Kyphotic posture - how to prevent dangerous deformation

Posture is the posture that a person takes unconsciously in an upright position of the body. It affects not only a person’s physical health, but also his psycho-emotional state. It has been proven that people suffering from various forms of stooping, as a rule, lack self-confidence and have difficulty adapting to the social environment and team. One of the pathologies of posture is kyphosis - curvature of the spine in the opposite direction (relative to the vertical plane of the axial skeleton). Kyphotic posture is more common in childhood and adolescence, when active growth and formation of the bone frame of the spine occurs. The pathology lends itself quite well to conservative correction in mild stages, but it is better to prevent curvature of the spine and take measures to prevent it from an early age.

Kyphotic posture

What is kyphosis?

The human spine (or spinal column) consists of vertebrae - osteochondral structures connected to each other by intervertebral discs. It consists of five sections and is formed by 33 vertebrae (in some people - 34). Despite the fact that the spinal column is the central part of the vertical skeleton, it has not a flat, but a slightly curved shape, which allows the force and axial load to be evenly distributed across all sections.

Kyphosis and lordosis

Kyphosis is a curvature of the spinal column, with its convexity directed in the direction opposite to the facial skeleton (the curvature in the opposite direction is called lordosis). Physiological kyphosis of the thoracic region and sacrum is the norm for an adult, since such a deviation from the central axis of the spine allows one to reduce the compensatory load on the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. An anatomically correct curve of the thoracic region is formed in a child by about 6-7 years , therefore, prevention of postural disorders before reaching this age is most effective. The formation of sacral kyphosis occurs later - in adolescence during puberty.

In elderly people, kyphotic posture occurs as a result of degenerative processes in the spine caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs, as well as a natural decrease in muscle strength and severe dehydration of the paravertebral tissues.

What is kyphosis

Note! Kyphotic posture with pronounced kyphosis belongs to the third and fourth types of posture according to the Staffel classification. These are pathological forms of posture in which thoracic kyphosis is a dominant manifestation. The elasticity of the spine with these types of posture is usually increased. In particularly severe cases, the physiological lordosis of the lower back may disappear.

Classical Staffel classification

How to recognize the problem?

Symptoms manifest differently for everyone. Below are the most common:

• Difference in shoulder height.
• The head is tilted forward compared to the rest of the body.
• Differences in the height and position of the shoulder blades.
• The upper back goes up significantly when the child leans forward.
• Tight muscles in the back of the thigh (hamstring).

It is worth considering that the symptoms may turn out to be other back problems. For example, it is the result of injury or infection. It is best to consult a specialist to make a diagnosis.

Classification

In total, there are several types of kyphotic posture, differing not only in the cause of occurrence, but also in the severity of existing deviations, as well as the possibility of correction (active and passive) without the use of surgical methods.

Table. Types of kyphotic posture.

Important! The most severe form of kyphotic posture at any age is total (generalized) kyphosis, when all five parts of the spine are affected. Patients with this form of kyphosis are often unable to perform work duties, and they are assigned the status of a disabled person with a disability pension and other measures of social and financial support.

How is this treated?

Specific treatment for kyphosis will be determined by your child's doctor based on the following:

• Child's age, general health and medical history.
• Degree of disease.
• The child's tolerance to specific medications, procedures or therapies.
• Personal opinion or preference.

The goal of treatment is to stop the deterioration of posture and prevent deformity. Treatment may include:

• Observation and repeat tests. The child will need to visit the attending physician regularly. The situation may worsen due to the skeletal growth and maturity of the child.
• Exercises. If the problem is due to slouching, some exercises can correct it.
• Fastenings. If your baby is still growing, he may need support in the form of braces for some time.
• Surgery. In rare cases, a child may require surgery when the curvature is 75 degrees or more and fixation does not slow down the negative process.

Physical therapy is used to treat kyphosis

Treatment goals include the following:

• Ensure that the child grows up with a fairly straight and balanced spine.
• Allow the spine to strengthen as much as possible.
• For younger children, help the chest cavity grow and develop by allowing the lungs to increase in size.
• Prevent compression of the spinal cord, which can lead to nerve damage or even paralysis.
• Correct or reduce the curvature and stabilize the affected area of ​​the spine.
• Improve cosmetic (aesthetic) appearance.
• Reduce discomfort and fatigue due to poor posture.

