The cervical spine should have a normal curve, called lordosis. Cases of its straightening indicate a pathology that has arisen - kyphotization of cervical lordosis.
It is believed that this pathology rarely occurs; it can be caused by injuries, various diseases of the spinal column, and rickets.
As a result of pathology of the vertebrae of the neck, through the central openings of which vessels supplying the brain with blood and nerve fibers pass, kyphotic deformation of lordosis occurs, the main symptoms of the disease are:
In addition to the discomfort experienced by a person, he gradually develops a stoop from the spinous processes. The unnatural position of the vertebrae causes pain throughout the entire spinal column.
Kyphotic deformity of the cervical lordosis leads to pinching of the vertebral artery, which is fraught with serious complications such as paralysis.
Treatment of this disease begins with determining the diagnosis, which requires an individual approach to each patient.
The reasons that cause straightening of cervical lordosis with kyphotic deformity may be different.
The general condition of the patient and the degree of damage to the vertebrae of the neck are assessed. Complete recovery requires a long period, possibly with scrupulous adherence to the doctor’s recommendations.
Sequence of treatment:
When lordosis is straightened with the formation of kyphotic deformity, but has a mild or moderate degree of disease, good results Manual therapy may help in treatment.
The doctor uses his hands to influence the collar area of the neck, spine, and surrounding tissues. By doing this, he achieves the return of the vertebrae and spinal discs to their original places. Blood pressure normalizes and headaches go away.
Diagnosis: cervical lordosis straightened with the formation of kyphotic deformity is not a death sentence. Only in very advanced cases do doctors resort to surgery.
Physical therapy helps well with treatment. Exercises relieve muscle tension, strengthen ligaments, and normalize blood circulation in the spinal column.
Therapeutic exercises are selected individually for each patient in order to strengthen the muscle corset.
It should be remembered that kyphotic deformity of cervical lordosis is treatable, but it is better to prevent it than to treat its consequences.
To do this, you need to regularly exercise, swim, and actively spend your free time. You need to move a lot, maintaining correct posture not only when walking, but also when sitting and standing.
To prevent cervical kyphosis, you should exercise by performing special therapeutic exercises on the recommendation of a doctor. Such gymnastics will be an effective preventive measure for numerous ailments of the spinal column as a whole.
If you want to get more information and similar exercises for the spine and joints from Alexandra Bonina, check out the materials on the links below.
The information in the articles is for general information purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis of health problems or medicinal purposes. This article is not a substitute for medical advice from a doctor (neurologist, therapist). Please consult your doctor first to know the exact cause of your health problem.
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The spine of a healthy person has natural physiological curves, but if the curvature in the thoracic region increases significantly, a so-called “round back” is formed, then this is a direct sign of kyphotic deformity. In this case, the shoulder girdle moves forward, and the chest narrows, increasing its anteroposterior size.
The causative factors of the disease include the following:
Clinical signs of kyphosis of the thoracic spine include:
It is advisable to begin treatment of this disease, which is terrible for its complications, at the earliest early stages. In this situation, an integrated and systematic approach is needed, which is based on the following therapeutic activities and procedures: physical therapy, massage, physiotherapeutic techniques, medications, a balanced diet with an increased amount of vitamins and minerals consumed, as well as wearing a special corset that strengthens the back muscles.
According to many qualified doctors, therapeutic exercises help best in the early stages of kyphosis.
Here are some examples of simple exercises:
The information presented is not intended for self-medication. It is not guaranteed to be accurate or applicable to you. Contact medical specialists!
As we described in the article containing, kyphosis as such is more of a symptom than a disease. However, it is a completely independent launching pad for many ailments.
Among the latter there are those that can make a person disabled until the end of his days.
Let's start with the basics to help you understand the main risks.
Postural distortion is nothing more than anatomical disorder chest (and sometimes the upper lumbar region).
A change in the shape and position of the vertebrae is necessarily reflected in the position of the ribs. Over time, their mobility becomes significantly limited.
