Spinal curvature, called scoliosis, has been more and more common recently, and many suspect this disease in their own right. But you should not diagnose yourself: perhaps you consider normal bends, which absolutely every person has, to be a defect. It is better to consult a doctor so that he with his experienced look assesses the situation and identifies or refutes your diagnosis - scoliosis of the spine. In addition to this pathology, there are also defects called kyphosis and lordosis. In the first case, a person has a clearly noticeable curvature, his spine is tilted back. Kyphosis can be sacral as well as thoracic. As for lordosis, then his specialist can determine at a glance. In this case, the spine in a person is inclined forward. Lordosis is lumbar and cervical. If a person has already developed right-sided scoliosis, then further deterioration and curvature can be expected - with a high probability they will make themselves felt.
Children are affected by scoliosis, especially girls. Most often, the disease occurs in children who have reached the age of ten years, although there are exceptions. Scoliosis, unfortunately, is transmitted from sick parents to children, although not always. It also happens that a person has a strong curvature, and his child will have a barely noticeable, small defect. There are also reverse situations.
Scoliosis of the spine: symptoms
Perhaps, as the disease develops, you will notice some changes in your body. Typically, a person first forms a curvature in the vertical plane, and after some time in the horizontal. If a child falls ill, his spine will grow more slowly. In very deplorable situations, patients develop paresis of the legs, and then paralyze them.
Degrees of disease
Specialists distinguish the following degrees of scoliosis of the spine:
- 1st — deformation at an angle of up to 5º.
- 2nd — it is 6º-25º.
- 3rd - the angle reaches 26º-50º.
- 4th - exceeds 50º.
What is the first degree of scoliosis? This is not a very pronounced defect, although noticeable upon closer examination. The muscles of the abdomen and back of a person, figuratively speaking, as semolina. Especially when he is standing, one can see how weak they are. Also, the patient has asymmetric clavicles and shoulder blades. If you measure the distance from the latter to the spine, it turns out that it is different. When the patient leans, it is noticeable that the triangles of his waist are not symmetrical. That's how scoliosis of the spine of the 1st degree can disfigure a person. But this is not the worst option.
But the II degree is already more difficult. At this stage, a curvature in the shape of the letter S is observed. When tilting the body, a small hump, asymmetric triangles of the waist, as well as uneven shoulders are visible. Often such patients are sent for radiography, which shows the vertebrae literally rotated around the vertical axis - an unpleasant sight. They are actually beveled.
Grade III scoliosis is characterized by an even more pronounced deformation in the form of the letter S. The pelvis is skewed in a person, the hump is clearly visible. The spine at this stage is in a very deplorable state, often even the spinal cord is displaced. In addition, all organs suffer and do not work properly. Curvature, in particular, affects the lungs; as a result, the patient is very susceptible to pneumonia and bronchitis. Scoliosis of the spine, the photo of which you see, can significantly reduce the quality of human life.
IV degree entails stunting, the whole body is deformed. As a "bonus" is added strong kyphosis, and often lordosis. The body is completely displaced from the axis. Vertebrae are deformed wedge-shaped. The spinal cord is now precisely displaced, which means that a person may have serious problems with his legs - it will be difficult to walk.
In patients with grade III and IV curvature, cardiovascular system disorders are quite common. Stagnation in the gallbladder is also a common thing for them. Pancreatitis and cholecystitis are their faithful companions, people can not get rid of these diseases. Some people have problems with the reproductive system and bladder.
Cervical scoliosis
Scoliosis of the cervical spine is a very dangerous disease. It makes people suffer cruelly. This disease has a second name - high scoliosis, because the problem place is located above, near the head. In people with such a curvature, the shoulders are not symmetrical. The disease also affects the skull, neck muscles, and in some cases even the bones of the face. If a person’s ears are at different levels, then it is safe to say that he has cervical scoliosis.