In very mild forms, treatment may be delayed, but most cases require prompt and careful evaluation and early surgical treatment. For congenital kyphosis, surgery is usually performed while the child is still growing because there is a significant chance of compression of the spinal cord if the curvature continues to increase.

Causes of pathology

Orthopedists and surgeons consider poor posture, which is more often diagnosed in childhood, to be one of the main reasons for the formation of pathological kyphosis. Uneven physical activity (or, conversely, lack thereof), incorrectly selected furniture for home activities and lessons, stooping when sitting at a desk at school - all this contributes to incorrect formation of posture and the development of local or total kyphosis.

Back with kyphosis

Other causes and factors that increase the risk of developing kyphotic posture in children and adults include:

• spinal injuries;
• hypodynamic disorders that occur against the background of a sedentary lifestyle;
• infectious diseases (syphilis, tuberculosis, HIV infection, etc.);
• atrophy of paravertebral muscles;
• impaired blood circulation in the vessels of the central spinal canal;
• excessive salt deposition and growth of osteophytes (bone growths) at the edges of the vertebral bodies;
• prolonged stay in a static, inclined, sitting or standing position.

Osteophytes

Important! In children of the first year of life, kyphotic posture can develop as a result of metabolic disorders and improper formation of bone tissue (against the background of rickets). To prevent such disorders, all infants under 12 months of age are advised to take vitamin D in the form of an aqueous or fat solution (if necessary, calcium supplements). Children living in northern areas with low daylight hours are prescribed vitamin D daily until they reach the age of three.

Symptoms

A normal spine appears straight when viewed from behind. However, a spine affected by kyphosis indicates an anterior curvature of the spinal bones (vertebrae) in the upper back, giving a person an abnormally rounded or “humpbacked” appearance. This anomaly manifests itself at an early age and is more common in children aged 12 years. In this case, the curve can be fifty degrees or more. This leads to problems such as:

• Frequent shortness of breath due to compression of the respiratory organs.
• Poor mobility of the ribs.
• Development of heart diseases.
• Liver dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

And these are just some of the problems that arise from a curved spine.

Do I need to go to the doctor?

Some people are mistaken in believing that kyphotic posture can be diagnosed visually by the presence of stoop and hunchback. This is wrong. The patient’s weight and body constitution are of great importance in clinical manifestations. Sometimes it happens that an externally seemingly extensive deformation of the thoracic spine actually turns out to be insignificant, so the only reliable diagnostic method for this diagnosis is radiography. It is performed in a lateral projection and allows you to determine not only the fact of deviation of the spine from the sagittal plane, but also measures the angle of inclination in degrees.

The result of surgical treatment of kyphosis

The following can also be used as auxiliary diagnostic methods:

• ultrasonography;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• multislice computed tomography (MSCT);
• myelography (x-ray examination of the pathways along which the cerebrospinal fluid circulates, using contrast agents).

S-shaped scoliosis of the spine, 2nd degree

During a visual examination, the doctor pays attention to the symmetry and tonic tension of the paravertebral muscles, the presence of trigger points, the condition of the abdominal wall and chest.

How is kyphosis diagnosed in children?

The doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis based on the following information: the child's complete health history, physical examination, and the results of certain tests. The healthcare provider will also ask questions about developmental stages, since some types of kyphosis may be associated with other neuromuscular problems.

Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis

Your child will also need the following tests:

• X-ray. This test will give a complete understanding of the internal organs, bones and tissues. This way the doctor can measure the angle of curvature of the child’s spine. Treatment is often based on this definition.
• Bone scanning (osteoscintigraphy). This test will help identify any infection or broken bones in your back.
• MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to create detailed images of organs and structures inside the body. Based on the findings, any other spinal cord and nerve abnormalities will be ruled out.
• CT scan. This test uses X-rays and a computer to take detailed images of the body.
• Blood analysis.

Identifying the true cause of kyphoscoliotic posture at an early stage is important for successful treatment! It is worth considering that as long as the spine can be displaced, it will be much easier to eliminate the disease.