The ribs compress the organs located inside. The most significant pressure is placed on the lungs, a key element of the respiratory system. Their constant presence in constraint over time provokes the development of pulmonary failure. This is the first complication of kyphosis, the most typical.
Let's discuss further. Come on, what else is in the chest? That's right, heart. His work also requires normal physiological conditions. In addition to pulmonary failure in a person with kyphotic posture, cardiac failure is often added.
But these are not all possible surprises.
With severe thoracolumbar deformity and with compensatory lordosis, the abdominal cavity is compressed. The result is the development of chronic diseases of the digestive organs - the stomach and intestines.
The liver also suffers.
An additional negative factor is the insufficient supply of oxygen to the mentioned organs, which is explained by inappropriate conditions for the proper functioning of the heart.
We will not say that every patient diagnosed with kyphosis is at risk of gastritis or colitis. You just need to understand that even a prerequisite for the acquisition of such ailments can be the last straw, added to other reasons for the development of a particular disease.
Finally, let's think about the most frightening type of complications of kyphotic spinal deformity - impaired motor functions. It happens when the modified vertebrae begin to press on the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord.
Unfortunately, sometimes incorrect posture leads to paresis and paralysis. Occasionally, pressure on the spinal cord sets the stage for inflammatory diseases - e.g.
For some, the most terrible complication may not even be paralysis, but deformity. Angular kyphosis gradually turns into a real hump.
The spine is our internal frame. It performs supporting, motor, shock-absorbing, and protective functions. Violation of these functions occurs with spinal deformities. To get them back, you need to engage in prevention and timely treatment of spinal curvatures. Pathology is handled by an orthopedist, vertebrologist and neurologist. It all depends on the cause of the curvature and the presence of concomitant pathologies. Normally, it has several bends in each of its sections, which are located in the sagittal plane (when viewed from the side).
In the frontal plane, the line of the spine runs along the middle axis of the body. Active and correct holding of the body in space is posture. Spinal deformation leads to the development of pathological posture and vice versa.
What are the types of spinal deformities? What worries you most often? modern man? Scoliosis develops in the frontal plane. This is a curvature of the spinal column relative to the midline to the right or left. In the sagittal plane, an increase in the arc of physiological curves (hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis), a disappearance or decrease in curves (flat back) and combined curvatures combining two directions (lordoscoliosis, kyphoscoliosis) are observed.
The causes of spinal deformity can be congenital or acquired. Congenital etiology is associated with vertebral pathology:
The causes of acquired spinal deformity can be:
Curvature of the spinal column can affect any part of it.
Causes of congenital torticollis:
Causes of acquired deformity of the cervical spine:
Conservative methods:
Surgical treatment is performed if there is no effect from conservative:
Kyphosis and lordosis are treated with conservative methods (physical therapy, massage, drug pain relief, muscle spasm relief).
Kyphosis is accompanied by deformation in the form of increased physiological bending. There is a pathological bending backwards with the formation of a round back. Acquired kyphotic deformity of the spine is more common.
Causes of thoracic kyphosis:
Rachitic deformity is treated conservatively: swimming, vitamin therapy, exercise therapy, pine baths, massage, wearing a special three-point corset. The disease may disappear without a trace.
Juvenile kyphosis is treated comprehensively: massage, special exercises to strengthen the muscle corset, medicinal improvement of trophism of the osteoarticular system. Often it is necessary to use surgical methods of therapy: different kinds instrumental fixation of the spine.
Lordosis is a curvature of the spinal column with the formation of a bulge in the front. Therapy is based on combating the disease that caused the curvature. They use traction, special patient positions, physiotherapeutic procedures, physical therapy and restorative massage courses.
Causes of lumbar lordosis:
Scoliotic spinal deformity can affect any level of the spinal ridge and affect several sections, causing an S-shaped curvature. Prepubertal girls are more susceptible to the disease.
In 1965, V.D. Chaklin radiographically identified 4 degrees of spinal deformation in scoliosis:
Clinical manifestations of scoliosis:
Scoliosis is a serious disease that can lead to permanent loss of ability to work (disability).
