The spine consists of a skeletal system, the bones are located in a vertical uneven order, and in the form of bends: 2 kyphosis, which are directed backward, and 2 lordosis, turned forward. The presence of deviations that can bend the spine in the thoracic region is called kyphotic posture. It will take a long time to form.
What are the characteristics of kyphosis?
The spine includes:
- vertebrae;
- bone and cartilage structures.
And all this is connected by intervertebral discs.
The spine consists of 5 sections, which are formed by 33 vertebrae.
The spine is considered the central part of the skeletal system, despite this, it does not have a straight structure, but is slightly curved. This allows you to equally distribute the power and axial load on all its parts.
Kyphosis causes significant curvature of the spine. At the same time, its bulge looks in the opposite direction from the facial skeleton(if the convexity is in the opposite direction, it is a lordosis).
Kyphosis is a common name for diseases of the spine, in which the normal physiological bending of certain areas in the direction of increasing the angle of convexity is disturbed.
Kyphotic posture is divided into cervical, thoracic and lumbar. In children, kyphosis is physiological and pathological.
Classification
Kyphotic posture can be divided into several types, which are distinguished by the appearance and severity of deviations. And also, if possible, correction - passive and active, without the need for surgical intervention.
It is worth considering the main forms:
- Embryonic - develops in the womb, the cause may be anomalies in the development of the neural tube. It is treated only in an operative way.
- Congenital form - often the cause of this type of kyphosis is a birth injury. If there are deviations of no more than 30%, the disease is successfully treated.
- Mycobacterial - the thoracic spine is affected due to the penetration of infection into the vertebrae and intervertebral discs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is always difficult, it will not be easy to restore the normal position of posture, it will take a long time. Sometimes surgical treatment is used.
- Hereditary form - in the presence of at least one defective gene, the development of hereditary kyphosis is possible.
- Myotonic - there is a violation of the tone of the paravertebral muscles, which is called myotonic syndrome. A similar kyphotic posture predominates in children andteenagers.
- Angular view - the vertebral section is pointed upwards.
- Compression - kyphotic posture may appear against the background of injuries, fractures and other injuries of the vertebrae.
Reasons
For the most part, kyphotic posture disorder develops against the background of acquired ailments, but there are other factors for the development of the anomaly:
- Deformation of the thoracic spine associated with a hereditary factor.
- A post-traumatic kyphoscoliotic posture is formed against the background of a traumatic effect on the thoracic or lumbar spine.
- Rickets in childhood.
- Senile deformity of the chest, which occurs against the background of age-related changes - bone weakness due to excess s alts, atrophic muscle changes, poor blood supply.
The position of the vertebrae can also be affected by the usual stoop of a person. Already at this time, we can talk about the initial stage of kyphosis. You can get rid of this condition by forming the right habit of keeping your back straight.
Determining the presence of kyphosis with such a stoop can be done in a simple way. If in the supine position the bend in the thoracic region disappears, then there is definitely no kyphosis. In the presence of bends, we can talk about a kyphotic type of posture.
Kyphosis in childhood
Kyphotic deformity of posture in a child develops often, since the bones of the child's skeleton are still quite flexible. The fusion of the vertebrae may be incorrect if the position of the bodywill be constantly violated. In childhood, kyphotic posture develops due to rickets or birth injuries.
Sometimes no one follows the posture of a child sitting at a desk. The kid tries to lean on the table with his whole body, practically lies down or leans strongly over the surface of the desk. If you do this systematically, then the defect of the spine will definitely develop.
The task of parents is to constantly monitor the position of the body of their children, and in case of a curvature that has begun, seek help from a doctor. This is extremely important, as it is easier to correct the curvature in childhood due to the flexibility of the bones.
What are the stages of kyphosis and what are the symptoms associated with it?
In total, there are 4 stages of the disease:
- Stage number one. Practically does not show itself. There are also no symptoms of kyphosis. The only thing that can be detected is a slight violation of muscle tone and the initial manifestations of myofascial syndrome. Most often, such a kyphotic posture is manifested in a child.