There are 4 degrees of the disease:

1. At the first stage, the child does not feel any discomfort. And in a standing position, muscle weakness and slight deviations in physiology are observed.
2. The second degree involves a noticeable defect (angle of curvature of about 55 degrees). The x-ray shows noticeable deformities of the vertebrae.
3. The third stage is called Hyperkyphosis. With it, the spine has a permanently curved kyphotic appearance and cannot be corrected simply by changing the position of the body.
4. At the last stage, the fourth, there is a clear curvature of the body (costal hump). In this case, there is a high probability of surgical intervention.

Can kyphotic posture be cured?

During embryonic development, the fetal spine is formed from the neural tube, which initially consists of cartilage fibers and is gradually replaced by bone tissue. The process of ossification continues after the birth of the child and ends completely already at adulthood (by 17-25 years). For this reason, conservative treatment of kyphosis is considered effective in childhood and adolescence: the chances of complete recovery at this age are more than 60%, which is a fairly high figure. In adults, it is more difficult to cure kyphotic posture, but with strict adherence to all medical prescriptions and recommendations, this is quite possible. Patients in the older age group diagnosed with “kyphotic posture” need to immediately prepare themselves for the fact that the treatment will be complex and lengthy: in almost 80% of patients this process takes from 1 to 3-4 years.

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic exercises are the main method of treating kyphotic posture in children and adults. You can perform physical therapy exercises at home, but it is first recommended to attend several group classes and work individually with a medical professional so that he can correct the technique and point out any errors. This is important, since incorrect exercises will not only not bring the desired result, but can also cause serious complications and increased spinal deformation.

Exercises for adults

Performing a stance

Exercises for children

Important! The exercises must be performed daily. In some cases, intensive exercises may be required - up to 2 times a day. All exercises should be done at a calm pace, controlling your breathing.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy belongs to the methods of alternative medicine and is considered a fairly effective method for correcting kyphotic posture for disorders of 1-2 degrees. When choosing this method of treatment, you must remember that an unqualified specialist can harm your health, and his actions can cause serious consequences, for example, displacement of the vertebrae or intervertebral discs.

Manual therapy

Note! The use of manual techniques in adolescents under 14 years of age, pregnant women, and persons who have not undergone preliminary X-ray diagnostics is not allowed.

Orthopedic fixators

The use of corsets and bandages is also effective only in the initial stages of kyphosis, when the angle of deviation of the spine from the sagittal plane does not exceed 30°-35°. Orthoses are not prescribed for permanent use, so the total duration of use should not exceed 4-8 hours per day. Every 1-1.5 hours, the product should be removed for 10-15 minutes to avoid disruption of blood circulation in the vessels of the spine.

Stages

There are four stages of kyphotic posture:

1. By visual examination, only a specialist can determine kyphosis at the initial stage. There is a slight bulge and impaired muscle tone. The patient himself does not feel any discomfort and lives a normal life.
2. Signs of a “round back” become noticeable, the head tilts slightly forward, and the shoulders drop slightly. The deviation from the norm ranges from 30% to 50%, but to make a final diagnosis it is necessary to undergo an X-ray examination.
3. A constant stoop appears, which not only spoils the appearance, but can also affect the functioning of the internal organs. Patients with kyphosis often complain of difficulty urinating, problems with defecation, and shortness of breath during prolonged physical activity. The curvature is 60% or more; even with a straight back, the curvature cannot be hidden.
4. The most severe form of kyphosis, accompanied by the formation of a pronounced hump. The patient experiences severe pain in the spine, is often limited in movement, and is not physically active.

When is surgery needed?

It is important to understand that all methods of conservative treatment have a short-term effect and are used primarily to eliminate pain and stiffness in the affected segment of the spine. The only way to restore normal posture in patients with grade 3-4 kyphosis is an operation called osteosynthesis. This type of treatment involves the installation of fixing metal structures (plates) for the purpose of long-term elimination of mobility of certain bone structures. If the operation is performed correctly and the patient continues to comply with the prescribed regimen, remission can last quite a long time - up to 7-10 years.

Before and after surgery

Enemies of posture: kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis

In previous publications, Vitaly Demyanovich Gitt talked about how to help joints with arthrosis and arthritis. In this issue we will talk about spinal curvatures. With the lifestyle characteristic of modern man, this pathology occurs very often. But not only a person’s appearance, but also the health of internal organs depends on the condition of the spine.

