"Zigzag": scoliosis or how to align the spine

An even and correct posture is not only good health, but also external beauty, especially for women. A straight back makes the chest visually plump and taut. Many important channels run along the spine, from nerves to arteries. Any failure in his health, displacement of the vertebrae leads to disturbances throughout the body. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the health of the musculoskeletal system. Today we will consider what scoliosis is, what stages it has, what leads to this condition and how to get rid of it.

Scoliosis causes

In most cases, scoliosis begins and begins to progress rapidly at a young age. The peak incidence occurs at 10-17 years of age. The exact reasons that cause the development of the disease have remained a mystery to doctors, as evidenced by 80% of diagnoses marked "idiopathic", which translated into common human language means "unknown cause". However, some of the reasons that serve as an impetus for the development of scoliosis can be named with confidence. But this does not mean that each species can appear for the reason below.

The main reason for the appearance of an ailment is a sedentary lifestyle, especially if an incorrect landing is added to this. At school, children sit at their desks incorrectly, and at the same time, the blame does not always lie on the shoulders of the students. In few schools, the height of desks and chairs corresponds to the height of children, so the latter are forced to sit incorrectly due to the fault of adults who cannot adjust the workplace. Long hours spent studying lessons and at the computer. Adults spend a lot of time at their desk and also do not pay enough attention to proper seating.

Moreover, often the appearance of scoliosis is preceded by one seemingly insignificant habit - to protrude one shoulder forward. Such a picture can be observed in different cases, for example, at the moment of writing, working with a computer mouse, etc., when a person unconsciously rests all his weight on one hand and twists his back, sitting in this position for a long time. Some doctors dispute this fact, but practice shows different results. So, if you pay attention, a right-handed person at the time of writing or sitting at a table often lowers his left hand and part of the body, and raises his right up. Therefore, right-handers in the bulk are more often diagnosed with right-sided scoliosis, in left-handers left-sided. Isn't this proof of a similar reason?

However, a sedentary lifestyle is not always the cause of scoliosis, often such a diagnosis is made also to athletes who are fond of asymmetric sports, where one hand is actively involved, for example, as well as musicians playing with one hand: if it is a sport, then it can be badminton, shot throwing, archers, if music is a hobby for violin, etc. But drummers, pianists, etc. almost never encounter such a professional sore.

From this it follows that the causes of "incomprehensible" scoliosis are still not so incomprehensible. There are a lot of reasons that can put the spine in the wrong position, but it is problematic to identify a specific one. Conclusion - the development of scoliosis is preceded by an uneven formation of the muscle corset around the spine. And since the main part of the formation falls on the adolescent period, that is why more often the diagnosis falls on the adolescent period, and then the disease only begins to progress.

However, not all children and people, even with a regularly incorrectly placed back, develop scoliosis. The explanation is very simple. Here congenital or acquired weakness of the ligaments, low tone of the back muscles, as well as pathologies of the nervous system and, of course, a genetic predisposition are mixed.

The remaining 20% ​​of scoliosis, the causes of which doctors establish, are attributed to:

• joint hypermobility syndrome;
• congenital pathology of the spine (torticollis or congenital rickets);
• acquired or congenital injury associated with a difference in the length of the legs (when one leg is 2-4 cm longer than the other);
• diseases of the neuromuscular system (often the disease is diagnosed in children with cerebral palsy, who have had an encephalitis tick bite, who have had polio, etc.);
• metabolic disorders in bones;
• injuries and amputations that occurred after accidents or unsuccessful operations;
• in the rarest cases, heart surgery is the cause of scoliosis.

It is also worth touching on the topic of myths that are actively walking around among the people.