- Second stage. Deviations from the norm reach 30-50%. Symptoms of the disease are already more noticeable, but you still need an x-ray of the spine to make a diagnosis. A person has a symptom of a "round back". The head is tilted forward, while walking, he looks at the floor. Shoulders slumped, stomach bulging.
- Third stage. The curvature reaches 60%. It does not disappear even if a person with a kyphotic posture straightens his back. Persistent slouching can cause problems with urination and defecation. With physicalactivity causes shortness of breath. In advanced cases, the heart and blood vessels suffer.
- The last stage is the fourth. Deformation of the spinal column in severe form with the appearance of a hump. Such a volumetric bulge on the back cannot be corrected by orthopedic products and physical exercises. In addition, they can cause unbearable pain in the affected segment.
As the pathological condition develops, a person may experience the following complaints:
- Drawing pain in the legs.
- If nerve damage occurs, skin sensitivity decreases.
- Paresthesia.
- Breathing problems may occur due to compression of the sternum of the lungs.
- Discomfort in the spine.
- Women suffer from urinary incontinence and painful periods.
- In men, this condition can even lead to impotence.
Scoliosis and kyphotic posture
Outwardly, the two diseases have similar features, but nevertheless, kyphosis and scoliosis are fundamentally different:
- Scoliosis characterizes the deviation of the spine to the right or left.
- In a kyphotic posture, the vertebrae bend forward or backward.
Despite the pathological condition, these phenomena cannot be called a disease. At the initial stages, they do not manifest themselves in any way (even outwardly) and do not disrupt the functioning of internal organs. Complications can begin in the exceptional neglect of kyphosis or against the background of a back injury.
Diagnostic deviation
For stagingdiagnosis, consult a surgeon. He will prescribe a number of diagnostic measures, which are based on two methods:
- Visual examination, most often performed in the early stages of kyphosis.
- X-ray of the lateral projection of the spine, which establishes the degree of change in the vertebral bones. Most often, after this examination, surgery is prescribed.
In advanced stages, other diagnostic measures are also used:
- MRI of the back.
- Ultrasound of the intervertebral discs to detect the presence of a hernia.
- Multispiral computed tomography (MSCT).
- Myelography is an x-ray of the pathways through which cerebrospinal fluid circulates, using a contrast medium.
Treatment methods
Therapy will be selected depending on the stage of kyphosis. The initial stage can be successfully treated with conservative methods. Massage and manual therapy will be effective. Last but not least are exercise therapy exercises and physiotherapy.
You can practice at home, strengthening your back muscles. Stretching and relaxation exercises are also done for kyphotic posture. Any load increases gradually, as you get used to it.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Exercise therapy can correct posture in the initial stage of kyphosis. These exercises correct the spine in adults and children.
Classes can be done at home, but first you should visit a few workouts ata professional trainer in order to identify the tactics of exercises, their sequence, so that the specialist can point out the existing errors and correct them.
If this is not done, then there is a risk of doing the exercises incorrectly, which not only does not help correct posture, but also adds complications.
When is surgery needed?
According to doctors, conservative treatment is applicable at the initial stage of kyphosis. Conservative methods do not give a lasting result, they are used mainly to eliminate pain and stiffness in the affected segments.
At the 3rd and 4th stages of kyphotic posture, an operation called osteosynthesis is indicated. During surgery, a fixing metal structure is installed, which permanently eliminates the mobility of certain bone structures. If the operation was successful and the patient complied with a certain established regimen, then remission can last 7-11 years.
Peculiarities of prevention in adults and children
Kyphotic posture in rare cases is a congenital condition. If you follow preventive measures, you can avoid many diseases associated with the back and joints, and maintain an even posture at any age. These measures include:
- You should always watch the position of the head, shoulders and back. Especially when sitting and walking.
- The chair and table must be selected according to your own height or based on agebaby.
- Be sure to include calcium and phosphorus in your diet.
- Do exercises that are aimed at strengthening the back muscles.
If preventive rules are observed, the kyphotic type of posture can be gradually corrected, even if it was present at the initial stages. The task of parents is to monitor the position of the child's body, respond to the slightest deformation in the back area, and seek medical help in a timely manner.