Straight back, head held high, easy gait... Regardless of passport age, such a person seems young and handsome. There is an opinion that posture is an innate quality that is inherited from parents. There is some truth in this statement: congenital defects of the physique that affect posture are possible, but they are rare. The same cannot be said about acquired curvatures of the spine, which are very common these days. Poor posture is considered to be any deviation from a certain average, considered normal, shape of the spine. At the same time, internal tension in the vertebral bodies and discs increases sharply. The spine becomes less flexible. Its ability to withstand various loads is reduced.

SCOLIOSIS - PARENTAL CARE

This is a curvature of the spine to the side, to the side, it is possible in all its parts. The intervertebral joint is designed in such a way that it allows circular (rotational) movement. And with scoliosis, it is difficult; muscle tension on different sides of the spine and the load on the spine itself become asymmetrical, which leads to even greater asymmetry of the body. If scoliosis has reached the 2nd or higher degree, a violation of symmetry can be noticed even with a superficial glance at the person. The process of curvature of the spine begins in childhood, but whether the child will have normal posture depends primarily on his parents. Sometimes parents claim that they examined the child every day, bathing him in the bath, and did not notice anything. But in the bathroom you can only notice a very gross violation of posture! In order not to miss grade 1 scoliosis and take the necessary measures in a timely manner, you should know what to look for.

Diagnosis of scoliosis

A topless child should be placed in front of you. The light in the room should be bright and diffused so as not to create harsh shadows. It's better to look a little from below. If the child is small, place him on a stool or table, and sit next to him on a chair. Start your inspection from the back. The child should stand straight, calm and slightly relaxed. Scoliosis at the initial stage can be identified by the following signs: • one shoulder is higher than the other; • the lower internal angles of the shoulder blades are located at different levels; • the shape of the waist and hips is asymmetrical; • the costal hump is noticeable. The following actions will help to detect these violations: • ask the child to bend over and apply a ruler horizontally to his back - the ribs on both sides should be at the same level; • keeping the child in an inclined position, mark the protrusions (spinous processes) on the spine with a felt-tip pen; look closely - the marks should be located in a straight line (any deviation is a sign of scoliosis); • ask the child to raise his arms up and bend back (deviation of the line of marks from the vertical is also a sign of scoliosis). What to do if you are convinced that your child has a curvature of the spine? Try to establish the cause - in the initial stage, it is enough to eliminate it to get rid of troubles. For example, the reason may be that the child likes to sit with his leg tucked under him, wears a backpack on one shoulder, or the furniture (chair, table) does not correspond to his height. Scoliosis can also be caused by myopia. If it was not possible to detect and eliminate the cause of the curvature of the spine, consult a specialist.

The sooner, the more effective

Early and correct diagnosis helps to take adequate measures in time and quickly get rid of the disease. But curvature of the spine is not only a defect in posture. This is a disease that does not allow a person to live a full life. Severe forms of the disease are extremely difficult to treat because they are accompanied by deformation of the ribs, sternum, collarbones, pelvis and shoulder girdle. Unfortunately, posture defects are now much more common than 10-20 years ago. They are especially dangerous for girls, because they are facing motherhood. During pregnancy, connective tissues, which include ligaments, tendons, and intervertebral discs, become softer and more elastic. This is a natural process that makes childbirth easier. But this also provokes the further development of scoliosis, because carrying a child (and after childbirth, carrying it in your arms) leads to increased stress on the spine. However, do not despair - you can get rid of scoliosis. The 1st degree is treated for about a month, the 2nd - 3 months, the 3rd - six months or more, the 4th - several years. True, not every person has the perseverance to work on his posture not for months, but for years!.. However, the speed of treatment largely depends on motivation. In my practice, I have encountered patients over 30 who managed to get rid of grade 3 scoliosis in a few weeks, and children 6-10 years old who took months to overcome grade 1-2 scoliosis. Still, treatment should be started as early as possible. With advanced scoliosis, the final results of treatment are worse - usually more or less pronounced residual deformations of the ribs and vertebrae remain.

