How to massage with kyphosis of the thoracic spine?

Thoracic kyphosis

Lumbar kyphosis

Cervical kyphosis

A pathology such as kyphosis of the spine is one of the types of its curvature. It is characterized by a bulge that faces backwards and manifests itself as a severe stoop, which is also called round back syndrome. In the most advanced cases of kyphosis, hunchback is observed.

If you do not know how to treat kyphosis, contact the neurosurgery department of the CELT clinic. We employ experienced specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment, which will be carried out using modern effective techniques.

At CELT you can get advice from a neurosurgeon.

• Initial consultation – 3,000
• Repeated consultation – 2,000

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Causes of kyphosis

The causes of kyphosis are of different nature. They include the following:

• various spinal injuries;
• heredity associated with congenital muscle defects;
• neoplasms, tumors;
• kyphosis as a symptom of another disease
• pathological changes in the tissue of intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies that appear with age;
• incorrect body position during prolonged sitting;
• incorrectly selected furniture;
• lack of physical activity, which leads to weakening of the back muscles that hold the spine in the correct position.

Antagonists and synergists

When treating structural and functional problems, you need to understand where the imbalance begins. It is logical to perform a back massage to relieve tension and eliminate trigger points - painful nodules that form on muscle fibers.

The cause of any kyphosis should be looked for on the front of the body, namely on the chest. The rhomboid muscle, lower and middle parts of the trapezius are usually overstretched when slouching, and the pectoralis minor is often spasmodic and painful. But this overvoltage does not happen just like that. The pectoralis minor takes on the function of the pectoralis major muscle, which weakens due to improper breathing, the habit of sitting hunched over, problems with internal organs (lungs, heart, liver, stomach).

The thoracic region is the primary area for kyphosis. First you need to massage the subclavian fossa, the clavicular and sternal portions of the pectoralis major muscles, and their attachment points. Using circular movements, work the neurolymphatic zones of the diaphragm along the sternum. Mobilize each rib using arm abduction as leverage to stretch the chest.

Types and classification of kyphosis

Classification of kyphosis is carried out taking into account various characteristics. So, depending on the reasons that led to the development of the disease, it is customary to distinguish the following types of kyphosis:

• Congenital - develops at the stage of fetal development in the mother's womb due to abnormal development of the vertebrae, may be characterized by the absence of a vertebral body;
• Juvenile - develops at the age of 14 - 16 years due to narrowing of the anterior part of the vertebrae or the acquisition of a wedge-shaped shape by the damaged vertebrae;
• Compression - occurs as a result of a compression fracture of one or more vertebrae due to spinal injuries, characterized by a decrease in the height of the spinal column and stoop;
• Genotypic - occurs due to a genetic predisposition transmitted by inheritance;
• Senile - occurs due to age-related degenerative changes in the tissues of the vertebral bodies and weakness of the muscle corset;
• Postural - occurs due to poor posture and weakness of the spinal muscles in adolescents;
• Degenerative - occurs due to degenerative changes in the vertebrae and weak muscle corset against the background of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
• Tuberculous - develops as a result of a disease such as tuberculous spondylitis, which is characterized by the destruction of the vertebral bodies;
• Total - occurs as a result of serious pathologies in children under one year of age;
• Postoperative - develops after surgery due to the patient’s failure to comply with the doctor’s recommendations during the rehabilitation period;
• Paralytic - occurs as a result of injuries to the spine and head, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy. Another type of classification of kyphosis is based on the shape that the spine takes. It is customary to highlight:
• Angular kyphosis/hunchback;
• Physiological kyphosis;
• Arc-shaped kyphosis.

Contraindications for massage

Although therapeutic massage is considered relatively safe, there are certain contraindications for it. So, massage is not recommended for the following pathologies and conditions of the patient.

Acute infections

The course of acute infections in the patient’s body can provoke complications in internal organs.

Purulent processes

For purulent skin lesions, massage is prohibited, as the risk of infection and sepsis is high.

Feverish conditions

Massage during fever can lead to a deterioration in the patient’s condition; the procedure can be started only after the crisis has passed.

Trophic skin ulcers

Trophic skin ulcers are susceptible to infectious processes, in addition, they are accompanied by pain, which is unacceptable during massage.

Clinical manifestations of kyphosis

The clinical manifestations of kyphosis directly depend on its degree and on which part of the spine is affected by this disease.

It most often occurs in the thoracic spine, and its clinical manifestations include the following:

• slouch;
• narrowing of the chest;
• omission of the diaphragm;
• weakening of the abdominal muscles.

In addition, at the initial stage of development of the disease the following is observed:

• pain in the neck and back that occurs from time to time;
• weakness in the legs;
• impaired skin sensitivity of the legs.

If you do not start timely treatment of kyphosis and allow the pathology to develop, the following symptoms will appear:

• wedge-shaped deformity of the vertebrae;
• destruction of intervertebral discs;
• dysfunction of muscles, anterior abdominal wall;
• stretching of the back muscles;
• the work of the intercostal muscles is disrupted;
• breathing becomes difficult;
• sexual dysfunctions are observed.

If the pathology is localized in the cervical region, the following symptoms are observed:

• headache;
• impaired sensitivity and weakness in the hands;
• limitation of neck motor function;
• dizziness.

Operations for diseases of the spine

• Cost: 100,000 - 250,000 rubles.
• Duration: 40-60 minutes
• Hospitalization: 2-3 days in hospital

More details

Massage for kyphosis of the thoracic spine: beneficial properties

Massage is beneficial not only for human health in general, but also specifically for the spine. It shows particular effectiveness in the treatment of the thoracic spinal column. Special manual techniques make it possible to relax muscles that are in a state of constant spasm, increase blood flow to the pathological area, and also improve the emotional background.

What is the essence of massage?

