Scoliosis 2 degrees: causes, symptoms, can it be cured

What it is?

With scoliosis, the spinal column may deviate to the right or left. Along with this, rotation (rotation) of the vertebrae occurs. Pathology tends to progress. Ultimately, it leads to chest deformation and loss of performance. Curvature of the spine causes disruption of the respiratory tract, disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract and heart muscle.

Depending on the angle of deviation of the ridge from the main axis, four degrees of severity of scoliosis are distinguished. For the second stage, this indicator varies between 11–25 degrees.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION! Untimely treatment of grade 2 scoliosis can cause disability.

In most cases, curvature occurs during the period of active growth of the child. The muscles that support the spine may simply not keep up with the rapid development of the skeleton.

Scoliosis of the second degree must be distinguished from curvature of posture. A specialist can do this. Poor posture is a functional disorder and can be easily corrected with the help of properly selected physical exercises, which cannot be said about scoliosis.

Diagnosis of the second stage of scoliosis is an indicator of the development of serious pathology. With grade 3 and 4 deformities, irreversible changes occur in the spine.

Congenital scoliosis

Congenital scoliosis of the spine includes its curvatures resulting from developmental anomalies

1. Anomalies in the development of the vertebral body (split vertebral bodies, butterfly-shaped vertebrae, wedge-shaped, lateral wedge-shaped hemivertebrae with ribs, lateral wedge-shaped hemivertebrae, posterior wedge-shaped hemivertebrae, platyspondyly and microspondyly, asymmetry in the development of the body of the V lumbar and I sacral vertebrae).
2. Anomalies in the development of the arches and processes (underdevelopment of the arches, underdevelopment of the arches and processes, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis).
3. Mixed anomalies (Klippel-Feil syndrome, Klippel-Feil syndrome and Sprengel deformity, complete and partial concrescence of vertebral bodies, rib concrescence, multiple anomalies).
4. Developmental anomalies and variations in numerical value (lumbarization complete and partial, sacralization complete and partial).
   As a rule, congenital scoliosis is detected in a child in the first year of life. Its characteristic feature is slow progression, the formation of curvatures in a small area, minor compensatory countercurvatures and mild torsion of the vertebral bodies.

The fourth group is scoliosis caused by diseases of the chest (scarring due to empyema, burns, plastic surgery on the chest).

Causes

Scoliosis 2 degrees is a progression of the first stage. The exception is birth defects caused by improper formation and development of spinal discs and ligaments in the womb. If the cause of the deformation was underdevelopment of the musculoskeletal system during intrauterine development, such scoliosis is called dysplastic. And this also includes scoliosis caused by infant pathologies, for example, rickets, cerebral palsy, and polio.

An acquired spinal defect usually develops in adolescents, during a period of active growth. Among the provoking factors of pathology are:

Exercise therapy for scoliosis

• a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, intense physical exercise;
• weakness of the back muscles;
• scoliotic type of posture;
• unbalanced diet;
• deficiency of calcium and phosphorus;
• hereditary factor;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• spinal infections;
• fractures, dislocations of the spine;
• carrying heavy weights on one shoulder;
• lifting unbearable weights;
• acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics, weightlifting;
• incorrect working posture at the table.

Scoliosis is a polyetiological disease. This means that it has many prerequisites for its development. When diagnosed, scoliosis is usually attributed to the idiopathic group, meaning that the true cause of the development of the disease cannot be established.

There can be many prerequisites for the development of scoliosis in children.

Conservative treatment

The effectiveness of therapeutic exercises has been proven, the implementation of which helps in achieving the following goals:

• posture alignment;
• normalization of breathing;
• strengthening muscles;
• correction of deformity;
• strengthening a weakened body.

Physical therapy exercises almost always give positive results. The complex must be developed by a physical therapy specialist on an individual basis, taking into account the severity and localization of the curvature.

Traditional treatment includes taking medications (playing a supporting role), swimming, electrophoresis, massage, and acupuncture. The procedures can be performed in medical sanatoriums or clinics.

The operation can be performed both in adolescence and in adulthood. In each individual case, the operation is associated with a certain risk of complications, so the decision must be made carefully.

Symptoms

The manifestations of scoliosis in adults directly depend on the severity of the deformity. At the initial stages, the disease occurs latently. At the second stage, an increase in musculoskeletal system disorders occurs:

• back pain;
• rapid fatigue;
• slouch;
• headaches, dizziness;
• stiffness of movements;
• unequal placement of the shoulder blades;
• the appearance of a dense muscle roll;
• depression in the chest area;
• protrusion of costal arches;
• when the body is tilted, a hump is visible;
• one arm seems longer than the other;
• gait disturbance;
• decreased physical activity;
• apathy;
• decreased sensitivity, numbness of the limbs.

