How to correct the curvature of the spine? Prevention and treatment

Beautiful posture, as is known, is not only a sign of confidence of a person, but also an indicator of the correct way of life that he leads. Excess weight, improper position during work, weakened back muscles and many other reasons can lead to problems with posture. The result is stooping, back pain and self-doubt. Therefore, it is easier to do preventive work in time, than to look for information on how to correct the curvature of the spine.

Why there is a distortion

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. The second reason for the change in the shape of the spine is most often the wrong position of the body when sitting. Nevertheless, some diseases can also lead to curvature in adulthood.

Most often, the change in the shape of the spine, caused by a lack of proper 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 monitor the position of the student's body when doing his homework, as well as in class. Unfortunately, teachers and parents do not always do this.

Types of curvature of the spine

Any disease requires an individual approach. Therefore, before we figure out how to correct the curvature of the spine, we'll figure out what kinds it is and what it can lead to.

In the normal state, the vertebral column is not completely straight. It has physiological curves that allow the distribution of the load on the muscles of a person. Any deviation from the normal shape of the spine is considered a deviation. Types and, accordingly, the consequences of such changes are different.

Scoliosis is the most common curvature of the spine. It is characterized by the deviation of the vertebrae sideways, most often in the chest region. The result is a change in gait and posture, as well as lifting one shoulder relative to the other. Another type of curvature is lordosis - this is the deviation of the spine axis forward, which, when the disease develops, can lead to malfunctioning of the internal organs (heart, lungs and kidneys). Most often, lordosis manifests as a cervical curvature of the spine and lumbar. The third type of disease is kyphosis. Its main difference is stoop, because the vertebrae in the cervical region move back.

Diagnostics

It is possible to determine exactly whether a person has this or that curvature of the spine, only the doctor can do it by eye or with the help of radiography and computed tomography. Nevertheless, a simple diagnosis at home can be done by everyone. Subjective signs of curvature are pains and heaviness in the back, chest and neck, numbness and weakness of the limbs, headaches, impaired coordination, etc.

To identify more serious signs of changes in the shape of the spine, you can perform a few simple steps.

• Stand up straight. If one shoulder is higher than the second, then there is a curvature.
• In the same position, compare the distance from the arms to the waist. If it is different, there is likely an abnormal curvature.
• If there are problems with the spine on the straight back, the scapulae will bulge in different ways.

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, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. He will conduct a full diagnosis and, if identified, will suggest how to correct the curvature of the spine without affecting the body.

What is fraught with curvature of the spine

Any pathology associated with changes in the position of the vertebrae leads to unpleasant consequences. At the first stages of the development of the disease, these effects are minimal, but left unattended, they can bring a lot of problems.

The first thing that people around will notice is the ugly skewed body and stoop. The patient will get tired faster, feel pain in the back, neck and head. Consequences of curvature of the spine are also spasms in the muscles. But this is not the worst thing. More serious development of the disease will lead to worsening of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract, difficulty breathing, bronchitis and pneumonia. A strong curvature of the spine in a woman can cause problems with conceiving and bearing a child.

As with any other diseases, the earlier treatment begins, the less unpleasant the consequences will be. Therefore, an important stage in creating a correct posture is prevention of curvature of the spine. It's easier to prevent than treat.

How to avoid curvature of the spine

Begin taking care of your back from the very childhood. Indeed, it is at an early age that all bones are in the stage of growth and therefore are most susceptible to changes. Accustoming the child to sports will strengthen the back muscles and improve the whole body. The most suitable for the prevention of diseases of the back is swimming.

Curvature of the spine in a child often develops due to an incorrect position of the body when working at a table. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the children's compliance with the correct posture. The back must always be straight. Over time, this will become a habit, and maintaining such a position will not require additional efforts. If the child has a correct posture, the curvature of the spine to him in most cases does not threaten.

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 preventing curvature

These recommendations are suitable for adults who want to maintain their posture and avoid diseases associated with changes in the shape of the spine.

1. When lifting weights, try to keep them as close to the body as possible. This will reduce the burden on the intervertebral discs. Women are not recommended to lift objects heavier than 20 kg, and men - 50 kg.
2. When doing work, stand a little bend your knees. It's easier to keep your back in a straight position.
3. Clean the vegetables, sitting at the table, and not standing in front of the work surface.
4. If necessary, raise something or put it on the lower shelf, sit down instead of bending over.
5. Use the longest nozzle when working with a vacuum cleaner. This will save you from having to bend constantly.
6. When working with iron, the ironing board should be at a height of 10-15 cm from the elbow.
7. Do not sit long in one position. Regularly take breaks for 5-7 minutes. At this time, walk around, move your shoulders, do simple exercises.

Home Treatment

If problems with the spine still occur, you should immediately consult a doctor. He will prescribe the necessary medication, massage, recommend choosing the right sleeping mattress and will give general recommendations on how to correct the curvature of the spine. But this treatment does not end there. In order to quickly get rid of the consequences of the disease, it is necessary to regularly perform special exercises with curvature of the spine. In addition, do not forget about the tips listed above.

Getting rid of excess weight will also help with bending. Weight loss will reduce the burden on the body and in particular on the back. But it is important to remember that with any diet, the body must receive a sufficient number of nutrients.

Exercises for the treatment of scoliosis

Before starting to practice, it is important to remember that there are different types of curvature of the spine and the degree of disease. Therefore, it will be more appropriate to consult a doctor for advice and find out if this or that exercise is suitable for a particular case.

With C-shaped scoliosis (if there is unidirectional bending):

1. Take the standing position, spread your legs a little. Put your hands on your shoulders and use your elbows to rotate. Do 3 sets of 8 turns and 8 back.
2. The situation is the same. Put your hands down, pull your head up and try to maximize your body without raising your heels. Hold the position for 5-7 seconds.
3. Lie down on the floor with your stomach down. Hands stretch along the body. Raise your head up, without taking away from the floor the chest and shoulder girdle.
4. In the same position, lift up your legs and arms outstretched at the same time.

Do all the exercises slowly, without hurrying. If you feel pain, stop the workout.

Exercises for S-shaped scoliosis

These classes will be slightly different. They are aimed at correcting the area of the waist and chest, as well as strengthening the latissimus muscle of the back.

1. Lie down with your stomach on the bench so that its edge is in the area of the lumbar region. Lower the body down at right angles. And now try to take a horizontal position again, without lifting your legs.
2. Standing position. Leave your leg sideways from the side of the curvature. Put your hands on the back of your head. When you inhale, spread your arms out and sag.
3. Stand on all fours. First inhale, and on exhalation move the buttocks to the heels, without moving your hands from the spot. On inhalation, return to the starting position. Make 5 approaches.
4. Standing on all fours, arched your back with a wheel and in a few seconds, go back to the starting position. Do this 5 times.

Regular execution of these exercises, strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations and proper massage will help to get rid of the problems associated with the curvature of the spine.