Scoliosis in children is one of the most common diseases. It is characterized by a lateral arcuate curvature of the spine, which is accompanied by twisting of the vertebral bodies around its axis. With the progression of the disease, there is an irreversible deformation of the ridge, the formation of a costal hump, a skew of the pelvis, and the functioning of internal organs is disrupted. Children complain of intermittent, sometimes prolonged back pain.
Scoliosis in children is congenital. The main causes of its occurrence are defects in the development of the spine.
The acquired form of the disease appears in such cases:
- After suffering rickets, the so-called rachitic scoliosis develops. It appears already in the first years of life.
- Static (functional) scoliosis in children develops after fractures of the lower extremities, with different leg lengths, flat feet, hip dysplasia, pelvic tilt.
- In schoolchildren, the disease develops when a persistent habit of incorrect posture in sitting and standing positions appears, which leads to a fixed shortening of the muscles on one side of the body andstretching to another.
- Paralytic scoliosis develops as a result of paresis and paralysis. In children, this type progresses rapidly and a hump forms.
Age periods of intensive growth and puberty (6-8 years and 10-14 years) are most susceptible to this disease. This is due to the fact that during this period the muscular system does not have time in its development for the skeletal system.
Constant examinations by doctors of children in kindergarten and school make it possible to diagnose scoliosis in children at an early stage. Of course, parents can also notice deviations from the norm in the posture of the child. There is an informative test for parents. You need to look at the back. The child is asked to lean forward, head at waist level, shoulder girdle completely relaxed, arms hanging freely. At the same time, the costal asymmetry in the thoracic spine and the muscular ridge in the lumbar are clearly visible, although the costal hump in the vertical position is still invisible. In the standing position, the height of the shoulders is different, the pelvis is skewed, the head is tilted to the side, the triangles of the waist are asymmetrical. After additional examinations (radiography and computerized optical topography), the orthopedist will make a final diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of 1st degree of scoliosis (value of the main arc up to 15 degrees) and 2nd degree of scoliosis (up to 30 degrees) conservative. But with 3 (up to 60 degrees) and 4 degrees of scoliosis (more than 61 degrees), surgical treatment is indicated.
The main methods of treatment are exercises for scoliosis, physiotherapy, massage,use of special corsets, therapeutic swimming, 3D correction. The main task is to stop the progression of spinal deformity, stabilize the achieved correction, improve the respiratory function of the chest, achieve a cosmetic effect, and prevent pain. An individual approach is required, taking into account the characteristics of the disease. In recent years, non-traditional methods have been used, yoga for scoliosis is especially popular.
Disease prevention starts at birth. No need to put the baby in pillows. The longer the child crawls, the easier it will be for the spine to carry vertical loads. It is necessary to cultivate a strong habit of holding your body correctly in different positions, encouraging outdoor games and limiting the time spent at the computer.
