Kyphosis (stoop). Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, degree of curvature of the spine. Kyphosis of the thoracic spine, treatment and gymnastics Thoracic kyphosis of the spine

Our body is designed in such a way that its work is aimed at reducing the load on the spine. When a person has a curved spine, then after the examination, experts notify the patient that he has kyphosis. Most often, the disease is observed in the thoracic region.

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What is kyphosis of the thoracic spine

This disease develops a curvature of the spine in a person at chest level, as well as over time hump may appear... Due to the fact that the spine takes on an unnatural shape, a person begins to slouch heavily... Very often, this disease manifests itself in boys in early agewhen there is active growth. Kyphosis appears due to the fact that a certain part of the spine weakens, as a result, it begins to bend more and more.

Physiological and pathological

Physiological and pathological thoracic kyphosis has its own characteristics. The first is characterized by the fact that kyphosis can be observed already at the age of seven years, the back bends by 15-30 degrees. Physiological kyphosis is present in almost the entire population, while the back bend can be up to 45 degrees.

shoulders tilt down and forward;
rib cage the patient narrows significantly;
muscle tissue in the back and abdomen is weakened;
the back becomes round, stoop is pronounced;
if the pathology is already at an advanced stage, then a hump appears;
flat feet.

In addition to the above symptoms, the patient also has severe pain . Pain sensations can make themselves felt on the middle back, as well as in the neck and lumbar spine... A burning sensation appears, it is difficult for a person to move, he feels constrained and insecure.

When the pathology begins to actively progress, the patient simultaneously develops a disease.

Degrees

An acceptable degree of back bend is 15-30 degrees. If the bend exceeds 30 degreesthen the doctor diagnoses kyphosis. The disease is divided into several degrees ():

First degree. It is considered the easiest, the disease of this form can be quickly cured. The first degree is characterized by a curve of the back of 31-40 degrees.
Second degree. It is considered moderate, the level of bending reaches up to 60 degrees.
Third degree. It is considered the most difficult. The bend level is greater than 60 degrees.

How to fix thoracic kyphosis

depend on the stage of the disease. If a person has a diagnosis of the last stage, then it is not possible to recover at home, since paralysis of the legs is also characteristic of the third stage.

An excellent treatment solution will be. Such procedures are prescribed by the attending physician, because only a specialist will be able to assess the patient's general situation and prescribe the necessary treatment.

There is also another way of treatment - massage... Such procedures effectively cope with the curvature of the spine of various degrees.

Conclusion

If you notice any symptoms this disease, it is recommended to undergo an examination without fail, so as not to start and not aggravate the disease. In order to prevent the manifestation of kyphosis, it is recommended to perform the following preventive measures:

treat infections and diseases in time in order to prevent complications and the development of others, in particular those related to the spine;
it is best to sleep on a firm mattress;
you need to provide yourself with a comfortable workplace so as not to slouch;
obesity should not be allowed;
be sure to wear special protective equipment for your back when exercising to prevent overstrain;
for older people, regular exercise therapy will be an excellent prevention.

Translated from the ancient Greek "kyphos" means "bent", "hunchbacked". There is a natural bend in the thoracic spine - the so-called physiological kyphosis of the thoracic spine, which is normally observed in all people.

Pathological kyphosis is a deformity of the spine, in which the bending angle of the spinal column is more than 30 degrees... You can look at the photo of the kyphosis of the thoracic spine.

The symptomatology of the initial kyphosis is not very pronounced and is prone to slow progression over time. The absence of a noticeable change in posture leads to the fact that a person is not always able to determine the presence of kyphosis.

Kyphosis becomes apparent in two cases:

posture changes to a noticeable state, as a rule, in this case we can talk about the formation of a hump, while the shoulders go forward and slightly down;
there is pain localized in the thoracic spine, but tending to spread to the entire back, including the lower back, shoulders and neck.

