The human vertebral column has a complex anatomical structure, with special bends due to which there is a uniform distribution of the load. In some cases, congenital or acquired factors provoke a violation of the position of some vertebrae and curvature of the entire spine. The lack of timely adequate treatment of this disease can lead to hypertension, impaired respiratory function, pulmonary insufficiency, deterioration of the overall quality of human life.
CAUSES OF SPINAL CURVATURE
This disease can be congenital or acquired. In the congenital form, the causes are the abnormal development of the spinal column. Acquired scoliosis is characteristic of childhood and adolescence, in the process of active growth and final formation of the spine. Scoliosis, depending on the anatomical change, is usually divided into non-structural and structural. With a non-structural change, the curvature of the vertebral column occurs without anatomical changes in the vertebrae. Their reasons are:
Herniated intervertebral discs caused by osteochondrosis and radiculitis.
Myositis.
Traumatic injuries of the lower extremities and pelvic bones.
Shortening of one lower limb.
Incorrect posture.
Scoliosis with structural changes occurs:
In the process of damage to the spine by syphilis and tuberculosis.
For injuries and tumors of the spine.
With dystrophic changes in the back and neck muscles.
With congenital pathology of the chest.
With organic lesions of the spinal cord.
With hereditary pathology of connective tissue.
TYPES OF SPINAL CURVATURE
There are several types of this disease:
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature. It is often found in schoolchildren and students. The main sign is a change in the shape of the chest and posture.
Lordosis is a curvature anteriorly. It is noted in the lumbar region. It is typical for overweight people, it can occur during pregnancy.
Kyphosis is a posterior curvature. It is noted in the thoracic region. It can be aggravated by deformity of the vertebrae and the development of a hump.
Combined curvature occurs in all or several parts of the spine.
SYMPTOMS OF SPINAL CURVATURE
Most often, curvature of the spine is noted in the lumbar and cervical region. The symptoms of this disease differ depending on the localization.
Curvature in the cervical spine is characterized by:
impaired mobility and innervation of the shoulder joint;
discomfort and pain when turning the head;
hearing impairment;
frequent headaches;
stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back of the head.
The curvature in the lumbar spine is characterized by:
significant bulging of one shoulder blade;
change of gait;
the appearance of unhealthy slouching;
visual feeling that one arm is longer than the other;
frequent pain in the stomach or thoracic region;
high pressure;
rapid fatigue.
DIAGNOSIS OF SPINAL CURVATURE
If a curvature of the spine is suspected, an X-ray examination is prescribed to the patient to determine the localization of the curvature and its degree. Good results in diagnosing this disease are shown by MRI, which produces a three-dimensional image of the entire spine. Ultrasound of internal organs may be prescribed as an additional study.
TREATMENT OF SPINAL CURVATURE
It takes considerable time to restore the anatomically correct structure of the spine. There are several methods of treating this disease:
Manual therapy.
Surgical treatment.
Physiotherapy treatment.
Drug therapy.
At the first or second degree of curvature of the spine, conservative treatment is prescribed:
correction of poor vision;
strict adherence to safe desktop standards;
balanced nutrition;
using a special corset;
therapeutic gymnastics.
Drug therapy includes taking vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors.
With a severe degree of curvature of the spine, surgical therapy is performed. During the surgical intervention, special fixators and endoprostheses are installed to keep the spine in the correct position.
