The human spinal column is not only a straight line. Immediately after birth, physiological curves begin to gradually form. They are necessary in order to soften the load on the spine.
In addition to natural curves, pathological ones may appear. They are called curvatures. The spine, when they occur, begins to function somewhat differently. Not only will an outwardly physical defect be noticeable, but the functioning of the lungs, heart and parts of the digestive system will also be disrupted.
Types of curvature of the spine
As mentioned above, normally a person has several bends. They allow you to load the body less during life. There are four physiological curvature of the spine. They are located in the thoracic, cervical, sacrum and lumbar regions.
As for unnatural curvatures, those are called those that deviate from the axis of the spine to the sides or back and forth. If we are talking about a deviation to the right or left of the axis, then in medicine such a disease is called scoliosis. There are also sidecurvature: kyphosis and lordosis. In some cases, they are considered normal, but only when the curvature does not exceed certain indicators. As soon as there are differences with the norm, it is necessary to undergo a special course of treatment.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is commonly called thoracic curvature of the spine. Sometimes it can affect other departments, but the above is most often affected.
The disease is first diagnosed before the age of 15 years. If we are talking about a severe degree of pathology, then it is easy to notice because of the raised scapula, the deviation of the body to the side. Scoliosis affects a person's posture as well as how they walk.
This pathology is C-shaped, S-shaped and Z-shaped.
The first form is the easiest. Here we are talking about a curvature in one direction. This degree is considered the most common.
In the presence of S-shaped scoliosis, the formation of two arches is diagnosed. The first is considered the main one. The second occurs in order to straighten the spinal column. As a rule, it is located above the main one.
If a person has three arcs of curvature at once, then we are talking about Z-shaped scoliosis. The first two are very pronounced. This curvature of the spine can be seen with ease. The third is revealed only with the help of an x-ray. This disease is considered very severe. He has the strongest symptoms and a small percentage of the likelihood of a cure.
Lordosis
Curvaturecervical spine, as well as the lumbar region indicates the presence of lordosis. Too much forward axis deviation is commonly called a pathological disease. Sometimes it can occur where there is natural thoracic kyphosis.
Lordosis leads to the fact that a person has problems with the movement of the lower limbs. The functionality of the arms and shoulder girdle is impaired, and severe headaches may also be disturbing. Due to the fact that the spine is deformed, the work of the lungs, heart and kidneys changes in a person. The greater the degree of curvature, the stronger these manifestations will be.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a pathological curvature of the spine, or rather its axis. It's about leaning back.
At the moment, two forms of the described pathology are known. There are arcuate and angular. In the first case, we are talking about the formation of a uniform arc, which indicates curvature. As for angular kyphosis, here we are talking about bulging of the vertebrae. They look like a corner.
Slouching should be called a mild form of kyphosis.
Causes of occurrence
Curvature of the spine can be acquired or congenital. A very large number of provoking factors can lead to a similar pathology. As a rule, various vertebrae can be affected separately, or the entire spinal column can be completely affected.
Diseases that lead to such pathologies most often include diseases of the central nervous system. It can be polio, cerebral palsy, rickets and osteoporosis,bone tuberculosis, rheumatism, as well as hereditary predisposition or genetic problems.
As a rule, in adults, curvature begins against the background of osteochondrosis. People who have a herniated disc are also at risk.
Secondary curvature
There are curvatures that are called secondary. They arise due to any pathologies associated with diseases of the organs or the skeletal system. The main reasons for this should be called deep skin scars that lead to muscle tension, inflammation of the latter, pain syndrome that occurs with problems with the gallbladder, liver or kidneys, spinal injuries or congenital anomalies.
Curvature of the spine in children often occurs due to the fact that their skeleton is growing rapidly and posture is being formed. Now children sit incorrectly in class or doing homework at home. Accordingly, due to a weak muscular corset, unnatural curves begin to appear in them.
Symptoms
What kind of complaints the patient has depends entirely not only on the presence of a pathological bend, but also on where it is located and what degree of bending in question.
The first degree of curvature of the spine is set when the angle of the arc is no more than 10 degrees. As a rule, outwardly the defect is invisible, there are also no special changes in well-being. A slight stoop may develop. There are different blade heights. It is not uncommon to notice a slightly raised shoulder girdle when the person is naked.
Second degreeimplies a curvature of up to 25 degrees. In this case, violations in the vertebrae are recorded. The tone of the muscles that are on the back and on the chest may change. If a person sits for a long time, he has pain in the spine. It also becomes difficult for him to endure physical activity.
The third degree is characterized by a curvature of up to 50 degrees. In this case, the deformation is immediately noticeable. A person constantly has back pain, it is difficult for him to do even the simplest physical exercises, there is shortness of breath at rest.
