— Scoliotic posture in a child: treatment, exercises, massage

Scoliosis is a persistent lateral curvature of the spine.

When considering the position of the human body in space, the basic position is considered to be a standing position with arms down. The human body has bilateral symmetry. You can draw a conditional plane separating the front part of the body from the back (this plane is called the frontal plane). Considering a person in this plane, we will see that the right and left sides of a person are symmetrical. The spine will be the axis of symmetry. If it is bent to the right or left, the symmetry will be broken. Therefore, scoliosis is also called curvature of the spine in the frontal plane.

Scoliosis should be distinguished from poor posture. Poor posture is a functional condition, the lack of habit of keeping your back straight. In this case, a person, if he wants, can straighten up. Curvature of the spine is changes that a person can no longer eliminate by simply changing his posture. Such changes are recorded during instrumental studies, for example, radiography or MSCT of the spine.

How to determine scoliotic posture. Causes of occurrence.

Scoliotic posture is a pathological change in the spine, in which individual vertebrae are displaced relative to each other in the lateral plane

DRAWING:

Scoliotic posture is the position of the spine.

How is scoliotic posture determined?

Scoliotic posture in a child is characterized by the following signs:

– shoulder joints are located at different heights;

– the blades are located asymmetrically relative to each other;

– the spaces (triangles) between the waist and arms are not the same shape.

Scoliotic posture photo:

Scoliotic posture in a child and scoliosis are two different things.

Scoliosis is different in that when the child lies down or leans forward, the signs of poor posture described above do NOT disappear. With scoliosis, individual vertebrae can also “twist” relative to the vertical axis (this can be seen with an x-ray). Therefore, scoliosis is much more difficult to treat than scoliotic posture.

In any case, before taking any treatment measures, it is necessary for an accurate diagnosis to be made by a doctor.

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The causes of scoliotic posture in children can be divided into two parts.

The first reason includes congenital or acquired diseases that lead to lateral curvature of the spine.

The second group of reasons includes the general characteristics of most modern children. These are: weak back and abdominal muscles, low mobility, spending a long time sitting on a chair at a table.

The general causes of scoliotic posture have certain causes. In children and adolescents, bone tissue is actively formed, and growth outstrips the formation of muscle tissue. This is one of the first causes of most postural disorders in children.

Another main reason for the appearance of scoliotic posture in children and adolescents is the child’s lifestyle, in which he is forced to sit at a table for several hours a day (studying at school, doing homework, working at the computer).

The essence of the problem of prolonged sitting in a chair is that in this position fundamental changes occur in the position of the child (adolescent).

How does scoliotic posture occur?

The child’s position – sitting on a chair – is initially NOT physiological for the human skeleton. In order to maintain the correct position of the back and spine while sitting, it is necessary to have strong, well-developed muscles of the back and lumbar muscles.

As we mentioned above, in children the formation and growth of muscle tissue lags behind the formation and growth of skeletal bones.

The conclusion is clear: during prolonged sitting, almost all children and adolescents develop various types of postural disorders, including scoliotic posture.

When a sitting child's back muscles get tired, he begins to look for another, new position in order to relax the tired muscles as much as possible. Very often, in this case, the child brings the elbow (usually the right) hand forward and places it on the table, leaning on this hand. It is in this position that curvature of the spine occurs in the lateral plane.

DRAWING:

A SITTING CHILD WITH SCOLIOTIC POSTURE:

If a child remains in such an incorrect position for quite a long time, he develops “muscle memory” of this position of the spine. Further, such an incorrectly curved position of the spine can persist in other body positions: standing, while walking.

This incorrect position of the spine occurs when a child writes or works with a computer mouse. Due to the fact that these actions are usually performed with the right hand, scoliotic posture in a child most often occurs with a curvature of the thoracic spine with an arc directed to the right side.

PHOTO: SCOLIOtic POSTURE.

