Scoliosis of the spine. Scoliosis: treatment. Scoliosis of the spine: symptoms

Curvature of the spine, called scoliosis, has recently become more common, and many suspect this disease in itself. But you should not make your own diagnosis: perhaps, you consider a defect to be normal bends, which absolutely every person has. It is better to see a doctor so that he can assess the situation with his experienced eye and discover or deny your diagnosis - spine scoliosis. In addition to this pathology, there are still defects called kyphosis and lordosis. In the first case, a well-marked curvature is observed in a person, his spine is tilted back. Kyphosis can be sacral, and also thoracic. As for lordosis, his specialist can determine at a glance. In this case, the human spine is tilted forward. Lordosis is lumbar and cervical. If a person has already developed a right-sided scoliosis, then one can expect further deterioration and distortion - with a high probability they will make themselves felt.

Scoliosis affects children, especially girls. Most often, the disease occurs in children who have reached the age of ten, although there are exceptions. Scoliosis, unfortunately, is transmitted from sick parents to children, although not always. It also happens that a person has a strong curvature, and his child will have a hardly noticeable, small defect. There are also opposite situations.

Scoliosis of the spine: symptoms

Perhaps, as the disease develops, you will notice some changes in your body. Usually a person first forms a curvature in the vertical plane, and after some time and in a horizontal. If the child is sick, then his spine will grow slower. In very much deplorable situations, patients develop a paresis of the legs, and then paralyze them.

Degrees of disease

Specialists distinguish the following degrees of scoliosis of the spine:

• 1st - deformation at an angle of up to 5 °.
• 2nd - it is 6º-25º.
• 3rd - the angle reaches 26º-50º.
• 4th - exceeds 50º.

What is the first degree of scoliosis? This is not a very pronounced defect, although noticeable upon closer inspection. Muscles of the abdomen and back of a person, figuratively speaking, like semolina porridge. Especially when it stands, it is clear how weak they are. The patient also has asymmetric collarbones and scapula. If you measure the distance from the last to the spine, it turns out that it is different. When the patient bends, it is noticeable that the triangles of his waist are not symmetrical. Here so a scoliosis of a backbone of 1 degree is capable to disfigure the person. But this is not the worst option.

But the second degree is more complicated. At this stage, a S-shaped bending is observed. When the body is tilted, a small hump, asymmetrical triangles of the waist, and uneven shoulder pads are seen. Often such patients are sent for radiography, which shows the vertebrae, literally turned around the vertical axis - an unpleasant sight. They are actually beveled.

III degree of scoliosis is characterized by even more pronounced deformation in the form of the letter S. A man has a skewed pelvis, a hump is clearly visible. The spine at this stage is in a very deplorable state, often even the spinal cord is displaced. In addition, all organs suffer and work incorrectly. Curvature, in particular, affects the lungs, as a result, the patient is very prone to pneumonia and bronchitis. Scoliosis of the spine, the photo of which you see, can significantly reduce the quality of human life.

IV degree entails stopping growth, the whole body is deformed. As a "bonus" is added a strong kyphosis, and often lordosis. The body is completely displaced from the axis. The vertebrae are deformed wedge-shaped. The spinal cord is now precisely displaced, which means that a person can have serious problems with his legs - it will be difficult to walk.

In patients with III and IV degree of curvature, violations of the cardiovascular system are quite common. Stagnation in the gallbladder is also common for them. Pancreatitis and cholecystitis are their faithful companions, people can not get rid of these diseases. Some have problems with the reproductive system and the bladder.

Cervical scoliosis

Scoliosis of the cervical spine is a very dangerous disease. It makes people suffer cruelly. This disease has a second name - high scoliosis, because the problem place is at the top, near the head. People with such a curvature do not have symmetrical shoulders. The disease also affects the skull, neck muscles, and in some cases even the bones of the face. If a person's ears are at different levels, then we can confidently say that he has cervical scoliosis.