KYPHOSIS AND LORDOSIS - CLOSE RELATIVES

By definition, these are antagonistic disorders (kyphosis - backward deflection of the spine, lordosis - forward deflection of the spine). However, there is a lot in common between them. Most often, kyphosis and lordosis are caused by the same reasons. As a rule, if kyphosis develops in one part of the spine, then compensatory lordosis almost inevitably develops in another part, and vice versa. Normally, a slight kyphosis is required in the upper part of the thoracic spine, as well as in the area of ​​the sacrum and coccyx. Lordosis is considered normal if, to a certain extent, it manifests itself in the lower thoracic and lumbar, as well as the cervical spine.

Pathology is considered to be kyphosis of the thoracic region, exceeding the normal physiological bend, and backward deflection, even very slight, in those parts of the spine where lordosis should normally be present (in the cervical, lower thoracic and lumbar regions). In childhood and adolescence, such a defect, mistaken for stoop, is simply unsightly, but in adulthood it can become a source of severe pain. Lordosis is considered a pathology if the spine bends forward in the upper thoracic region and if in other regions it exceeds the norm. When a child slouches, but tries to keep his head more or less straight, a second hypertrophied forward curve inevitably appears at the spine in the lumbar region. This is hyperlordosis: the pelvis moves back and the stomach protrudes. In childhood, little attention is paid to kyphosis and lordosis. They say about kyphosis: “Well, just think, the child is hunched over! So, he studies a lot, plays the piano, and sits at the computer... But he also goes to a sports school, and sleeps on a hard surface - he must straighten out!..” Parents, of course, from time to time remind their child: “Don’t slouch!” - but that's all there is to it. You can't change the shape of a skeleton with sheer force of will. Lordosis receives even less attention. This is a big mistake. With lordosis of the thoracic region, the chest is deformed, the tidal volume of the lungs decreases, the work of the heart becomes difficult and the shock-absorbing properties of the spine deteriorate. With hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine, resistance to increased loads decreases, the functioning of the hip joints worsens, and the abdomen sag. Kyphosis of the thoracic region is often accompanied by such defects as barrel-shaped, keeled, or “chicken” chest, funnel-shaped deformation of the costal arches and sternum. Sometimes the collarbones are shortened: with this defect, the shoulders are constantly turned forward. Diagnosis is carried out visually (during examination). In order to note the degree of impairment, you can place the patient on a hard couch and measure the distance between the shoulders and the support. Normally, the shoulders should lie tightly on the couch or be no more than 2-3 cm away from it. Poor posture cannot be preserved. Both scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis tend to develop. During the period of rapid growth of a child, this tendency manifests itself very strongly, but in adulthood and old age, postural disorders continue to progress in a person. In other words, the development of spinal curvatures cannot be stopped - they can only be cured.

CAUSES OF SPINAL CURVATIONS

In their pure form, scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis are rare; more often they are combined with some other disorders and appear in all sorts of combinations. 1. Birth defects. Deformations of the vertebrae and ribs are of great importance. This applies, first of all, to wedge-shaped vertebrae, hemivertebrae, fused and extra ribs. Fortunately, such defects are rare (no more than 0.25-0.5% of all cases). As a rule, they appear very early and require intensive treatment. With congenital defects, scoliosis is usually combined with chest deformation, kyphosis and lordosis. 2. Birth injuries. During a difficult birth, the child’s brain suffers, the symmetry of innervation is disrupted (from the Latin in - “inside” + nervus - “nerve”. On the one hand, the regulation of brain functions will be normal and sufficient, but on the other hand, it will not. Defects in the development of the spine after Such injuries begin to appear around the age of 5-6. The form of the disease can be very different - from mild to severe. 3. Induced disorders. As a rule, they are caused by external causes, which include playing sports that require asymmetrical load of different muscle groups ( tennis, archery, fencing, throwing sports equipment, etc.), as well as playing the violin, accordion, the habit of sitting lounging or tucking one's legs, etc. Induced scoliosis can develop due to different leg lengths.In this case, a skewed pelvis causes a bend of the spine in the lumbar region towards the shortened leg. In the thoracic region, as a rule, a counter-bend appears in the opposite direction. Both fashion and congenital shyness can lead to posture disorders. In some youth groups it is common to walk hunched over. And large breasts in a young girl often make her want to hide them - the easiest way to do this is to bend your back. All this can lead to permanent changes in the spine. The critical age for induced disorders is 11-13 years, when hormonal changes begin in children, accompanied by a sharp acceleration in the growth of skeletal bones. 4. Osteochondropathy - underdevelopment of the osteochondral apparatus. Usually a consequence of decreased motor activity in childhood. 5. Excessively rapid growth of the child. During puberty, there are periods of explosive growth: in a few months - up to 15 cm. At the same time, muscle growth in length lags far behind the growth of the skeleton. As a result, the spine may become skewed. 6. Spinal injuries. When jumping off a swing, a child may be hit in the back by the seat. It is no less dangerous to go down snow slides on flat objects like plates or cardboards - when bouncing, strong blows are applied to the buttocks, and the straightened lumbar spine (while sitting with bent legs on a plane) does not allow to dampen (dampen) these blows. Therefore, it is much safer to ride a regular sled. 7. Consequences of surgical interventions and burns. Extensive damage to certain areas of the skin, muscles, and nerves during serious abdominal operations or burns stops the development of the affected areas and often causes certain postural disorders. 8. Intervertebral hernia and pinching of large nerves. They occur more often in adults and cause functional, adaptive scoliosis or kyphosis. If the treatment of a hernia or strangulation is carried out on time, such a defect disappears without a trace.