Myths about the cause of scoliosis

We bring to your attention 4 myths that are mistaken for the cause of scoliosis, but in fact it has nothing to do with reality. Such theories are invented by people who only benefit from it. So, scoliosis does not appear due to:

• Flat feet. Here, most likely, the manufacturers of orthopedic insoles had a hand in it, but the thought does not become any less delusional. Flat-footedness by no means can cause the curvature of the spine to the side! Although it is a huge stretch to believe that flat feet cause stoop (but this is not true). The rule of substitution of concepts applies here. The fact is that this ailment is diagnosed for people with a sluggish posture and poorly developed physically, all this often leads to the development of flat feet (since the reason for the development of the latter is just the weakness of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus). Conclusion - sometimes both diseases have the same cause of development, but they do not in any way affect the progression of each other.
• Development of osteochondrosis. Another stupid reason that came into circulation from chiropractors. One has only to think about it and understand that osteochondrosis is an age-related change in the spine, which is more common in people over 40, while scoliosis is a "young" sore, whose patients are on average 10-17 years old. So what's the connection? That's right, nothing.
• The appearance of intervertebral hernias. The substitution of concepts proceeds in a similar way. Indeed, with the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, painful muscle spasm is observed, which causes some distortion of the back, which looks very much like scoliosis. However, if you relieve the pain and muscle spasm - voila - the spine will fall into place. If the hernia is not treated for 10-15 years, then there may be consequences that outwardly resemble scoliosis.
• Development of osteoporosis. Here you can feel the spirit of the manufacturers of dietary supplements, who advocate taking additional artificial sources of calcium in order to prevent the development of osteoporosis, which, in turn, becomes the cause of scoliosis. The fact is that osteoporosis is an age-related disease (with rare exceptions). Therefore, it cannot be the cause. It is likely that these inept manufacturers confused osteoporosis with rickets, but rickets is cured not by calcium, but by vitamin D.

Types of scoliosis

The main types of scoliosis encountered:

• Infantile. This curvature occurs in children under two years of age. This type of disease is extremely rare and in eight out of ten cases, it suddenly disappears by itself.
• Juvenile. Development occurs in childhood from 2 to 10 years. It is also considered one of the rarest.
• Teenage. It is diagnosed more often in girls than in boys. However, a slight curvature is equally observed in both sexes. But the type that must be treated is noted in the female sex eight times more often.
• Functional. In this case, the spine itself is absolutely normal, and the development of the disease occurs for other reasons, underlying health problems. This is the difference in the length of the legs and muscle spasm.
• Neuromuscular. Here, pathologies are observed at the time of the formation of the spine. Either the bones are not fully formed, or even at the time of intrauterine development, the vertebrae could not separate normally. Such scoliosis develops against the background of a genetic predisposition or congenital anomalies. There is a pronounced C-shaped curvature. Active and compulsory treatment is required.
• Degenerative. This type of scoliosis can also occur in older people. It can appear due to some inflammatory processes in the spine, with the appearance of weakness of the back muscles, and be the result of a back fracture.

Scoliosis grade

Based on how seriously the curvature has occurred, four degrees of scoliosis are distinguished.

• First degree. Malomalsky curvature, deviation of the vertebral axis is less than ten degrees. Since there are no absolutely symmetrical people, everyone has a curvature even imperceptible to the eye between the right and left sides, someone's spine "looks" a little to the left, someone to the right. For this reason, we can say that the presence of first degree scoliosis is not a pathology and is considered the norm. But many doctors make a whole tragedy out of this (especially specialists in schools and sanatoriums), frightening parents and children with the consequences. In fact, if the disease does not progress to the second stage, it will not cause anything terrible. If you really want to, then posture correction can be done independently, at home, regularly doing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back.
• Second degree. Displacement of the axis of the spine to the right or to the left by a degree over 11, but not more than 25. Here everything is more serious. If the scoliosis has progressed to this stage, it should be treated as soon as possible, since further development can go very quickly. However, for such a diagnosis, good reasons are needed. The fact is that in many medical institutions the actual deviation rate is greatly overestimated. You can even find cases when, with the usual stoop, a diagnosis of second-degree scoliosis is made. To prevent this, it is always better to double-check the indicators with another specialist. In this situation, the disease is immediately visible, especially when the patient is tilted forward, so if you do not notice anything, this is a reason to doubt the qualifications of the doctor.
• Third degree. Offset to either side by 26-50 °.
• Fourth degree. When the deviation exceeds 50 °.

Thoracic scaliosis

Depending on the place of localization of the curvature, cervicothoracic, thoracic and lumbar-thoracic scoliosis are divided. It is the thoracic view that is considered the most unfavorable variety, when the curvature falls on the seventh to ninth vertebrae. Its risk lies in the danger of deformation of the chest, which leads to various kinds of insufficiency of internal organs.