The vast majority of patients often experience headaches, since blood circulation is difficult, the brain does not receive enough oxygen. But a person can always help himself by doing a light neck massage. It will help improve blood circulation and have a beneficial effect on the spine. Many people live with cervical scoliosis for years and do not consult a doctor. But to visit a specialist is still desirable. He will prescribe the necessary therapy that will help prevent all sorts of complications.

Occasionally there is also a cervicothoracic scoliosis of the spine. Also a very unpleasant disease. It is characterized by a curvature in the region of the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae. It remains only to be glad that this disease is not too common. It can not be acquired during life, it is innate. How to determine that a person has cervico-thoracic scoliosis? His figure will look strange and unnatural, forearms will be at different levels. Another characteristic feature is an asymmetrical face.

From this type of scoliosis can get rid of, if you make an effort. It is necessary to carry out correction of the spine. Also a person should perform therapeutic gymnastics. In correction, cervical vertebrae are needed . Having spent it, you can save the patient from the progression of the disease, and also make the curvature less noticeable. Often this procedure helps people to forget about this pathology and other defects of the shoulders and neck forever.

Gymnastics should be prescribed by the doctor, based on the type and degree of deformation. The doctor is obliged to be near and observe how the patient is performing the exercises.

Experts argue that the combined method of therapy of curvature of the cervical spine is most effective and popular.

Lumbar scoliosis

This department forms several large vertebrae. All healthy people in this place can see physiological lordosis (this is the name of a small deflection forward). What is the function of the lumbar spine? It connects the thoracic region with the sacrum. Vertebrae, located in the region of the waist, assume the main load of the upper part of the trunk.

What is the cause of lumbar scoliosis? Why is it formed? Scoliosis of the lumbar spine develops if a person has one leg longer than the other. And it's bad if the patient has rickets - this will only complicate an already difficult situation. Also, the weak back muscles worsen. At a lumbar scoliosis at the person there is no waist, and the stomach acts forward.

Diagnosis of this pathology

To diagnose a doctor, you need to analyze the patient's complaints, and then examine it. But that's not all: you also need to do an X-ray, which will help establish the degree of pathology. During the research, a person stands, takes a picture from behind, from the side and with a deflection. But the most accurate results are provided by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

Therapy

If you understand that you have scoliosis, the treatment should be followed immediately. It will depend on the type of disease, its neglect and your age.

From scoliosis is easiest to get rid of children who have I and II degree of pathology. They need to do exercises, practice in the pool (swim, do special gymnastics), wear a corset and try to keep your back straight. If the child has developed scoliosis because he has one leg shorter than the other, then you can order a special shoe or just put one thicker insole.

If you have a grade III or IV curvature, do not rush to go for surgery - be first like autogravitational therapy. You will lie on the couch with side traction, the upper part of which will be slightly higher. This procedure should be carried out regularly, for a period of two to four months. If no results are seen, an operation is required.

Scoliosis, whose treatment, as you already know, is a long process, can go away if you regularly do acupuncture and massage. It is also recommended to swim with a breaststroke.

Scoliosis therapy should include ultrasound (to get rid of unpleasant sensations), electrical stimulation of the abdomen and back, electrophoresis. To ease the condition, therapeutic baths, ozocerite and paraffin help.

Gymnastics

A patient who has been diagnosed with a spine scoliosis should exercise the exercises daily. Gymnastics is generally the most important thing in the treatment of this pathology. Let's look at examples of exercises for curving I and II degrees.

1. The starting position is standing. We put our hands behind our heads. Sharply throw them aside, then raise them and bend their backs. We stand so for half a minute.
2. The starting position is standing. Behind us we hold a special stick for exercises, the upper part of which is in contact with the head, and the lower part with the buttocks. We squat.
3. The starting position is on the abdomen. Hands rest on the floor, hips are pressed against it, the back is bent. We stand so for half a minute. Perhaps it will be a bit difficult for you to perform this exercise, but such a gymnastics for the spine with scoliosis gives a wonderful effect.
4. We stand near the wall, pressing her hands to it. Then start slowly sag back, hands rush up. It is necessary to repeat this exercise several times.
5. We stand near the wall, turning away from it. We touch her shoulder blades, buttocks and heels. We take a step forward, trying not to change position.