The vast majority of patients often experience headaches, as blood circulation is difficult, and not enough oxygen enters the brain. But a person can always help himself by doing a light neck massage. It will help improve blood circulation and have a beneficial effect on the spine. Many people live for years with cervical scoliosis and do not go to the doctor. But to visit a specialist is still desirable. He will prescribe the necessary therapy, which will help prevent all kinds of complications.
Cervicothoracic scoliosis of the spine is also rare. Also a very unpleasant disease. It is characterized by a curvature in the region of the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae. It remains only to be glad that this disease is not too common. It is impossible to acquire during life, it is innate. How to determine that a person has cervicothoracic scoliosis? His figure will look strange and unnatural, his forearms will be at different levels. Another characteristic feature is an asymmetrical face.
This type of scoliosis can be eliminated if you make an effort. It is imperative to correct the spine. Also, a person must perform therapeutic exercises. It is the cervical vertebrae that need correction . After conducting it, you can save the patient from the progression of the disease, and also make the curvature less noticeable. Often this procedure helps people to forget about this pathology and other defects of the shoulders and neck.
Gymnastics should be prescribed by a doctor based on the type and degree of deformation. The doctor must be nearby and observe how the patient performs the exercises.
Experts say that the combined method of treatment for cervical curvature is the most effective and popular.
Lumbar scoliosis
This department is formed by several large vertebrae. In all healthy people in this place you can see physiological lordosis (the so-called small forward deflection). What is the function of the lumbar spine? It connects the thoracic region with the sacrum. The vertebrae located in the lumbar region take on the main load of the upper body.
What is the cause of lumbar scoliosis? Why is it forming? Scoliosis of the lumbar spine develops if a person has one leg longer than the other. And it’s really bad if a patient has rickets - this will only complicate an already difficult situation. The weak spinal muscles also worsen the condition. With lumbar scoliosis, a person does not have a waist, and the stomach protrudes forward.
Diagnosis of this pathology
To make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to analyze the patient's complaints, and then examine him. But this is not all: an X-ray is also required to help determine the degree of pathology. During the study, a person stands, a picture is taken from behind, from the side and with a deflection. But the most accurate results are obtained by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.
Therapy
If you realize that you have scoliosis, treatment should be followed immediately. It will depend on the type of disease, its neglect and your age.
It is easiest to get rid of scoliosis in children with I and II degree of pathology. They need to perform exercises, practice in the pool (swim, do special gymnastics), wear a corset and try to keep their back straight. If the child has developed scoliosis due to the fact that one of his legs is shorter than the other, then you can order special shoes or just put one thicker insole.
If you have a curvature of the III or IV degree, do not rush to go for surgery - first like autogravity therapy. You will be lying on a couch with side rods, the upper part of which will be slightly higher. Such a procedure should be carried out regularly, for a period of two to four months. If no results are noticed, surgery will be required.
Scoliosis, the treatment of which, as you already understand, is a long process, can go away if acupuncture and massage are regularly done. Breaststroke is also recommended .
Scoliosis therapy should include ultrasound (to get rid of discomfort), electrical stimulation of the abdomen and back, electrophoresis. To alleviate the condition, therapeutic baths, ozokerite and paraffin help.
Gymnastics
A patient who has been diagnosed with scoliosis of the spine, exercises should be performed daily. Gymnastics is generally the most important thing in the treatment of this pathology. Let's look at examples of exercises for curving I and II degrees.
- Starting position - standing. Keep your hands behind your head. Sharply throw them to the sides, then lift them up and bend their backs. We stand so half a minute.
- Starting position - standing. Behind us we hold with our hand a special stick for exercises, the upper part of which is in contact with the head, and the lower - with the buttocks. Squat.
- The starting position is on the stomach. Hands rest on the floor, hips pressed to it, back bent. We stand so half a minute. It may be a little difficult for you to perform this exercise, but such exercises for the spine with scoliosis gives a wonderful effect.
- We stand near the wall, palms pressed to it. Then we begin to slowly bend back, hands rush up. You must repeat this exercise several times.