Spinal deformities in children should be detected in the initial stages. In such cases, you will only need to correct your posture, physical exercise, swimming, organizing the right workspace, maintaining an adequate work and rest regime, proper nutrition.
Non-operative treatment is aimed at fixing the spine in the correct position by wearing corrective corsets, training the back and abdominal muscles. The child's room should have a special bed with a hard mattress and an orthopedic pillow.
The second degree is treated conservatively; as the process progresses, children are sent to specialized sanatoriums. A planned course of non-operative treatment is carried out in orthopedic departments. The method of traction using lateral traction is used. This treatment lasts 2-4 months. Traction is often a preoperative preparation for stages 3 and 4. The achieved level of correction is recorded promptly using special tools.
There are 3 methods: operations with anterior access, with posterior and combined. The essence of the operations is to introduce metal structures into the spine, which can be static or movable. The advantages of a dynamic implant: it can be adjusted, ensuring the correct growth of the child, and allows you to play sports. The design is not externally visible and can be used in the treatment of severe spinal deformities in adults. It allows you to fix the curvature and stop its progress.
Timely treatment can completely eliminate spinal deformity.
Designed to provide it with the proper level of elasticity and shock absorption during movements. Therefore, there are physiological bends that exist in every department - lordosis and kyphosis. But there are situations when deviations from the norm are observed and curvatures appear. An example of this is pathological kyphosis. Why it develops and what needs to be done to correct it, a specialist will tell you after an appropriate examination.
The appearance of backward curvature of the spine is caused by the influence of various external and internal factors on the axial skeleton. Although the axial skeleton has sufficient strength and resistance to stress, long-term disorders cause structural changes in the segments and parts of the spine. They are congenital or acquired. Therefore, the causes of cervical or thoracic kyphosis are:
Thus, depending on the predisposing factor and the mechanism of development, there are postural (stooping), degenerative, post-traumatic, paralytic, etc. Consequently, kyphosis can occur in people of any age, affecting children and the elderly relatively equally.
Thoracic and cervical kyphosis appears due to structural disorders in the spine, causing improper load distribution and deviation from the normal axis.
Kyphotic spinal deformity is a pathology that can be seen visually. But besides this, there are other signs of a subjective and objective nature. People often present complaints that can be mistaken for symptoms of other diseases, but careful questioning and an objective examination will determine accurate diagnosis. The main symptoms of pathological kyphosis will be the following:
In severe cases, even compression of the spinal cord occurs, which leads to conduction disorders (motor, sensory and autonomic). Symptoms are largely determined by the level of damage. Therefore, we should dwell in more detail on the kyphosis of various parts of the spine.
If it happens backwards, then symptoms begin to appear indicating a disruption of innervation and blood flow in the head area. The main troubles arise due to brain hypoxia or venous stagnation. Such patients will feel:
Sometimes, when it is pronounced during head movements (turns, bends), short-term loss of consciousness – fainting – can be observed. But their cause lies not in the brain, but in the spine.
Cervical kyphosis can be suspected based on the presence of the deformity itself, as well as symptoms from the head and upper extremities.
Thoracic region
The most common is thoracic kyphosis. This is explained by the presence of a physiological backward bend, which only intensifies under unfavorable influence. Taking into account the severity of the pathological curvature and the magnitude of the angle of inclination to the vertical axis, the following degrees of thoracic kyphosis are distinguished:
People with an asthenic build may have a kyphotic posture, but lying on their stomach straightens the spine, which will not happen with a pathological curvature. At first, the deformation is noticeable only to a specialist, but over time, others begin to notice it. Patients are characterized by a stooped position, the shoulder girdle protrudes forward, the chest flattens, and the head tilts. A characteristic hump appears. Lumbar lordosis also increases, which is a compensatory reaction designed to reduce the load on the underlying parts of the spine. With severe kyphosis, the following symptoms appear:
Cardiopulmonary insufficiency may develop, the functioning of the digestive system may be disrupted - the risk of cholecystitis and duodenitis increases. Over time, degenerative changes form in the spine and intervertebral hernias appear.
