of this type may be accompanied by neurological disorders.
Degenerative kyphosis
Degenerative disorders such as osteochondrosis and osteoporosis lead to the development of degenerative kyphosis of the thoracic region. Elderly women are more susceptible to this disease than others. Degenerative kyphosis is often preceded by trauma, for example, pathological compression fractures of the vertebral bodies. The disease is progressive in nature and exacerbates degenerative changes in the spine.
What is the treatment for kyphosis of the thoracic spine?
The main methods of therapy
The first thing to do if you suspect kyphosis is to visit a doctor. It is he who, after the necessary examination, will diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment. Kyphosis is treated with the following methods:
- manual therapy;
- wearing a corrective corset;
- physiotherapy;
- surgical treatment (operation);
- medical gymnastics (LFK).
Manual therapy in combination with massage is recommended for the treatment of severe curvature of the spinal column. Pressure on certain areas of the back "puts" the vertebrae in place, and general massage helps to relax the muscles and reduce the pain accompanying kyphosis.
Wearing a corset in childhood can completely correct posture and get rid of kyphosis, since the cartilaginous structure of the skeleton base is relatively easy to change.
An adult will not be able to straighten the spine in this way, however, wearing a corset can prevent the development of pathologies with kyphosis.
Physiotherapy is a complement to the complex treatment course. The most commonly used electro- and magnetotherapy, hot wrapping for blood and lymph flow. Ultrasound therapy is used to reduce pain.
Surgical intervention is required in cases of severe pain or a high risk of complications from the musculoskeletal and other body systems.
Effective exercises for kyphosis of the thoracic spine.
Physiotherapy
In the first and second degrees of kyphosis, patients are often prescribed a course of treated gymnastics, which is aimed at strengthening the muscular corset of the back, increasing joint mobility and increasing blood flow in the affected area.
To increase the benefits of treatment and gymnastics with kyphosis of the thoracic spine and minimize the risk of complications, the general recommendations for classes should be followed:
- It is necessary to alternate dynamic and static exercises.
- Classes should be started with small training, observing all the recommendations of the attending physician.
- Class time and load should be increased gradually.
- When performing exercises, it is very important to maintain proper posture.
- Muscles should not be overloaded with a heavy load, 30-40 minutes of classes will be enough for their general strengthening.
Regular exercise helps to relax muscles, reduce pain, and sometimes completely get rid of curvature of the spine. Kyphosis of the first and second degree can be corrected at almost any age. Swimming, stretching exercises, horizontal bar exercises and special therapeutic exercises prescribed by a doctor will make the posture smooth and beautiful, and the spine healthy.
conclusions
Kyphosis is a common disease of the musculoskeletal system. Problems with the spine can lead to serious consequences, and therefore the symptoms of the disease should not be neglected. It is important to make a timely diagnosis, because in the early stages the disease can be treated much better. To prevent kyphosis, regular strengthening exercises and regular posture should be done regularly.