- We stand near the wall, turning away from it. Touch her shoulder blades, buttocks and heels. We take a step forward, trying not to change position.
Some more exercises
Do you think that is already enough? No, the more exercises you do, the better. Let's look at a few more. Perhaps they will help you forget about scoliosis of the spine once and for all.
Exercise number 1. Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms forward. Legs should be straightened. We bend the left hand. We raise the right one a little. The same thing needs to be done with the left foot. Half a minute are in this position. Then you should repeat everything again, changing your leg and arm. Pay particular attention to this exercise if you have right-sided scoliosis. Some time will pass, and you can, without straining, perform it several times. Then it will already be possible to think about weights: take a dumbbell or a bottle of water in a raised hand. Over time, it is recommended to replace the selected item with a heavier one.
Exercise number 2. We lie down on our stomach, stretch our arms forward, our legs lie flat. At the same time we tear off all limbs from the floor and are in this position for half a minute. In the future, you can also pick up dumbbells. So the exercise will be more effective, and scoliosis of the spine may recede faster.
Exercise number 3. We get up on all fours, hands lie exactly at the same level. The legs must be bent at the knees. Throw forward the right hand. The left leg is pulled back at this time. Both limbs should be straight and parallel to the floor. We stand so half a minute. The exercise should be repeated using the other arm and leg. Again, dumbbells can come in handy. One of them will need to be taken in the hand that you throw forward.
Traditional pull-ups
In the fight against scoliosis, a classic crossbar can help you. It’s ugly and treacherous scoliosis, treatment can drag on for years, but it is necessary to fight it. Start pulling up today. Perhaps at first it will be a little unusual and difficult for you to understand with what grip it is better to perform the exercise. Experts say: it should be shoulder width, especially if you are a beginner. And then you can make it more or less - as you like. But remember: it is forbidden to perform an exercise with too wide a grip.
Stretch for a long time, trying to get the crossbar collarbone or a place located on the chest a little lower. Your success will depend on body weight, arm length and grip.
When pulling up on your back there should be a slight deflection. But do not strain: if you suddenly feel that your
elbows and shoulders
hurt , stop the exercise.
Narrow grip help
This exercise strengthens the spinal muscles, mainly those located in the lumbar region. You stand across the crossbar. Your palms should look forward. Hands should be placed close to each other. Now try to pull yourself so as to cling to the crossbar collarbone. Your chest should be bent forward. This is a prerequisite. And in the back there should be a deflection.
When surgery is needed
If spinal surgery is performed, scoliosis will recede. Surgery is required if you:
- spinal stenosis;
- vertebrobasilar syndrome, which interferes with your life (poor blood circulation in the brain);
- cauda equina syndrome, which arose due to compression of the roots of nerves, which is accompanied by difficulties in walking or inability to move independently;
- persistent back pain.
You should think about surgery if you have:
- often there are discomfort in the spine;
- no results from conservative therapy;
- there is instability of the spinal motor segment;
- disability, inability to perform basic work.
Types of operations for spinal curvature
The first group. Surgical interventions in the posterior spine:
- operations of internal correction and support of the spine with special designs, immediately after that bone grafting;
- mobilizing interventions;
- simultaneous intraoperative correction of deformity;
- curvature correction in several stages.
The second type . Surgical interventions in the anterior spine:
- corrective bone grafting;
- interventions that stop the growth of vertebrae on the protruding region of the deformity;
- mobilizing operations;
- corrective interventions using special designs.
Third view . Comprehensive operations on the back and front of the spine.
Remember: the faster you see a doctor, the easier it will be to defeat the disease. If you have already formed scoliosis of the spine, the symptoms have made themselves felt, and you are still in no hurry to contact a specialist, then in the future you will have no one to blame but yourself. Drop laziness, be patient. Keep your back straight, do swimming, gymnastics, and you will definitely feel better. It may take a long time, but it's worth it.