REFERENCE! In ordinary life, deformations caused by grade 2 scoliosis are invisible. They are camouflaged by clothing and movement.

During the examination, the specialist pays attention to the so-called “waist triangle”. The patient should lower his arms along the body. A triangle is the free space between the arm and waist. With second degree scoliosis, asymmetry is present.

In case of curvature of the thoracic region, the level of the shoulders and shoulder blades relative to the floor will be different. An experienced specialist also pays attention to the symmetry of the gluteal folds. This symptom is especially obvious in children.

But the most important thing to pay attention to during examination is the presence of pronounced torsion (rotation) of the vertebra. It leads to the appearance of a muscle roll and a rib hump.

First degree

Mild curvature in children and adolescents is most often caused by unfavorable external influences on an insufficiently formed skeletal system. As a rule, the first degree of scoliosis is asymptomatic and in most cases is discovered accidentally or during a routine examination. There are several characteristic signs by which the initial stage of scoliosis can be determined:

• in a straight body position, the shoulders are at different heights;
• there is a barely noticeable asymmetry of the shoulder blades and in the waist area;
• there is a slight stoop;
• When the body is tilted forward, one shoulder blade protrudes more.

At the initial stage, scoliosis can be identified by slight asymmetry of the shoulders and a protruding shoulder blade when the body is tilted

Important! The first degree of curvature can only be accurately determined using radiography or computed tomography. This stage of the disease does not affect your well-being in any way, so there are no health complaints. Despite this, the disease cannot be ignored, since scoliosis tends to progress, especially in the presence of provoking factors.

To correct a 1st degree curvature, exercise therapy and several courses of massage are sufficient. At the same time, you can do physical therapy at home, the main thing is to do the exercises that the attending physician will select. Additionally, preventive measures should be observed, which will be discussed below.

Varieties

Depending on the shape of the curvature, the disease is divided into three main forms:

• C-shaped (one arc of curvature, which is directed to the right or left side). The most common type of curvature. Considered less dangerous. Symptoms of figurative scoliosis do not appear immediately.
• S-shaped (two arcs of curvature with different directions). In the second arch, the changes are weakly expressed; at this stage, in this part of the spine, the pathological process is just beginning to emerge. With s-shaped scoliosis, there is a slight asymmetry of the line of the shoulder blades, which is most pronounced when bending forward.
• Z-shaped (three arcs of curvature) scoliosis. The deformity can only be corrected surgically. The middle arc is located in one direction, and the other two are in the opposite direction.

Depending on the location of scoliosis, it can be:

• Cervicothoracic. The deformity affects the most mobile first five vertebrae.
• Chest. The curvature forms at the level of the 7th–8th vertebra.
• Lumbar. Usually there is a left-sided deformity, although a right-sided one is not excluded. Progresses slowly.
• Thoracolumbar. The arc of curvature affects 10–11 vertebrae. Difficult to treat. A slight stoop and significant curvature of the spinal column are visualized. When bending forward, you can observe a noticeable protrusion of the chest - a rib hump. Even minor physical activity causes pain. There is a displacement of internal organs.

Separately, it is worth noting kyphoscoliosis, which includes two pathologies simultaneously. There is a curvature of the spinal column to the sides and excessive stoop. For the second degree of kyphoscoliosis, the deformation in the anteroposterior direction reaches 65°, and the vertebrae are displaced from the internal axis. Along with this, there is a slight displacement of them to the side.

With kyphosoliosis, a hump forms. Over time, the formation increases in size and takes on a convex shape. This brings discomfort to the patient. There are complaints of shortness of breath, burning in the back, and pain. When the neurological system is affected, patients experience numbness in the limbs and loss of sensation.

Prevention

Doctors at the ADANAYA clinic recommend:

• Healthy and proper lifestyle.
• Regular physical activity.
• A complete and healthy diet, enriched with beneficial microelements and vitamins.
• The use of orthopedic mattresses and timely treatment of the initial form of scoliosis.

Particular attention should be paid to children and preventive measures must be taken. It is very important to monitor children’s posture, properly arrange the children’s workplace taking into account age, and introduce sports into the child’s life.

Possible complications

The greatest danger is progressive scoliosis. If you ignore the symptoms of grade 2 scoliosis, the following complications may develop:

• torticollis;
• osteochondrosis;
• spinal cord compression;
• protrusion of intervertebral discs;
• arthritis, arthrosis;
• memory loss;
• arterial hypertension;
• dyspnea;
• kidney prolapse;
• displacement of the heart and lungs;
• distortion of the pelvic bones.

Progressive scoliosis negatively affects the functioning of internal organs

Progressive scoliosis causes changes in body shape. The disease can provoke a difficult course of pregnancy and childbirth.

