Beautiful posture, as you know, is not only a sign of a person's confidence, but also an indicator of the correct lifestyle that he leads. Excess weight, incorrect posture at work, weakened back muscles and many other reasons can lead to posture problems. The result is stoop, back pain and self-doubt. Therefore, it is easier to do prevention in a timely manner than to look for information later on how to correct the curvature of the spine.
Why the curvature happens
Violation of the correct form of the spinal column can be both congenital and acquired. And the reasons, respectively, will be different. In the first case, congenital diseases, heredity or genetic abnormalities can lead to curvature. In the second, the reason for changing the shape of the spine is most often the wrong position of the body during sedentary work. However, some diseases can also lead to curvature in adulthood.
Most oftena change in the shape of the spine, caused by non-compliance with the correct posture during sedentary work, is manifested in schoolchildren. Curvature of the spine in a child can lead to serious consequences in adulthood. Therefore, it is important to control the position of the student's body when doing homework, as well as in the classroom. Unfortunately, teachers and parents do not always do this.
Types of curvature of the spine
Any disease requires an individual approach. Therefore, before figuring out how to correct the curvature of the spine, let's figure out what types it happens and what it can lead to.
In a normal state, the spinal column is not perfectly straight. It has physiological curves that allow you to properly distribute the load on the human muscles. A curvature is any deviation from the normal shape of the spine. The types and, accordingly, the consequences of such changes are different.
The most common curvature of the spine is scoliosis. It is characterized by the deviation of the vertebrae to the side, most often in the chest area. The result is a change in gait and posture, as well as an elevation of one shoulder relative to the other. Another type of curvature is lordosis - this is a deviation of the axis of the spine forward, which, with the development of the disease, can lead to malfunctions of the internal organs (heart, lungs and kidneys). Most often, lordosis manifests itself as a cervical curvature of the spine and lumbar. The third type of disease is kyphosis. Its main difference is its stoop, becausethe vertebrae in the cervical region are shifted back.
Diagnosis
To accurately determine whether a person has a particular curvature of the spine, only a doctor can - by eye or using x-rays and computed tomography. Nevertheless, anyone can carry out a simple diagnosis at home. Subjective signs of curvature are pain and heaviness in the back, chest and neck, numbness and weakening of the limbs, headaches, impaired coordination, etc.
There are a few simple steps you can take to spot more serious signs of spinal reshaping.
- Stand up straight. If one shoulder is higher than the other, then there is a curvature.
- In the same position, compare the distance from your arms to your waist. If it is different, most likely there is an abnormal curvature.
- In case of problems with the spine on a straight back, the shoulder blades will stick out differently.
Unfortunately, signs of curvature of the spine in the early stages are not always noticeable. But the development of these deviations can lead to the most unpleasant consequences. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. He will conduct a complete diagnosis and, if a problem is identified, will tell you how to correct the curvature of the spine without consequences for the body.
What causes curvature of the spine
Any pathology associated with a change in the position of the vertebrae leads to unpleasant consequences. In the early stages of the development of the disease, these effectsminimal, but left unattended, they can bring a lot of problems.
The first thing people around will notice is an ugly body distortion and stoop. The patient will get tired faster, feel pain in the back, neck and head. The consequences of the curvature of the spine are also spasms in the muscles. But this is not the worst. A more serious development of the disease will lead to a deterioration in the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract, difficulty breathing, bronchitis and pneumonia. A severe curvature of the spine in a woman can cause problems with conception and childbearing.
As with any other disease, the sooner treatment is started, the less unpleasant the consequences will be. Therefore, an important step in creating the correct posture is the prevention of curvature of the spine. After all, it is easier to prevent than to cure.
How to avoid spinal curvature
You need to start taking care of your back from childhood. After all, it is at an early age that all bones are in the growth stage and therefore are most susceptible to changes. Teaching a child to sports will strengthen the back muscles and improve the whole body. Swimming is the best way to prevent back problems.
Spine curvature in a child often develops due to incorrect body position when working at the table. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor children's compliance with the correct posture. The back should always be straight. Over time, this will become a habit, and maintaining this position is notwill require additional effort. If the child has the correct posture, the curvature of the spine in most cases does not threaten him.
Proper nutrition will provide the body with all the necessary substances and minerals for the development of the skeleton. This is especially important in childhood.
Practical tips for curvature prevention
These recommendations are suitable for adults who want to maintain their posture and avoid diseases associated with a change in the shape of the spine.
- When lifting weights, try to keep them as close to your body as possible. This will reduce the load on the intervertebral discs. Women are not recommended to lift objects heavier than 20 kg, and men - 50 kg.
- When doing standing work, bend your knees slightly. This makes it easier to keep your back straight.
- Peel vegetables while sitting at a table, not standing in front of a work surface.
- When you need to pick something up or put it on the bottom shelf, sit down instead of bending over.
- Use the longest nozzle when vacuuming. This will save you from having to constantly bend over.
- When using the iron, the ironing board should be at a height of 10-15 cm from the elbow.
- Don't sit in one position for too long. Take regular breaks of 5-7 minutes. At this time, walk around, move your shoulders, do simple exercises.
Treatment at home
If you still have problems with the spine, you should immediately consult a doctor. He will prescribe the necessary medication,massage, will recommend choosing the right mattress for sleeping and will give general recommendations on how to correct the curvature of the spine. But the treatment doesn't end there. In order to quickly get rid of the consequences of the disease, it is necessary to regularly perform special exercises for curvature of the spine. Also, don't forget the tips listed above.
Losing excess weight will also help curvature. Losing weight will reduce the load on the body and in particular on the back. But it is important to remember that with any diet, the body must receive enough nutrients.
Exercises for treating scoliosis
Before starting classes, it is important to remember that there are different types of curvature of the spine and the degree of the disease. Therefore, it would be more correct to consult a doctor for advice and find out if this or that exercise is suitable for a particular case.
For C-shaped scoliosis (if there is unidirectional curvature):
- Take a standing position, legs slightly apart. Place your hands on your shoulders and rotate your elbows. Do 3 sets of 8 turns forward and 8 back.
- The situation is the same. Lower your arms, stretch your head up and try to lengthen your body as much as possible without raising your heels. Hold the position for 5-7 seconds.
- Lie on the floor with your stomach down. Stretch your arms along the body. Raise your head up without taking your chest and shoulders off the floor.belt.
- In the same position, raise your legs and arms outstretched forward at the same time.
Do all exercises slowly, without rushing. If you feel pain, stop exercising.
Exercises for S-shaped scoliosis
These classes will be slightly different. They are aimed at correcting the lumbar region and chest, as well as strengthening the latissimus dorsi muscle.
- Lie on your stomach on the bench so that its edge is in the lumbar region. Lower your body down at a right angle. Now try to get back into a horizontal position without lifting your legs.
- Standing position. Move your leg out to the side of the curve. Put your hands on the back of your head. As you inhale, spread your arms to the sides and bend.
- Get on all fours. First, inhale, and as you exhale, move your buttocks to your heels without moving your hands. On an inhale, return to the starting position. Do 5 sets.
- Standing on all fours, arch your back with a wheel and after a few seconds return to the starting position. Do this 5 times.
Regular performance of these exercises, strict adherence to the recommendations of the doctor and the right massage will help to permanently get rid of the problems associated with the curvature of the spine.
