The lateral curvature of the spine, which, most often, is accompanied by the rotation of the vertebrae around the vertical axis in the direction of convexity is called - scoliosis. If the spine has only one bend to the side - this is a simple scoliosis, and complex is called, when the spine, except the main one, forms compensatory bends in the opposite direction.
Degrees of scoliosis
There are four degrees, each of which is characterized by the angle of scoliosis. At 1 degree of scoliosis - the curvature of the spine is minimal and the angle fluctuates to ten degrees. In the lying position, the curvature of the spine in a scoliosis of the 1st degree can even even out.
Much more serious is the second degree of scoliosis of the spine. Curvature not only does not disappear in the patient in a recumbent state, and even a hump of not larger size can even be seen. The angle of scoliosis varies from eleven to twenty-five degrees.
From thirty one to sixty degrees makes an angle with a scoliosis of 3 degrees, which is characterized by a change in the shape of the chest. The most serious condition is the 4 degree of scoliosis, in which the work of internal organs is disrupted. Most of all, the heart and lungs can suffer.
Symptoms of scoliosis of the spine
At the initial stages of scoliosis, there is a disturbance in the correct posture of the trunk, the shoulder blade and shoulder on the convex side are higher than the concave side, and the triangle of the waist on the convex side already. There may also be pain in the lower back, giving off on the sciatic nerve. At the same time, mobility in the lumbar spine significantly decreases, the curvature is fixed, and the longitudinal muscles of the back are in constant tension.
Consequences of scoliosis of the spine:
- constant growing pain;
- cardiac or pulmonary insufficiency may occur;
- neuralgic diseases;
- violation of the respiratory system;
- the disease progresses to a more severe degree.
The main symptoms of scoliosis of the thoracic spine are a clear displacement of the abdomen forward, and the shoulders and shoulder blades are raised upward. This disease is classified according to various symptoms:
- due to the appearance of differentiate - congenital and acquired scoliosis;
- in relation to the patient to the age group is divided into adult, juvenile, child and infant;
- the activity of the disease is divided - progressive and not progressive scoliosis;
- relative to the side of the foci of the disease, is divided into left-sided and right-sided scoliosis of the thoracic spine.
Treatment of scoliosis of the thoracic spine
First and foremost, the effect and quality of treatment depends on the degree of severity and onset of the disease. The earlier the scoliosis of the spine was identified and started, the greater the probability of a quick and full recovery. After an appeal to a specialist, the patient is assigned a complex of treatment, taking into account all the features of the disease. Usually, the treatment of the scoliosis of the thoracic spine consists of three stages:
- Initially, an active influence on the very curvature of the spine.
- The next thing in treatment is the direct correction of the spinal deformity.
- The final stage is fixation of the correct position of the thoracic spine.
The third stage of treatment is the most important and time consuming. If you do not make special efforts to train the muscles of the back, due to specially chosen exercises for the spine, sooner or later, the disease will again manifest itself. At a scoliosis except for special gymnastics for a backbone appoint massage and employment by swimming.
Exercises for scoliosis of the thoracic spine:
- Sit on a chair, put your hands in the "lock" on the back of your head, then make a deflection backward in the thoracic department: the deflection - to the inhalation, the inclination - to the exhalation. Repeat exercise 4-5 times.
- Lie on your stomach, put a cushion under your chest, hands behind your head. On inhalation - bend your back, exhale - lift the upper part of the body. Repeat exercise 4-5 times.
- Sitting, wrap the bottom of the chest with a towel, inhale - pull the fabric toward yourself, to a slow exhalation - loosen the tension. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
- Standing on the floor, legs slightly apart, stretch up your arms, wrap your left hand around the wrist of your right hand. Make the maximum inclination to the right and gently pull the left hand, then, likewise in the other direction. Repeat 5-10 times.
In the absence of a curative effect, an operation is performed to remove the corresponding intervertebral disc followed by the application of the above physical exertion and therapeutic gymnastics.