With severe kyphosis, pinching of nerve cells is possible, which sometimes leads to a feeling of numbness in some parts of the body (for example, the lower extremities).

Causes and types of kyphosis

The causes of spinal deformity can be hereditary, traumatic in nature, accompany other bone pathologies (rickets, tuberculosis), be a consequence of age-related degenerative changes, permanent postural disorder.

Consider the types of kyphosis of the thoracic spine in accordance with the causes of it.

Postural kyphosis

It occurs in adolescence and young age more often in men as a result of improper posture, lack of physical activity and activity in life. Postural kyphosis is usually accompanied by lumbar lordosis, which compensates for the kyphosis change in the opposite direction.

Postural kyphosis is corrected with exercises for the muscles of the back, correct posture while sitting and standing, and an active lifestyle. As a rule, special therapeutic measures are not required due to the fact that this type of kyphosis is not associated with anomalies of the vertebrae or structural damage to the spine.

Congenital kyphosis

It is caused by a defect in the formation of vertebrae during the embryonic period. This type of kyphosis can have serious abnormalities. In extreme cases, paralysis of the lower body was noted more often than infectious or traumatic causes.

In addition, congenital kyphosis in 30% of cases with accompanied by defects in the urinary system of the body.
Paralytic kyphosis.

It occurs in response to diseases such as cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy.
Post-traumatic kyphosis.

A spinal injury in any of its parts, as a rule, causes the development and progression of kyphosis.

Post-surgical kyphosis

There is a possibility of development after any surgical correction of the spine. It occurs when the operation was not performed completely successfully, or when a forced displacement of the vertebrae occurred during the rehabilitation period.

Degenerative kyphosis

It is associated with age-related wear of the intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies, weakening of the muscular apparatus that supports the spine.

The degenerative form of kyphosis usually progresses rapidly due to the forces that are required to maintain the correct position of the spine with age.

Scheuermann's Kyphosis

Scheuermann-Mau disease is a separate type of kyphosis due to the proliferation of wedge-shaped vertebrae in the thoracic region (change in the shape of the vertebrae).

There are different points of view on the causes of this disease. Some researchers consider this disease to be genetic. Others are the result of deformation of the bone tissue of the spine during its development. Still others are the result of a muscle abnormality.

Numerous bone diseases can lead to kyphosis:

bone tuberculosis;
rickets;
tumors;
infections;
osteochondrosis;
herniated disc.

These diseases affect the spine and the tissues of the thoracic back, which, as a rule, lead to a change in the physiologically normal shape of the spine.

Symptoms

Consider the symptoms of kyphosis of the thoracic spine.

Deformity of the thoracic back: the appearance of a hump or severe curvature of the spine in the chest area. This symptom is noticeable from the outside. If there is a hint of excessive bending, prevention of kyphosis is obvious and imperative.

Without complex work with the back, with age, this bend will only increase and turn into a hump by old age.
Back deformity is accompanied by other visible changes in body constitution:

the shoulders tend to bend downward and protrude forward;
the area of \u200b\u200bthe chest decreases;
the shoulder blades protrude, forming an acute angle with the back;
the growth of the abdomen is visually noticeable as a result of compression from the chest;
flat feet.

Among symptoms that are invisible to the eye, you can list:

omission of the diaphragm;
pressure on the lungs and abdominal organs;
pinching and pinching nerve endings;
back pain.

Treatment

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment is used in cases of postural and age-related degenerative kyphosis not associated with vertebral anomalies or structural damage. It consists of three elements.

Medication therapy:
- to relieve pain;
- as a mineral and vitamin support;
- in the form of glucocorticosteroid therapy.
Physical exercise.
- daily exercise, gymnastics;
- massage;
- walking.
The purpose of exercise for kyphosis of the thoracic spine is primarily to:
- help a person learn to correctly feel the body posture;
- maintain an appropriate level of activity;
- maximize the range of motion of the back muscles;
- counteract further kyphotic changes in posture.
Wearing corsets and bandages:
Effective in adolescence, when tissues and bones have not yet formed and can change their growth from light exposure to bandages.

