A healthy spine is not absolutely straight. When viewed from the side, it has four bends. These bends are the result of evolution, they are the basis of the vertical position of the human body. The lateral curvature of the spine is called scoliosis. He may have been structural or functional. Functional scoliosis is not a diagnosis, but a symptom that accompanies many diseases, for example, sciatica (lesion of the gluteal nerve and associated prolonged stay in certain positions). Usually this form of scoliosis affects the lumbar and thoracic spine, and the curvature almost always has an S-shaped look.
With structural scoliosis, there are organic changes in the vertebral column and its supporting apparatus. Because of them, wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs occurs, and the curved spine acquires the shape of an S-shaped curve. Scoliosis of this type is relatively common. True, the curvature is often insignificant, so it does not cause the patient unpleasant sensations.
Symptoms:
1. Lateral curvature of the spine
2. Nonspecific pain in the back during puberty
The causes of scoliosis.
Deformation of the spine is caused by disorders of development of the vertebrae and ribs, muscle tissue and ligamentous apparatus, as well as rickets. Often, scoliosis develops due to improper sitting at the school desk. Curvature of the spine can contribute to paralysis, fractures, certain diseases, especially tuberculous spondylitis. People of certain professions are subject to scoliosis, for example, violinists, seamstresses.
Treatment of scoliosis.
You can treat functional scoliosis only by curing the disease that caused it. With structural scoliosis, the patient is shown daily wearing a corset. Treatment usually lasts for several years. At a scoliosis appoint therapeutic gymnastics, massage, physiotherapeutic procedures, stretching. It is effective in sanatorium-and-spa treatment. The child is recommended food rich in vitamins, sufficient sleep, regular outdoor activities, outdoor games.
When should I see a doctor?
Noticing the curvature of the spine, consult a doctor. The doctor will examine the spine, will make an x-ray. Then the patient is selected corset. While the patient is growing, he should be examined regularly by a doctor.
How to help yourself?
Regularly visit preventive examinations.
Course of the disease.
Most often the spine is curved in children of school age. Parents should pay attention to this, carry out gymnastics with children, monitor their posture. During the period of growth, the untreated spine becomes more and more distorted. If the growth process is not completed, even with a slight curvature, a severe form of scoliosis can form.
Is scoliosis dangerous?
A small degree of deformation is not dangerous. With a pronounced scoliosis, a person moves with difficulty, the activity of the heart and lungs is disrupted.
How to protect yourself from scoliosis?
It is impossible to protect yourself from scoliosis, but the sooner the treatment starts, the less will be the ailments.
To avoid possible complications, always watch your posture. After all, just from the posture, the health of your spine depends, and with it the health of the whole organism. Watch also for your own food, take more vitamins and minerals for food, drink more liquid. Sleep for at least 8 hours, because it is known that a healthy dream is a healthy human body. Pay more attention to your gait, and scoliosis will never overtake you!