As the disease progresses to the third stage, cardiac and respiratory failure develops. The functioning of the digestive tract and genitourinary system is often disrupted.

Preventive measures

There are no clear measures to prevent scoliosis, since sometimes the pathology manifests itself for an unknown reason.

Firstly , you should monitor your posture: injuries to the spinal discs are reduced with the habit of standing straight, sitting and walking correctly.

Secondly, an active lifestyle, in which proper muscle function occurs, is effective in preventing scoliosis.

Thirdly , it is important to remember about sleep hygiene. An elastic orthopedic mattress will help to achieve the correct position of the spine during sleep and minimize the load on it.

Treatment tactics

Is it possible to cure stage 2 scoliosis? This question is asked by all patients who have been diagnosed with spinal curvature. Scoliosis of the second degree can be corrected, but this may take a year, subject to a responsible approach to treatment and lifestyle changes.

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is indicated for complicated course of the disease. In case of second-degree scoliosis, it is important not only to correct the curvature, but also to consolidate the result so that the vertebrae do not take the usual pathological position. For this purpose, courses of massage, physiotherapy, and exercise therapy are used.

The main goals of therapy for curvature of the vertebrae are:

• prevention of progression of deformity;
• relief of clinical symptoms;
• strengthening the back muscles;
• combating risk factors.

REFERENCE! In the absence of complications, treatment of scoliosis can be carried out at home, but only after prior medical consultation.

Massage is an indispensable method of treating scoliosis. It helps relieve tension and stretch the back muscles. Manual therapy is also used to treat diseases of the spinal column. During the procedure, the spine is stretched by applying pressure to the diseased areas.

Scoliosis in a teenager can be treated with physical therapy. It has a beneficial effect on the general condition. To treat second-degree scoliosis, there are specially designed exercises that directly affect the spine, promoting its stretching. Exercise therapy trains ligaments, joints, and muscle frame well.

Additional treatment methods include wearing a corset. Typically, such corrective devices are prescribed to children and adolescents of school age, since their spine is not yet fully formed.

Swimming

Swimming for scoliosis is an effective way to stop the progression of the pathology. Water procedures relieve stress on the spine, improve coordination, and increase strength in the arms and legs.

If you have scoliosis, you should follow the program drawn up by your doctor. The patient must be constantly under the supervision of a specialist. Don't overload your body. The load should be introduced in stages. It is important to monitor your breathing; it should not be interrupted.

For scoliosis, exercises that require bending, rotating, or straining are contraindicated. Water procedures should not cause pain.

Exercising in water corrects deformities and strengthens back muscles

Asymmetrical movements in the water and breaststroke style will help you get rid of second-degree scoliosis. It is recommended to tumble forward and backward. Let's look at an example of one of the possible workouts:

• Warm up and do breathing exercises.
• Do preparatory exercises, such as breaststroke.
• Start with special exercises to correct your posture.
• The breaststroke swim is underway again.
• Perform the long slide technique. Lie flat on the water.
• Pay attention to asymmetrical exercises selected by your doctor.
• Do exercises to develop muscles and limb strength. Weights can be used.
• Swim at a faster pace.
• Complete the workout with voluntary swimming movements to normalize your breathing.

REMEMBER! If you have scoliosis, jumping into water is prohibited.

Therapeutic swimming has some limitations. It is contraindicated in the following cases:

• acute respiratory diseases;
• open wounds;
• pathological mobility of the vertebrae;
• tuberculosis;
• venereal diseases;
• ophthalmological pathologies;
• infectious dermatitis;
• urolithiasis disease;
• severe cardiovascular pathologies.

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy is subject to a number of rules. If you do not follow them, you can seriously harm your health. Remember the fundamental principles:

• Before performing any exercise, you should warm up. It will help prepare ligaments, muscles and joints.
• Avoid sudden movements.
• Jumping and acrobatic elements are contraindicated.
• Do exercises without weights.
• Consult your doctor. He will help you choose the optimal complex for you.
• The exercises should not include twisting or stretching.
• If you experience discomfort, you should stop exercising and consult a specialist.

The basic gymnastics complex for grade 2 scoliosis is designed to strengthen the muscular skeleton, ligaments and eliminate postural defects. Let's consider effective exercises that are recommended for spinal column deformity:

• Lie on your back and straighten your knees. Stretch your neck up and your feet down. Once you have reached your maximum length, hold this position for ten seconds.
• In the same position, raise your legs up. Perform rotational movements similar to pedaling a bicycle. Try to keep your feet low to the floor.
• Exercise "scissors". Performed in a supine position. Hands can be placed behind the head or along the body. Swing your legs horizontally, then vertically. Legs should cross. The lower they are above the floor, the more effective.
• While lying on your back, imitate swimming using the breaststroke style. Place your hands palms down and your head on your palms. Arch your lower back while raising your head, legs and arms. Next, alternately spread the upper and lower limbs to the sides.
• At the very end of the gymnastics, do squats. Do them in front of a mirror so you can control the quality of the exercise. Keep the pace low. Do full squats. A short rest is recommended between sittings.