You can wear a bandage for a short time, several hours a day. Constant wearing of back support products can weaken the natural support of the spine from the back muscles.

Surgical treatment

The operation is indicated in the following cases:

severe pain that cannot be relieved by conservative treatment methods;
progressive kyphosis in severe stages.

Surgical intervention has as its goals:

reduction of deformation pathological bending of the spine;
stopping the progression of deformity;
elimination of the compressive effect of the vertebrae on the nerve endings;
preventive protection of the spinal cord from possible damage in the future.

Surgical intervention involves stabilizing the spine in chest area using metal structures: rods, screws, plates.

Based on the testimony, it is also possible removal of one or more vertebrae... The removed vertebrae are replaced with implants. Subsequently, the metal structures are removed.

Prevention

The prevention of kyphotic curvature of the spine can only be discussed in case of neonatal forms of kyphosis, as well as forms that are not accompanied by structural changes in the vertebrae or their anomalies. For example, it is impossible to prevent Scheuermann's kyphosis.

With Scheuermann's disease herself better prevention there will be early diagnosis. If you find structural kyphosis on early stages and follow the doctor's recommendations, you can try to minimize the progression of kyphosis.

In cases of non-structural kyphosis, prevention includes:

daily restorative gymnastics, physical exercises, strengthening muscles and stretching the spine to its natural position;
constant work on posture: you need to literally monitor the position of your back every minute;
night rest on hard and hard beds;
in the case of a spinal fracture or bone disease, as well as the elderly, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral complexes, a balanced diet, and the use of foods rich in calcium.

Conclusion

A healthy back guarantees well-being and body tone. The spine in this respect is the central pillar, the state of which determines the correct functioning of the body.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine, even in its small manifestations, is an unpleasant disease of a chronic progressive nature.

Banal rules that are known to everyone, but not everyone is executed, will minimize the consequences of the onset of the disease:

correct exercise for the back;
general strengthening gymnastics;
active lifestyle;
correct posture every minute.

Follow these rules and you will feel how happy and happy your back is.

Slouching, improper posture, in which the shoulders of a person bend forward and downward, kyphosis of the thoracic spine. In this position, the person seems to be trying to become shorter, hunched over and squeezing his chest.

If, standing up to the wall and pressing his back to it, such a person is able to touch the vertical surface with his head without deviating his head, then everything is in order: his stoop has a psychosomatic character. If you cannot touch the wall with your head during this simple test, then there is a disease of the musculoskeletal system.

Diagnosis of thoracic kyphosis

In addition to the wall test, there is another test to determine the curvature of the spinal column, the angle of which does not correspond to the normal physiological state.

It is necessary to bend in such a way that the body is at a right angle relative to the legs, and try to touch the floor with your hands. In this case, three states of the spine are possible:

The back is relatively flat, without noticeable bulges in the middle part and closer to the cervical region. In this case, the kyphosis of the thoracic spine corresponds to the physiological norm.
The back is strongly arched in the middle of the spine. There is an arcuate curvature of the spine.
The back is strongly arched closer to the cervical region. There is an angular curvature of the spine (hump formation).

To reliably determine the presence of curvature of the spinal column, X-ray, tomographic and a number of other examinations are carried out, which are designed to obtain a lateral projection of the spine in order to determine the angle of inclination of the spine and classify the disease by type and degree of development.

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Classification of a vertebral defect

The human vertebral region is characterized by a natural bend, which forms up to 7 years and ranges from 15 to 30 °. Such a curvature forms as physiological kyphosis and is not considered a curvature of the spine.