The reasons for the development of thoracic scoliosis are similar to those that we have already discussed above. For the treatment of thoracic type of scoliosis, the same methods are applicable as for other types. As a rule, this is physiotherapy exercises, where special exercises are used that affect both sides of the human body in different ways. We will talk about exercises for scoliosis a little later.

Scoliosis: photo

This is what scoliosis looks like in life.

Scoliosis treatment

Treatment of scoliosis depends on the degree of its development, as well as on the risks of its possible progression. After conducting all the analyzes and assessing the current situation, the specialist selects the treatment tactics. There are three basic categories in treatment: observational, restorative, and surgical.

For example, functional scoliosis is treated by eliminating the cause that led to such a deformity in the spine. If this is due to the difference in the length of the legs, then you can correct the position by using special insoles, or by using a special operation to lengthen the limb. Since the spine itself in this case is absolutely healthy, it does not require treatment. But the neuromuscular type of scoliosis, which is caused by abnormal bone development, has a lot of chances for further progression. In this case, as a rule, observation and exercise therapy are absolutely powerless, therefore, the majority of patients with such a diagnosis require surgical intervention to eliminate the curvature.

Idiopathic scoliosis, if it appears in childhood, is often treated on its own, without any additional intervention. For several years, the patient will have to visit specialists and regularly take x-rays in order to track and timely identify possible progression. At a young age, it is quite possible to limit yourself to specially designed gymnastics.

The highest risk of further development of the disease is juvenile scoliosis. Corsetting is permissible here, but only when the curvature angle is still acceptable. Corsetting acts as a "brake" and does not allow the vertebrae to go beyond the current position. Since this type of scoliosis appears in childhood, there is a very high risk that at the time of growth the progression will be very rapid, therefore, the treatment of the disease should be started immediately. Treatment often includes surgery.

The most common type of scoliosis is adolescent. Here you can also do without serious treatment by using physiotherapy exercises. Specialists prescribe regular X-rays to control the disease. If the degree of curvature remains less than 25 °, only gymnastics is prescribed for the top. If the angle of curvature reaches more than 25 °, but less than 40 °, and the growth of the body has not yet come to an end, then you need to start wearing a corset. Surgical intervention begins to be required at a displacement of more than 40 °.

Exercise therapy and massage help reduce pain that often accompany patients, as well as compensate for the lack of muscle development. Physical education allows you to stop the progression of scoliosis. It is also worth talking to your doctor about a corset, as there are types that help treat scoliosis, but you need to wear them 24 hours a day, with the exception of shower time. Only a specialist can choose and prescribe a specific type of corset.

If the angle of curvature of the spine is more than 40 °, and its treatment is postponed, then you need to clearly understand that the displacement will only increase annually, by a couple of degrees per year, and so on until the end of life. This will lead to the development of pathologies of the heart, lungs and other organs.

The operable method of treatment allows you to minimize the curvature of the spine by fixing it with special screws, rods and hooks. Special liners can also be used that expand the vertebrae. All this prevents further development of the curvature. Often, all auxiliary elements for supporting the spine remain with the patient for life. The success of the operation depends on many factors: the type of scoliosis, the age of the patient, the duration of the scoliosis and how fast the progression was. However, unfortunately, no one can give a 100% guarantee that even after such radical methods of treatment the spine will not continue to bend. In general, doctors resort to surgery only in the most extreme cases, when there are clearly no alternatives in treatment.

Exercise therapy for scoliosis

The use of exercise therapy in the fight against the disease is a very high-quality method. It allows you to get several results at once - to stop the progression, bring back muscles to a healthy state, eliminate curvature and relieve unpleasant pain sensations.

As with the performance of other physical activity, before starting these, you must follow some rules:

• Before the classes themselves, you should always warm up to warm up the muscles and prepare the ligaments.
• Be sure to do all movements at a slow and constant pace, no sharpness, jumping and acrobatics.
• High load should be completely eliminated, so forget about dumbbells and barbells.
• Exercise therapy is carried out exclusively with the recommendations of a doctor, who prescribes a complex based on the individuality of the diagnosis.