Diagnostics

If symptoms are detected and there are suspicions of the development of disorders, one should not delay consultation with a pediatric orthopedic traumatologist or vertebrologist. The specialist conducts a visual examination: examines the bone structures in a standing position. In this case, it is important to evaluate the position in all projections: rear, side, front. The doctor looks for deviations from the normal position of the skeleton and studies the presence of asymmetry. For maximum accuracy, the specialist measures various evaluation indicators: the distance between the shoulder blades, the length of the legs, the segment between the lower corners of the shoulder blades and the seventh cervical vertebra, etc.

One of the most effective methods for diagnosing disorders is the Adams test. To carry it out, you just need to tilt the patient's torso forward. Thanks to this, the doctor will determine the degree of twisting and the state of the vertebral curves, which help identify scoliosis.

In order to establish the diagnosis as accurately as possible and develop an effective treatment regimen, the doctor prescribes additional instrumental studies: x-rays, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Source: Diagnosis of postural disorders and deformities of the spinal column. Orlov S.A., Yukhvid E.V., Ionina E.V. Russian Bulletin of Perinatology and Pediatrics, 2021. p. 269.

Scoliotic posture in children treatment.

It makes no sense to make comments to a child who is sitting incorrectly so that he “sits up straight.” The child is simply physically unable to maintain the correct position of the back and spine for a long time while sitting on a chair. Reason: underdeveloped back and lumbar muscles, which are directly responsible for the correct position of the spinal column.

In order for the treatment of scoliotic posture in a child to be successful, it is necessary to influence the TWO MAIN CAUSES of the majority of postural disorders in children (including scoliotic posture):

— eliminate the occurrence of scoliotic posture during prolonged sitting on a chair;

— strengthen the muscles that are directly responsible for the child’s correct posture.

There are three methods that correct scoliotic posture and eliminate its occurrence. Let's analyze them all.

The first method: wearing a posture corrector (price 1200-1500 rubles).

PHOTO OF POSTURE CORRECTOR:

The essence of using a corrector is as follows.

The posture corrector is used (put on) for 30-40 minutes, several times a day. The special cut and materials of the corrector determine the correct position of the child’s back and shoulders. If the child wants to assume an incorrect position of the shoulders and back, the posture corrector straps put pressure on the shoulder joints, thereby reminding and correcting exclusively the correct position of the back and shoulder joints.

As a result of regular use in a child:

1. The muscles that are responsible for correct posture work and strengthen;
2. “Muscle memory” of the correct position of the back, shoulders and spine is developed.

These two factors make it possible to prevent and, as a result of regular use, correct scoliotic posture in a child.

When choosing a posture corrector, you need to choose the right size. If the size is slightly larger than required, then the desired effect from wearing the corrector will not appear. True, children grow quite quickly, and in this case it will be possible to effectively use the corrector after some time.

The only disadvantage of using a posture corrector is the fact that children grow and develop quite quickly. Therefore, after a certain time, if you want to continue using a corrector to correct or prevent scoliotic posture in a child, you will have to purchase a larger corrector.

But with the average price of a posture corrector being 1200-1500 rubles (it’s not worth buying cheaper, due to poor quality), this drawback of the corrector is not very relevant.

You can read more about how a posture corrector works, and how to select and order a corrector, in the article “BACK CORRECTOR”. (the page with the article will open in a new additional “window”).

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HOW TO CHOOSE A POSTURE CORRECTOR:

Consequences of the disease

Scoliosis in children leads to deformation of not only the spine, but also the chest. If the disease is not treated, its form changes. As a result, ventilation of the lungs is impaired, immunity is reduced, which is why the child becomes easily susceptible to colds.

But the consequences of untreated scoliosis do not end there. Thus, the intercostal nerves are also affected, which is why not only the headaches that we mentioned above occur, but also various types of neuralgic diseases.

— Buy ​​a magnetic corset from an official seller, with delivery: 1290 rubles. (LINK) -

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The second method, which corrects scoliotic posture in a child and eliminates its occurrence: the use of a special Tolstunov seat-simulator, which is also known under the names: “Back OK” and the seat-simulator “Doctor Cypress”.

The cost of a seat-simulator is from 3500 rubles.

PHOTO: EXERCISER SEAT “DOCTOR CYPRESS” FOR TREATMENT OF SCOLIOTIC POSTURE IN CHILDREN.