If the angle of bending of the spinal part of the human skeleton exceeds 30 °, such kyphosis is classified as pathological and has 4 degrees of development of the disease:

Grade 1 is diagnosed at a bend angle of 30 to 40 °.
Grade 2 is already considered hyperkyphosis (excessive bending) and is determined when the spine is bent from 40 to 50 °.
Bending angles between 50 ° and 70 ° are classified as grade 3.
A bend exceeding 70 ° is referred to as grade 4 thoracic kyphosis of the spine.

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Symptoms of pathology

Symptoms can be presented as follows.

External signs are determined visually:

the shoulders are tilted down and slightly forward;
the shoulder blades are laid back;
deformation of the chest in the form of narrowing and lowering of the diaphragm;
back muscles and abs are atrophied;
stoop, hump;
flat feet.

Also observed:

pain, characterized by constant manifestations due to uneven load on the back muscles, pressure on internal organs and destruction of intervertebral discs;
burning, aching pain in the middle part of the back, extending to the cervical and vertebral regions;
fatigue, accompanied by pain with minor physical exertion.

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Causes and consequences of pathological kyphosis

The excess of the physiological norm of kyphosis can be due to a number of factors, depending on the nature of which thoracic kyphosis is divided into several types.

The most common is postural kyphosis, which develops in childhood due to poor posture for a number of reasons:

An uncomfortable posture resulting from prolonged sitting at a desk on chairs that do not provide sufficient support for the thoracic spine (especially if the child is taller than all of his peers).
Inconvenient knapsack (the need to carry a knapsack behind the back, the back of which often does not have an anatomical design, causes excessive stress on the thoracic region).
Deliberate slouch. It can develop in children who are taller than their peers, and is formed as a result of an unconscious attempt to be on the same level with everyone.

As a result of regular performance of a set of physical exercises aimed at the formation of a muscle corset, this type of kyphosis is corrected and subsequently not repeated.

When a child becomes ill with rickets, rickets kyphosis can develop, which can be treated conservatively with back muscles massage, therapeutic exercises, and salt baths.

Tuberculous kyphosis can be a consequence of tuberculous bone disease in childhood or adulthood.

Postural kyphosis occurs in children with insufficient development of the muscular corset of the spine. It can also affect an adult due to an uncomfortable working posture with poor posture and poor physical activity.

Hereditary kyphosis is the result of the inheritance of the body's bone structure, which is prone to increased curvature of the thoracic spine.

Paralytic kyphosis is caused by diseases of the nervous system.

Trauma to the vertebral skeleton, especially with a fracture of the vertebral body, can provoke the development of post-traumatic or compression kyphosis, which cannot be treated with therapy and can only be eliminated by surgery.

Genotypic hyperkyphosis is a hereditary disease that is not subject to classical treatment using manual therapy and massage methods. It can appear in newborns or progress later.

An exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the spinal region or a herniated disc can provoke the development of the most difficult form of postural disorder - degenerative kyphosis. In this case, the nerve endings of the spinal cord are pinched, causing moderate pain. May be asymptomatic.

Characteristic for childhood is the manifestation of total kyphosis, characterized by an irregular, uniform bend of the spine, and Scheuermann-Mau disease, which consists in the proliferation of wedge-shaped vertebrae in the thoracic spine.

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Kyphosis treatment methods

A number of methods are used to treat curvature of the spine, which are used individually or in combination. By the principle of influence, they can be divided into:

Bandage (support), which consists in the use of corsets of various designs and varying degrees of rigidity, to fix the back in the required position and prevent the development of the disease. It is used mainly in childhood or after surgery. The disadvantages are the gradual degradation of the back muscles and the deterioration of the muscular corset.
Medication. Assigned if amplification worries pain, and is implemented in different ways.
Prescription of muscle relaxants, which are aimed at neutralizing muscle spasms.
Taking vitamin and mineral complexes to maintain overall tone.
Taking calcium to strengthen bone structure.
Glucocorticosteroid therapy to relieve pain, reduce swelling of joints and tissues, improve mobility of the spinal column.
Physiotherapy exercises aimed at forming a muscle corset and correcting posture.
Massage treatment. It is used to increase muscle tone, it is classified, depending on the technique, into:

kneading, which consists in influencing the entire body of the patient, which is a preparatory stage for other methods;
mobilization, consisting of rhythmic repetitive actions, the purpose of which is to develop the joint;
manipulation designed to stimulate movement of the joint in the direction in which movement is difficult;
general techniques - smooth movements in a circle in relation to the joints around the perimeter of the patient's body.