Massage for thoracic kyphosis is prescribed to restore proper muscle function. The main task is to help the muscular frame return to correct posture and eliminate curvature. In addition, therapeutic massage improves blood flow in muscle tissue, promoting the regeneration of cartilage joints. Like any other massage, therapeutic massage additionally tones the body, maintaining the health of internal organs and the general condition of the patient.

Diagnostics

In the multidisciplinary CELT clinic, special attention is paid to the correct diagnosis, for which a number of studies are carried out. It is worth noting that the presence of this disease is determined visually during an examination by a doctor.

In order to confirm the diagnosis, radiography is performed, which allows you to accurately determine the degree of pathology. In addition, if necessary, a computed tomographic examination and (or) MRI, a functional study of the motor function of the spine, can be performed.

Segmental massage

The purpose of the procedure is to eliminate trophic pathologies of internal organs. The technique was developed by Krauss and Vogler for pathological kyphosis, osteochondrosis and deforming spondylosis. It is necessary to act on the spinous processes, sternum and ribs, shoulder blades and sacrum.

Segmental massage improves muscle tone, preventing further kyphotic deformation. Circular movements are used with the phalanges of the first three fingers on reflex points to ensure blood flow. The impact is carried out on connective tissues that are in spasm due to compression of the spinal nerves.

During massage, anatomical features are taken into account. It is necessary to treat skin areas that are functionally associated with specific segments of the spine. They are located in stripes running from the midline of the body to the center of the back. There are several segments corresponding to the parts of the spine.

Segmental division reflects the innervation of the skin by specific spinal nerves. Massage techniques depend on the apex of kyphosis, and the duration of the course is determined by the massage therapist or attending physician. Along with physiotherapy, sets of exercises are prescribed to be performed at home. Only an integrated approach gives results in overcoming kyphosis.

The most important

Thoracic kyphosis is a dangerous pathology that not only disrupts posture, but also provokes dangerous diseases of the internal organs. When the first symptoms of the disease appear (discomfort in the back, stooped posture), you need to visit a doctor who will conduct a diagnosis and identify the causes of the disorders. Grade 1 kyphosis is the easiest to treat, but it is quite difficult to identify. Stage 2 disease manifests itself with more pronounced symptoms, which must be noticed in time to avoid surgery. In advanced cases, only surgery will help the patient. True, intervention does not guarantee relief from the hump and other unpleasant symptoms. Sometimes, to correct the situation, you need to perform several operations. To avoid kyphosis, you need to monitor your posture, lead a moderately active lifestyle, normalize your weight, and promptly treat diseases that cause curvature.

Conservative treatment methods

Treatment of grade 1–2 kyphosis is most often carried out using conservative methods:

• Taking medications, vitamin and mineral complexes.
• Use of external medications.
• Massage.
• Manual influence.
• Physiotherapy.
• Wearing orthopedic devices.

Therapeutic exercises will help correct posture in a short time if the patient notices the symptoms of the pathology in time

Exercise therapy will help correct grade 1 curvature and stop the further development of the disease. A set of exercises is compiled for each patient separately.

Gymnastics for kyphosis will help strengthen the spinal muscles and correct posture. The attending physician will create a complex for the patient, taking into account his age, cause, degree of illness, and general condition.

You can supplement gymnastics with a massage. It is better to visit a specialist, but if this is not possible, then you can massage your back at home. In order not to harm the patient, you must follow these rules:

• Move smoothly, easily.
• Invite the patient to lie down to relax the muscles.
• Do not squeeze the area of ​​curvature too much.
• Vertebrae that protrude from under the skin must be massaged very carefully.

The procedure is prohibited if there is damage in the deformed area.

The following medications are used in the treatment of kyphosis:

• Diclofenac, Analgin, Ibuprofen, etc. are used to relieve pain.
• To eliminate the inflammatory process - Ketoral.
• To relax tense back muscles, the patient is prescribed Spasgam, etc.
• To restore cartilage and bone tissue, chondroprotectors are used, for example, Teraflex, Sinvik.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes will help strengthen the immune system and improve general condition.

In case of illness, external medications can be used, for example, Voltaren with a warming effect.

The decision to prescribe medications is made solely by the attending physician. Self-medication can lead to adverse reactions and worsen the situation.

Straightening the thoracic spine at the early stage of kyphosis is carried out using special orthopedic devices. The corset will help reduce the load on the spinal column and correct posture.

Reference. In severe cases, a corset will help support the spine in the correct position and reduce excessive mobility of the vertebrae to avoid pinching of the spinal nerves.

You should choose an orthopedic device only with the help of a doctor. If it is chosen incorrectly, the risk of serious complications increases.

When wearing a corset, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Every day, increase the time you wear the corrector by 1 hour.
• Be sure to remove the device before going to bed.
• Wear a corset for 18 hours a day.
• As the course of treatment nears the end, begin to reduce the time you wear the device.

Your doctor will tell you more about the rules for wearing a corset.

Manual treatment for kyphosis will help correct the shape of the spine, correct posture, relax muscles, reduce pain, activate blood circulation and tissue nutrition. When the spine is already straight, the patient must do everything to maintain this result. To do this, you need to follow the recommendations of a specialist.

Carefully. Contact a qualified chiropractor who has a medical education and extensive experience. Incorrect procedures can worsen the patient's condition, including loss of ability to work.

Physiotherapy will help normalize muscle tone, relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and nutrition of spinal tissues. During complex therapy, the following procedures can be used:

• Reflexology.
• Hydrotherapy.
• Mud therapy.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Electrophoresis.
• Pressotherapy and traction, etc.

The decision to choose the appropriate technique is made by the doctor, since all of them have contraindications.

In order for the results of complex treatment to be preserved for a long time, the patient must strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding home treatment.