PHOTO OF AN EXERCISER SEAT FOR TREATMENT OF SCOLIOTIC POSTURE IN CHILDREN.

The essence of using a seat-simulator is that the child sits on an inclined surface of the seat. This allows you to preserve the natural curves of the child’s spine!

The exercise seat can be installed on any chair. If a child sitting on a simulator tries to take a position in which his spine is curved in the lateral plane (a sign of scoliotic posture), then he simply CANNOT do this! In this incorrect position, the muscles of his lumbar region will be greatly overstrained, and the child will be forced to take the correct position of the body. Moreover, without any reminders from you. And this is a very big plus.

The second no less important positive point.

By changing the position on the seat of the exercise machine (you can sit moving a little forward, or a little further back), a sitting child will be able to independently train deep-lying muscle fibers (back and lower back). These muscles are difficult to engage and strengthen even when working out in the gym.

Another advantage of the exercise seat is that it can be used by both a child and an adult (up to 130 kg). Therefore, this product is purchased once and used for many years.

For more information about how to use the exercise machine correctly, as well as read reviews from Dr. Bubnovsky and other orthopedists, you can click on the link “DOCTOR CYPRESS SEAT-TRAINER” (the page will open in a new additional “window”).

The third method, which corrects scoliotic posture in a child and eliminates its occurrence: is the use of an orthopedic chair with emphasis on the knees (price: from 5950 rubles).

DRAWING OF A KNEEING CHAIR.

Orthopedic chair for the treatment of scoliotic posture.

Photo of an orthopedic chair for correcting scoliotic posture.

This machine also uses a reclining seat. This allows the sitting child to preserve the natural curves of the spine. The popliteal support of the simulator eliminates any possibility of a body position in which the child develops a lateral curvature of the spine (scoliotic posture).

You can read more about the features of using an orthopedic chair with support for the knees by clicking on the link: “ORTHOPEDIC CHAIR WITH SUPPORT FOR KNEES” (the page opens in a new additional “window”).

What is the fundamental difference between using the seat of the “Doctor Cypress” (“Back OK”) exercise machine, described just above, and using an Orthopedic chair with emphasis on the knees?

The seat on the orthopedic chair is static.

The seat of the “Doctor Cypress” (“Back Okay”) simulator is installed and secured to an articulated joint. That is, it is not sustainable in itself. Therefore, such an unstable seat allows you to more effectively strengthen the deep back muscles and abdominal muscles of the lumbar region of the child. Initially, the Doctor Cypress seat simulator is used for half an hour. Then gradually increase the duration of sitting on it.

The orthopedic chair is suitable for permanent use.

Ultimately, both devices fulfill their main task:

correct and prevent the occurrence of scoliotic posture in a child. Since using both methods, the child will not be able to assume an incorrect position, which would result in a lateral curvature of the spine (scoliotic posture).

In addition, the use of both an exercise seat and an orthopedic chair develops “muscle memory” of the correct position of the child’s back and spine. This is a very important point for developing and consolidating the habit of maintaining correct posture.

A comparative table of three methods for correcting scoliotic posture and its further prevention (as well as other types of postural disorders in a child).

Symptoms of scoliosis

1. Slouch.
2. Increased back fatigue, difficulty keeping your back straight.
3. Stiffness of movements.
4. Severe pain that intensifies after exercise.
5. One shoulder is located higher than the other.
6. Disturbed gait
7. The appearance of a rib hump.
8. Numbness of the limbs, tingling in the legs and arms.
9. Headaches and dizziness.

In the future, pathologies of internal organs develop:

• cardiopulmonary failure,
• private colds,
• anemia,
• indigestion,
• cholecystitis,
• pyelonephritis, etc.

From 3500 rubles

(different design models).

“ORTHOPEDIC CHAIR WITH KNEES”

From 5950 rubles - metal construction is preferable; wooden structures creak and become loose over time

Fabric upholstery is preferable. Leatherette cracks and tears over time.

The use of the products described above allows you to train and strengthen the back muscles, which are directly responsible for the child’s posture. If free time allows, it will also be useful to perform some exercises that are specifically designed to strengthen those muscles that need to be strengthened to prevent the child from having scoliotic posture.