Posture Corrector

It is not permissible to remove a back corset yourself. This may make the situation even worse.

On a note! Preference should be given to products made from natural and breathable fabrics.

Depending on the location of the pathological process and the functionality of the product, several types of correctors are distinguished:

• Reclinators. Available in the form of a vest. The product gradually moves the shoulders back. Most often prescribed to children and adolescents who cannot control their posture.
• Orthopedic correctors. Available in the form of a belt. There are chest and thoracolumbar products.
• Electronic and magnetic. These are small structures that are attached to various parts of the body. If a person begins to slouch, the device turns on a reminder to stand up straight.

When choosing a posture corrector, the main role is played by the size and correctly measured parameters.

Underwater traction

This is a therapeutic procedure during which mineral water and a weight are applied to the back. This helps improve blood flow, nutrition of the intervertebral cartilage pads, relax muscles, and increase the space between the vertebrae.

After underwater traction, the nerve endings and blood vessels are freed from compression. Under the influence of warm water, spasming muscles relax.

Underwater traction can be horizontal or vertical. In the first case, the patient is placed in a bathtub or swimming pool. Next, a special shield is lowered under water at a certain angle. This depends on the severity of the curvature.

A deep pool is used to carry out vertical traction. The patient is secured with straps at a special stand, and then lowered into water up to his chin. In some cases, weights are attached to the legs. It is difficult to dose the traction force during horizontal traction. The horizontal method is considered safer. And so-called autotraction is also carried out. Traction of the spinal column occurs due to the efforts of the patient himself.

Depending on the specific pathology, fresh, mineral or sea water is used. To improve blood circulation and dilate blood vessels, baths with hydrogen sulfide or turpentine are used.

On a note! Radon baths relieve pain.

Water traction is a serious procedure for which you need to prepare. To relieve pain and inflammation before the session, you should take medications prescribed by your doctor and attend physiotherapeutic procedures.

The traction force must be increased gradually. The first sessions are carried out with the patient’s own body weight, and then weights are gradually added.

Despite the high safety record, the procedure has some limitations. If you ignore them, you can seriously harm yourself. Underwater traction is contraindicated in the following cases:

• pathological mobility of the vertebrae;
• acute pain;
• compression of the spinal cord;
• osteoporosis;
• advanced age;
• obesity;
• dermatitis;
• infectious pathologies;
• tendency to bleed;
• spinal injuries;
• severe disorders of the cardiovascular or respiratory system.

Drug therapy

The choice of drug largely depends on the clinical symptoms and the specific development of pathological changes in the spine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are in great demand for spine deformation. These drugs relieve pain and inflammation.

Another popular group of medications for curvature of the spinal column are muscle relaxants. Medicines help reduce skeletal muscle tone. The main purpose of their purpose is to eliminate spasm and restore mobility of the spinal column.

It is also worth noting calcium-containing products. They are extremely necessary for the development of osteoporosis or deficiency of bone mineralization. Calcium provides nutrition to nerve cells and is also involved in the conduction of impulses.

There is no specific prevention of scoliosis. However, the following tips will help prevent lateral curvature of the spinal column:

• correctly distribute the load on your arms and legs;
• do exercises in the morning;
• eat well;
• sleep at least eight hours a day;
• treat musculoskeletal diseases in a timely manner;
• take vitamins;
• consciously control your posture.

Diagnostics

Early diagnosis of spinal curvature can prevent serious consequences.

The beginning of the diagnosis of scoliosis is associated with a visit to an orthopedic doctor and his collection of an anamnesis of the disease. A visual examination of the patient is carried out from all angles and in all possible positions. To make a diagnosis, an x-ray of the thoracolumbar spine in direct and lateral projection is required. According to radiographs, the exact condition of the spine is determined by a number of signs:

• wedge-shaped vertebrae;
• transverse processes of different lengths;
• asymmetrical intervertebral joints and pedicles of the spine;
• displacement of the spinous process.

To make a diagnosis, an x-ray of the thoracolumbar spine in direct and lateral projection is required.

An unfavorable prognosis is indicated by two circumstances: the first is the progression of the disease. This is confirmed by a change in the angle of curvature of the spine compared to previous photographs (this is where the “family album” of your radiographs is extremely important); the second is incomplete formation of the skeleton, and this may imply a further increase in deformity.