DO NOT “TURN OFF” YOUR CHILD!

The less children move, the calmer adults feel. Many parents use a TV or computer as a “switch” for a restless child. The child is busy, the mother can take care of the housework, she is calm: nothing bad will happen. But here’s what happens: children grow up weak, poorly developed physically, with poor posture. Schools have established a procedure that excludes any kind of physical relaxation during breaks. This makes it easier for teachers. But if children stop actively moving, this will inevitably lead to underdevelopment of the intervertebral discs and joints. Do not limit your child’s physical activity, do not accustom him to watching the TV or computer always on. Fill your rest hours, vacations and weekends with active movement. Anything is suitable - working in a summer cottage, mushroom picking, outdoor games, skiing and skating, swimming... Parents bring young men who are physically underdeveloped to see me. They have narrow shoulders, thin arms and legs, flaccid muscles, all types of postural disorders - a stooped back, sunken chest (lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis). Weak, poorly developed joints and spine. As a rule, young men are thin, but with prominent bellies... All these are signs of “computer disease.” Young people are infected with computers. They spend many hours, or even days, in the virtual world. There they are heroes. How to resist this?

• Try not to use TV as a sedative.
• Don't relieve your children of homework.
• Whenever possible, involve children in outdoor games.
• Do not rush to introduce your child to working on a computer.
• If a child is already infected with a “computer disease,” set a rule for him: 25 minutes on the computer, 5 minutes of physical education. Exercises should be varied and with sufficient load: push-ups, squats, pull-ups, abdominal exercises, with an expander, with dumbbells. At first, the child’s active resistance will have to be overcome, and therefore supervision will be required. But time will pass, and he will like gymnastics.

No matter how gifted and capable our children are, no matter how much knowledge they receive, no matter what heights in professional activity they reach, their whole life may turn out to be to one degree or another defective due to insufficient mobility in childhood. Think about it! Don't forget about yourself. There is a generally accepted opinion that it is useless to treat adults - the skeleton is too rigid. This is wrong. It's never too late to treat posture problems. An observant person can notice how the posture deteriorates and the legs of many older people become deformed - the rigidity of the skeleton is not a hindrance here... This means that the skeleton can change throughout your life! In which direction depends on a number of conditions. At any age, bones have a reserve of plasticity. Posture depends most of all on the person himself, on the skills he acquired in early childhood, and on his lifestyle in the future.

The next issue will contain sets of exercises that will help get rid of spinal curvatures. for adults.

Prevention: how to prevent spinal curvature?

Prevention of kyphosis involves ensuring a sufficient level of physical activity. From an early age, children should be taught to do morning exercises, swimming, and aerobics. During walks, it is important to provide the child with active pastime - this improves blood circulation and has a positive effect on the condition of the muscle corset.

It is equally important to choose the right mattress and pillow for sleeping. All products must have an anatomical shape. It is better to choose a mattress with two sides of firmness, which are recommended to be changed every 2-3 months.