Curvature of the thoracic region is associated with noticeable disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.
If kyphosis develops in the lower back, then the upper segments adjacent to the thoracic vertebrae. And in the lower ones there is a smoothing of physiological lordosis. Patients are characterized by forward deviation of the pelvic region, sunken abdomen, and rounding of the lumbar region. The pain radiates to lower limbs. At the same time, other areas of the musculoskeletal system also suffer: knee joints (due to compensatory hyperextension), feet (clubfoot). There are disturbances in the functioning of the intestines and organs of the urinary system.
To confirm pathological kyphosis, additional research is necessary. This is necessary to clarify the degree of curvature and identify accompanying conditions. They use instrumental diagnostic methods, which include:
In case of deformation of the cervical spine, angiography or Dopplerography of the vessels of the neck and head is important. It may also be necessary to conduct neuromyography and other studies confirming dysfunction of internal organs with pathological kyphosis.
The diagnostic program for kyphosis is focused on identifying structural changes in the spinal column and determining their degree.
The therapeutic program for kyphosis is determined by the level of damage and the degree of curvature. In the early stages, conservative correction is indicated, while in advanced cases it is very difficult to do without surgical intervention. But in any situation it is necessary A complex approach to therapy involving the use various methods to eliminate kyphosis.
The severity of kyphosis can be reduced using orthopedic correction methods. They are used for any degree of pathology, but are not equally effective for every curvature. The following methods of treatment are recommended:
Orthopedic correction is carried out when there is sufficient mobility of the spine, and in the case of ankylosis it is usually ineffective. Some of these principles can also be used as preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of kyphosis in predisposed individuals.
Orthopedic correction – important point in the treatment and prevention of pathological kyphosis.
For kyphosis, and medications. If patients experience pain, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Dicloberl, Nimesil) are needed. To eliminate muscle spasms, muscle relaxants (Tolperil, Mydocalm) are used. In addition, functional disorders of internal organs may also require appropriate correction.
Methods of physical influence complement the effects of drugs. Thanks to treatment procedures, it is possible to reduce the severity of pain and myotonic syndrome and improve blood flow in the affected areas. To do this, use the following methods:
Each method is used according to indications and taking into account the patient’s existing diseases. The course of treatment is determined individually.
A mandatory component of the treatment of spinal curvatures is. With the help of exercises, improved posture, strengthening of the back muscles, and expansion of the range of motion in the spine are achieved. A slight kyphotic deformity can be corrected with regular exercise. The physical training complex consists of exercises selected for each patient individually. These may include the following:
Swimming helps well, as it develops all muscle groups, helping to strengthen the physiological corset of the back.
Gymnastics requires patience and determination, since in case of spinal curvature it must be carried out for a long time.
Kyphosis is an indication for spinal traction. This treatment is aimed at relaxing the muscles, restoring the normal structure and biomechanics of the axial skeleton. Traction therapy can be performed using several methods:
The most physiological is horizontal traction, which is performed in water. Then the spine does not experience additional overload.
Manual methods can also help straighten thoracic or cervical kyphosis. They restore the functioning of muscles and ligaments, improve blood flow in tissues, and help restore the support and motor patterns of the spine. Massage and manual therapy techniques are used in combination to provide gentle mobilization of curved segments.
With severe kyphosis or advanced deformities. Surgical intervention is intended to correct a cosmetic defect and relieve the patient of painful symptoms. First, the curvature itself is eliminated, and then the spine is fixed in the achieved state using spinal fusion and metal structures. However, it should be remembered that such correction can only be carried out after skeletal growth is complete. After the operation, rehabilitation treatment begins.
It is not difficult to get a curvature of the spine; it is much more difficult to correct it. Kyphosis requires long-term and persistent therapy, the effectiveness of which depends on the degree of deformation and its duration.