Surgical intervention is performed in case of progression of kyphosis, lack of therapy results, increased pain and the manifestation of a strong visual defect that causes discomfort to the patient.

The operation is possible only in adults after they reach the age of 25. The operation is carried out in several stages: opening the spine, removing defective vertebrae, installing metal implants, postoperative rehabilitation, removing fixing structures after 2 years.

Kyphosis is called both pathological and physiological curvature of the spine in the anteroposterior direction. Physiological kyphosis is determined in all people in the thoracic spine. They talk about pathology in cases where the bending angle is 45 degrees or more.

More details about what this disease is, why it occurs in people and how to treat it - later in the article.

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is the posterior bending of the spinal column. Normally, the spine of an adult has two such bends: in the thoracic and sacral spine, in contrast to which there are also two bends anteriorly: in the cervical and lumbar spine. This structure provides the best shock-absorbing qualities and reduces the load on each individual vertebra and intervertebral disc.

The area of \u200b\u200bthe back (spine) in which the curvature occurs during kyphosis is most often the thoracic region, therefore this disease is also often called "thoracic kyphosis" or "thoracic kyphosis". However, the medical literature describes cases where the curvature of the back occurred in the neck and lumbar region (sacrum).

Physiological sacral and thoracic kyphosis is formed in early childhood, while in adults, the curves of the spinal column are fixed. In old, as well as senile age, there is an increase in thoracic kyphosis.

Quite often kyphosis develops in a mixed form, it is called in this variant of its manifestation kyphoscoliosis. This form of the disease is quite rare, it combines both signs of a pathological process, which are relevant in kyphosis, and signs of scoliosis.

Views

Kyphosis manifests itself in different ways - from a barely noticeable stoop to a pronounced hump. Curvatures can be noted in various parts of the thoracic region - cervicothoracic, upper thoracic, thoracic-lumbar.

By form:

Angular kyphosis (kyphosis angularis), or hump. It is characterized by an angular bulge of the back, apex back.
Arcuate kyphosis... It is characterized by a convex back in the form of a short or long arc.
Physiological kyphosis (kyphosis physiologica). It is usually a stage in the development of the spine. It is characterized by a slight inclination of the spine - up to 30 degrees. In the thoracic region, it can be present up to 7 years, in the lumbar region (sacrum) - until puberty.

Functional thoracic kyphosis

This type of pathology is also called the usual stoop. Most often it occurs due to weak back muscles, constant stoop, excessive physical exertion, improper body position while working at the table. If you put such a patient on a flat surface, then the bend will disappear on its own.

When performing fluoroscopy, no changes in the vertebrae will be noted in the images. To treat this type of disease, conservative treatment is sufficient, primarily aimed at strengthening the muscles.

Dorsal juvenile kyphosis (Scheuermann-Mau disease)

Scheuermann-Mau disease - develops in adolescence, mainly in boys, and is expressed in the formation of wedge-shaped vertebrae in the lower thoracic or upper lumbar spine and changes in the ligamentous apparatus

Congenital kyphosis

It is a genetic mutation and inherited defect in the development of the vertebral bodies (anterior regions)

Paralytic kyphosis

Paralytic kyphosis is caused by diseases accompanied by paresis and paralysis of the muscles of the back (poliomyelitis, etc.). With cerebral palsy, there is an increase in thoracic kyphosis and an increase in its length (the bend extends to the upper part of the lumbar spine). Kyphosis can be associated with scoliosis. A gradual progression of deformity is characteristic. Treatment is usually conservative, complex, long-term.