A few more exercises

Do you think that is enough? No, the more you do the exercises, the better. Consider a few more. Perhaps they will help you forget about the scoliosis of the spine once and for all.

Exercise number 1. We lay down on the stomach, we stretch our arms forward. The legs should be straightened. We bend the left hand. Right raise a little. The same must be done with the left foot. We are in this position for half a minute. Then you should repeat everything again, changing your foot and arm. Pay special attention to this exercise if you have a right-sided scoliosis. Some time will pass, and you will be able to do it several times without straining yourself. Then you can already think about burdening: take a dumbbell or a bottle of water in the raised hand. Over time, it is recommended to replace the selected item with a heavier one.

Exercise number 2. We lay down on the stomach, stretch our arms forward, our legs lie evenly. At the same time tear off all the limbs from the floor and we are in this position for half a minute. In the future, you can also take in the hands of dumbbells. So the exercise will be more effective, and scoliosis of the spine, perhaps, will quickly recede.

Exercise number 3. We stand on all fours, hands lie exactly at the same level. The legs must be bent at the knees. We throw out the right hand. The left leg at this time pull back. Both limbs must be straight and parallel to the floor. We stand so for half a minute. Exercise should be repeated using another arm and leg. And again you can come in handy dumbbells. One of them will need to be taken into the hand that you throw forward.

Traditional pull-ups

In the fight against scoliosis, you can help a classic crossbar. Gadok and cunning scoliosis, treatment can be dragged on for years, but it is necessary to fight it. Start pulling up today. Perhaps, at first you will be a bit unusual and it's hard to understand with what grasp the exercise is better. Experts say: it should be on the width of the shoulders, especially if you are a beginner. And then you can do it more or less - as you like. But remember: it is forbidden to perform an exercise with too wide a grip.

Stretch for a long time, trying to reach the crossbar clavicles or a place located on the chest a little lower. Your success will depend on the weight of the body, the length of the arms and the width of the grip.

When pulling on your back, there should be a slight deflection. But do not overexert yourself: if you suddenly feel that your elbows and shoulders hurt , stop the exercise.

Help narrow grip

This exercise strengthens the dorsal muscles, mainly those that are in the waist region. You get up across the crossbar. Your palms should "look" forward. It is necessary that the hands are located close to each other. Now try to pull yourself up so that you clasp your collarbones against the crossbar. Your chest should be bent forward. This is a prerequisite. And in the back should be a deflection.

When surgical intervention is necessary

If an operation is performed on the spine, scoliosis will recede. Surgical intervention is required if you:

• Stenosis of the spinal canal;
• Vertebrobasilar syndrome, preventing you from living (poor blood circulation in the brain);
• Horse tail syndrome, which arose due to compression of the roots of the nerves, accompanied by difficulties in walking or the inability to move independently;
• Constant back pain.

You should think about surgery if you:

• There are often unpleasant sensations in the spine;
• There are no results from conservative therapy;
• There is instability of the vertebral-motor segment;
• Disability, inability to perform basic work.

Types of operations in the curvature of the spine

The first group. Surgical procedures in the posterior parts of the spine:

• Operations of internal correction and support of the spine with special constructions, immediately after that bone plastic ;
• Mobilizing interventions;
• One-stage intraoperative correction of deformation;
• Correction of curvature in several stages.

The second type . Surgical interventions on the anterior spine:

• Corrective bone plastic;
• Interventions that stop the growth of the vertebrae on the protruding deformation region;
• Mobilizing operations;
• Corrective interference with the use of special structures.

The third kind . Complex operations on the posterior and anterior parts of the spine.

Remember: the faster you contact a doctor, the easier it will be to defeat the disease. If you have already formed a scoliosis of the spine, the symptoms made themselves felt, and you still do not hurry to go to a specialist, then in the future you will not have anyone to blame but yourself. Discard the laziness, be patient. Keep your back straight, do swimming, gymnastics, and you will definitely feel better. It may take a long time, but it's worth it.