Correct position for sleeping on your back and side

To prevent early destruction of the cartilage plates of the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to correctly compose the menu so that it is balanced in the content of nutrients and beneficial substances. Every day a child should receive a sufficient amount of proteins (meat, fish, cottage cheese, eggs) and vitamins, which are found in large quantities in vegetables, berries and fruits. Don't forget about nuts, seeds and dried fruits - these products contain a large amount of mineral salts necessary for the proper formation and development of the spine.

Prevention

Kyphosis has a bad effect not only on a person’s physical but also psychological health. According to experts, people with a stoop are often increasingly unconfident, secretive and not sociable. A physical disability prevents you from fully adapting to a social environment and achieving great success in your studies and career.

Prevention of kyphotic posture begins from early childhood, introducing the child to sports and a healthy lifestyle. Gymnastics, aerobics, and swimming are useful for strengthening the muscles and the back itself. The child should move a lot - then he will not have problems with poor circulation and muscle weakness.

You should monitor your diet, which must contain foods rich in calcium and protein: cottage cheese, milk, cheeses, eggs, meat, etc. If there is a deficiency of nutrients, it is recommended to use specialized vitamin complexes. Once a year you need to undergo a medical examination by an orthopedist.

Most often, kyphosis develops in schoolchildren, so parents should monitor how their children sit at the desk. The spine should rest against the back, the neck should be straight, and the shoulders should be relaxed. You should not tilt your head too much down; your hands and forearms should be approximately at the same level. Please ensure that the table and chair are appropriate for the child’s height. It is equally important to choose the right pillow and mattress for sleeping, which should not be too soft and flexible. Give preference to orthopedic products that have the correct anatomical shape.

In children of the first year of life, kyphosis can develop as a result of rickets. Therefore, it is worth making sure that your child receives a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

Diagnostics

A thorough history, physical examination, and lateral and anteroposterior radiographs are necessary to evaluate Scheuermann's kyphosis. Lateral radiographs are required for diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria are:

• Severe hyperkyphosis of more than 40 degrees.
• Anterior wedge deformation of the vertebral body of 5 degrees or more (in three or more adjacent vertebrae).

Radiographs also reveal:

• Irregular shape of the supporting areas of the vertebral bodies.
• Schmorl's hernia.
• Reduced height of the intervertebral space.
• Scoliosis.
• Spondylolysis / Spondylolisthesis.
• Disc herniation.

MRI is not normally required, but may be needed to assess anatomical changes and to prepare for surgery. There is no need to do a CT scan. There is also no need for laboratory tests or histological studies.

Consequences that kyphoscoliosis can lead to

The course of kyphoscoliosis negatively affects, first of all, the functioning of the respiratory system. When the shape of the chest changes, the volume of the lungs decreases, the load on the respiratory muscles increases, and the chest wall becomes stiff. Pulmonary hypertension is likely to develop during exercise, and sometimes at rest. With severe degrees of kyphoscoliosis, gas exchange is disrupted.

In addition, damage to the cardiac and genitourinary systems is possible, including heart failure, cor pulmonale and incontinence. Advanced kyphoscoliosis can lead to disability.

Please note that with kyphoscoliosis, physical exercise is allowed only according to the recommendations of the attending physician. Self-medication and excessive exercise can lead to a significant deterioration of the condition.

Diagnosis of kyphoscoliosis at the MART clinic

If you suspect spinal curvature, you should contact an orthopedic traumatologist. A diagnosis of kyphoscoliosis may also require a visit to a neurologist.

Our specialists will assess the degree and nature of spinal deformity and possible progression of the disease; The muscle strength, tendon reflexes, and skin sensitivity will be checked.

For subsequent treatment, it is important to recognize the primary arc of spinal curvature, which is different from the compensatory countercurvature, since it is this that is susceptible to the progression of deformation processes. The compensatory curvature disappears when the primary one is eliminated.

To make an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive examination using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner is necessary.

If there are symptoms of cardiac and respiratory system dysfunction, additional diagnostics may be required. The projections clearly show the sideways curvature of the spinal column (scoliosis) on the left and the convexity backwards (increased kyphosis) on the right. At the MART medical center you have modern equipment from leading foreign manufacturers, including an expert-class tomograph.