If the angle of the arc is more than 50 degrees, then here we are talking about the most severe degree of curvature. This pathology greatly affects the functioning of the lungs, heart, liver, stomach and bronchi.
What symptoms are present depends entirely on the type of curvature of the spine. If we are talking about the cervical, then headaches, dizziness, and problems with movements will constantly disturb. With disorders in the lower back, diseases of the lower extremities can occur, ovarian dysfunction and sexual dysfunction appear.
How to determine the presence of the disease?
Deformation of the spine can be seen on a careful external examination, even if it is a first degree of development. It is quite possible to independently identify a curvature of the spine. Photos of some pathologies are available in the article.
If a person becomes straight, then in the presence of one of the above diseases, he will have one shoulder lower than the second. When examining the back, one can notice the angle of the scapula, which is stronglysticks out. If you lean forward, then the curvature of the spine will be easily noticeable. Standing straight, you need to lower your hands down. Next, you should pay attention to how much distance there is between them and the waist. If it is different, then we are talking about abnormal curvature.
If we talk about subjective signs, we should note numbness of the limbs, pain in the back, neck, chest. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to do an x-ray or computed tomography. If there is a suspicion of a deterioration in the functioning of internal organs, then an ultrasound scan is performed and tests are done.
Consequences
You can not ignore the treatment of curvature of the spine. This is due to the fact that the first degree, which is less noticeable and practically does not bring any discomfort, quickly passes into the second and subsequent forms. Most often, people do not notice that their spine is deformed, and accordingly, they do not carry out treatment. As a result, complications begin to appear rather quickly.
If we are talking about the second degree, then for the surrounding people a problem with the distortion of the body will be noticeable. Also, a person may complain of muscle spasms, back pain. People with this disease cannot perform any kind of physical exercise for a long time.
Curvature of the third and directly the fourth degree is already quite serious. Often, patients who suffer from such a pathology have disturbances in cardiac activity, they have breathing problems. Bronchitis often develops. Also, due to this disease, stagnantprocesses in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to cholecystitis, pancreatitis and other serious diseases. In women, a similar degree of curvature can lead to problems with pregnancy, as well as bearing a child.
Can it be fixed?
Mild curvature can be cured on its own. However, this is real only if a person is ready to constantly control his posture and do the necessary exercises. With curvature of the spine, this is quite important, and often a few months of such therapy can completely eliminate the problem.
If we talk about the second degree, then you need to go for a massage, play sports and do manual therapy. Very often, pathological bends of this form that occur in children are completely cured.
If we talk about the third or fourth degree, then it will not be possible to correct this pathology. In order to prevent further development of the deformity, it is necessary to perform all the procedures that the doctor prescribes. In severe stages, a fixator is specially installed. It allows you to keep the spine in the desired position.
How to cure pathology at home?
Quite a relevant question about how to correct the curvature of the spine. You can do this at home. As a rule, this pathology is treated in a hospital only if the therapy involves surgery.
Everything that doctors prescribe must be carried out in full. All that is required of the patient is the habit of walking.with correct posture, maximum muscle activity, elimination of unnecessary stress on the body. During treatment, all secondary symptoms will completely disappear.
The scheme of therapy is individual. The most important thing is always exercise. A set of classes is selected by a doctor, you should not do it yourself. Otherwise, you can achieve, on the contrary, deterioration. Massage, physiotherapy and more are considered complementary treatments.
Gymnastic exercises for the back
When the curvature of the spine in children or adults, you need to pay attention to gymnastic exercises. Thanks to them, you can strengthen the muscles. Accordingly, the spinal column will be maintained in the desired position. Recommended exercises include the following.
While lying on your stomach, you need to stretch your arms and legs alternately up. Next, get on your knees. With one hand you need to rest on the floor, and pull the other to the side. The same must be done simultaneously with the legs.
From a standing position, stretch your torso up. You also need to raise your hands. It takes a few seconds to hold this position.
In the same position, standing, it is necessary to perform torso tilts. This should be done in different directions.
This set of classes is exemplary. As a rule, it is used in any therapy. Most of all it will be effective at the first degree of curvature. In order to achieve results, you must regularly perform them. It is also necessary that the doctor selects the exercises andcorrected them as the treatment progressed.
Prevention
Curvature of the spine in adults and children leads to the fact that other organs and systems cease to function normally. That is why it is necessary to constantly carry out prevention. It's easy to do.
You need to constantly engage in some kind of sport. You should also control your posture. You definitely need to eat well. Do not forget about the treatment of diseases that are associated with metabolism and directly with the musculoskeletal system.