Exercises for scoliosis

Warm-up (perform each of the exercises 5-10 times):

• Lean your back on the wall so that your butt and legs are against the wall. Make your back straight, giving it an anatomically correct position and take several steps forward in this position. Keep your breathing even.
• Place your feet on the width of your shoulders, place your hands along the body. Begin squatting with your arms extended in front of you and your back straight. Take it slowly and breathe evenly.
• Spread your legs shoulder-width apart, leave your hands free. On "one" pull your arms up, on "two" start reaching up, on "three" lower your arms and exhale. Keep your back straight.
• Spread your legs shoulder-width apart, your back is straight, your arms are free along the body. Draw shoulder circles in the air four times forward and four times back.
• Standing and keeping your back straight, raise one leg as high as you can, bending it at the knee, and stay in this position for a while. Then take the starting position and repeat with the other leg.

Exercises (basic, symmetrical):

• Take a horizontal position on your back and lift your legs up to 30 °. Begin doing the scissors exercise by crossing and spreading your legs. 1 set should be about half a minute long.
• Place an emphasis on your knees and rest on your palms. Without unbending or bending, lower your booty on your heels, placing all emphasis on the palm of your hand. With the help of your hands, begin to move your torso to the right and left. Do the exercise slowly, lock in the pose for a short time. You need to do five reps in each direction.
• Get into a four-legged position. Begin by arching your back up first, and then slowly arching. Take five sets slowly.
• Place a firm pillow or towel roll on the floor. Lie with your stomach on it, clasping your hands behind the lock. Start lifting your torso up as high as you can without overloading your spine. Only the lower back should work. Repeat ten times.
• Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, and place your arms along your body. Move your shoulder blades towards each other and stay in this position for 5-10 seconds. Take the original pose and do all five times.
• Get into a fours pose. Extend one arm so that it is parallel to the floor, at the same time stretch your leg parallel to the floor (if the hand is left, then the leg is right and vice versa) and lock in this position for 10-15 seconds. Then change the limbs and repeat ten times.
• Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knees, pressing them together. Spread your arms to the sides so that they are perpendicular to the body. Start turning your head to the right, while lowering your knees to the floor in the opposite direction. Then do the exercise on the other side. You need to do this seven times.
• Lie on the side where the curvature is diagnosed. Where the waist is, you need to place either a soft pillow or a roller. The leg that is located on top must be bent, leaving the other straight. Raise your upper hand, throwing it back behind your head, and grab the neck with the other hand. Stay in this position for ten seconds, then relax and lie on your back. Repeat the exercise five times.

Climax:

• Sit on the mat and hug your legs with your knees bent. Lie on your back in this way and roll. You need to do it no more than eight times.
• Get your hands hooked into the lock behind your back and walk for half a minute on your heels.
• While standing, stretch your arms up and tiptoe for half a minute.
• Walk in one place for half a minute, trying to raise your hips as high as possible.
• Relax and restore breathing by raising and lowering your arms.

At the end, set aside a quarter of an hour to rest. These exercises should be done daily.

Corset for scoliosis

Today there is a very large selection of a wide variety of corsets that are used to prevent the progression of scoliosis and to treat it, but you need to buy not the one you like best, but the one that the doctor prescribed. Each of them is designed for its purpose and stage of the disease, so you cannot choose it yourself.

However, regardless of which corset will be prescribed, there are rules that must be followed in any case:

• It cannot be worn on a naked body, it is imperative to wear a cotton shirt.
• During the period of the correction, you should not subject yourself to strong physical exertion.
• It is necessary to strictly observe the wearing regime.
• At first, the corset is worn almost the whole day and even sleep in it.
• The corset is adjusted on average once every three months.
• Removal of the corset also occurs gradually, the weaning period lasts from 6 to 12 months, gradually reducing the wearing time by 3-4 minutes per day.

Scoliosis massage

Despite the fact that massage for scoliosis often gives very good results, it is extremely dangerous to do it. One wrong move can seriously aggravate the situation. And finding a highly qualified specialist is very difficult. The only one you can somehow rely on are chiropractors who work directly in the clinic. There is little hope here that his diploma was checked upon admission. But it is worth getting ready for the fact that in this case the massage will not bring any pleasure.