Scoliosis is a complex deformity of the spine, in which its lateral curvature occurs in the plane of the back and twisting (torsional) rotation of the spine around its axis.
Causes of scoliosis
1. Congenital causes of spinal curvature include disorders of normal intrauterine development, which leads to underdevelopment of the vertebrae, the formation of wedge-shaped and additional vertebrae and other pathologies.
2. Acquired causes are: abnormal body position due to the physiological characteristics of a person (flatfoot, different leg length, weakness of the back muscles), diseases (rickets, poliomyelitis, sciatica), as well as injuries, improperly established habits, poor posture.
Types of scoliosis
Depending on the location of the vertex of the curvature of the axis of the spine, scoliosis can be divided into:
- hilar scoliosis,
- thoracic scoliosis (most common),
- thoracolumbar scoliosis,
- lumbar scoliosis,
- combined scoliosis (has two peaks of curvature).
Diagnosis of scoliosis
To determine the existence of scoliosis, you must ask your child to stand on your back and relax (let him take on the posture that is typical of him).
First of all, you need to pay attention to the following main symptoms of scoliosis:
- one of the blades bulges a bit (bulging angle of the blade);
- different distance from the arm pressed to the side to the waist;
- one shoulder slightly higher than the other;
- when bending forward curvature of the spine is noticeable.
The diagnosis of a violation of posture is made during a routine inspection, but in some cases, X-rays are used.
With significant deformities, a rib hump arises, a pelvis is warped, wedge shaped vertebrae appear, the development of internal organs is hampered.
Prevention and treatment of scoliosis
Prevention: early detection of postural disorders in schoolchildren, correct seating at a desk, wearing backpacks instead of briefcases, playing sports, orthopedic or hard bed.
The treatment is carried out immediately after the detection of scoliosis under the supervision of an orthopedist.
With conservative treatment, measures are taken to relieve the spine and correct the curvature (spinal correction, orthopedic styling, corset therapy), development of the back and trunk muscles (special correcting physical therapy), general strengthening and toning procedures (electrical stimulation of the back muscles, physical therapy, massage, development of skills posture).
With significant and rapidly progressing scoliosis, surgical treatment is carried out.
Physiotherapy for scoliosis
One of the leading means of conservative treatment of scoliosis is physiotherapy. Physical exercises have a stabilizing effect on the spine, strengthening the muscles of the body, allow to achieve a corrective effect on the deformity, improve posture, function of external respiration, give a tonic effect. Exercise therapy is shown at all stages of the development of scoliosis, but it gives more successful results with the initial forms of scoliosis.
Physical exercise is contraindicated, increasing the flexibility of the spine and leading it to overstretching.
Exercises of medical gymnastics should serve to strengthen the main muscle groups supporting the spine - the muscles that straighten the spine, the oblique abdominal muscles, the square muscles of the lower back, the ilioparageal muscles, etc.
Success will depend on the duration and regularity of classes.
Causes of scoliosis
1. Congenital causes of spinal curvature include disorders of normal intrauterine development, which leads to underdevelopment of the vertebrae, the formation of wedge-shaped and additional vertebrae and other pathologies.
2. Acquired causes are: abnormal body position due to the physiological characteristics of a person (flatfoot, different leg length, weakness of the back muscles), diseases (rickets, poliomyelitis, sciatica), as well as injuries, improperly established habits, poor posture.
Types of scoliosis
Depending on the location of the vertex of the curvature of the axis of the spine, scoliosis can be divided into:
- hilar scoliosis,
- thoracic scoliosis (most common),
- thoracolumbar scoliosis,
- lumbar scoliosis,
- combined scoliosis (has two peaks of curvature).
Diagnosis of scoliosis
To determine the existence of scoliosis, you must ask your child to stand on your back and relax (let him take on the posture that is typical of him).
First of all, you need to pay attention to the following main symptoms of scoliosis:
- one of the blades bulges a bit (bulging angle of the blade);
- different distance from the arm pressed to the side to the waist;
- one shoulder slightly higher than the other;
- when bending forward curvature of the spine is noticeable.
The diagnosis of a violation of posture is made during a routine inspection, but in some cases, X-rays are used.
With significant deformities, a rib hump arises, a pelvis is warped, wedge shaped vertebrae appear, the development of internal organs is hampered.
Prevention and treatment of scoliosis
Prevention: early detection of postural disorders in schoolchildren, correct seating at a desk, wearing backpacks instead of briefcases, playing sports, orthopedic or hard bed.
The treatment is carried out immediately after the detection of scoliosis under the supervision of an orthopedist.
With conservative treatment, measures are taken to relieve the spine and correct the curvature (spinal correction, orthopedic styling, corset therapy), development of the back and trunk muscles (special correcting physical therapy), general strengthening and toning procedures (electrical stimulation of the back muscles, physical therapy, massage, development of skills posture).
With significant and rapidly progressing scoliosis, surgical treatment is carried out.
Physiotherapy for scoliosis
One of the leading means of conservative treatment of scoliosis is physiotherapy. Physical exercises have a stabilizing effect on the spine, strengthening the muscles of the body, allow to achieve a corrective effect on the deformity, improve posture, function of external respiration, give a tonic effect. Exercise therapy is shown at all stages of the development of scoliosis, but it gives more successful results with the initial forms of scoliosis.
Physical exercise is contraindicated, increasing the flexibility of the spine and leading it to overstretching.
Exercises of medical gymnastics should serve to strengthen the main muscle groups supporting the spine - the muscles that straighten the spine, the oblique abdominal muscles, the square muscles of the lower back, the ilioparageal muscles, etc.
Success will depend on the duration and regularity of classes.