Rachitic

It develops in children with rickets, starting from the sixth month of life. However, rickets kyphosis is often formed in older children or adolescents who have suffered rickets in early childhood.

Post-traumatic kyphosis

The cause of the development of the disease is the previous trauma to the spine. The progression of the disease later becomes the cause of compression of the nerve structures in the spinal column. With a fracture of the spine in the thoracic or lumbar regions, kyphosis of one degree or another develops, based on the severity of the injury, the appropriate treatment is determined, which, in turn, can be both conservative and surgical.

Postoperative

It develops infrequently after undergoing operations on the spinal column for trauma, displacement of the vertebra anteriorly due to congenital non-overgrowth of the vertebral arch with its body (spondylolisthesis), prosthetics of the intervertebral disc, and others.

Senile (degenerative) kyphosis

This type of curvature is caused by dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, which are accompanied by the so-called "subsidence of the spine", as well as the weakening of its ligamentous apparatus

Causes of occurrence

Kyphosis can occur in both children and adults, as well as elderly people. And in each case, different reasons lead to it, therefore, depending on them, several main types of kyphosis are distinguished.

Statistics indicate that up to 10% of people worldwide live with some degree of kyphosis. Male children and adolescents are more susceptible to it.

There are many reasons that can cause kyphosis. The acquired curvature of the thoracic spine may result from:

Operations performed on the spinal column or accompanied by opening the chest.
Spinal injuries, especially with vertebral fractures.
Degenerative changes, most often - and herniated disc, as well as spondylosis.
Age-related disorders occurring in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
Partial paralysis of the back muscles, weak muscular corset.
Pathological changes in the ligamentous apparatus.
Posture disorders, passive lifestyle.
transferred in infancy.
Bone tuberculosis.

Taking into account the angle of curvature, normal, enhanced (with an increased angle) and straightened (with a reduced angle) kyphosis are distinguished.

The most widespread is thoracic kyphosis. It can be considered pathological if the curvature exceeds 31 degrees. Depending on the severity of the bend, 4 degrees of thoracic kyphosis are distinguished:

True kyphosis should be distinguished from kyphotic posture associated with muscle weakness. With her, in the prone position on a hard surface, the back is leveled.

Kyphosis can also differ in the features of the progression of the deforming process. So, with an increase in the slope of up to 7 degrees per year, they speak of a slowly progressive form of kyphosis. Accordingly, with rapidly progressing kyphosis, the pathological change in the angle of inclination ranges from 7 degrees or more per year.

Symptoms of kyphosis of the thoracic spine

In the overwhelming majority of cases, kyphosis is diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, during the formation of the spine. Noteworthy are such external symptoms as:

bent back
sunken chest
protruding belly,
sunken shoulders and scapula apart.

But the problems are not limited to the aesthetic side alone. Although the deterioration in appearance is in itself a severe trauma, especially for children and adolescents.

Due to the formation of a hump, a person experiences the following symptoms:

pain in the heart (a person can take such pain for a manifestation of cardiovascular pathologies);
respiratory failure, the appearance of shortness of breath with little physical exertion and even at rest;
different manifestations of disorders from the digestive tract.

Pain with kyphosis occurs in most cases. Pain syndrome is caused by strong tension of the back muscles, as well as compression of internal organs and partial destruction of the intervertebral discs.

With kyphosis, the vertical axis of the body shifts, and with it - the center of gravity. An excessive load on the feet is created, and as a result, it is formed.

In children younger age the causes of kyphosis of the thoracic spine are tuberculosis of bones and rickets. The risk of developing the disease increases in adolescence, especially in boys. In young people under 30 years of age, disorders can develop as a result of engaging in difficult types of work and often being in the wrong posture. In old age, it most often affects women.

Complications

It is a mistake to think that such a disease is not dangerous. If it is not treated, the pressure on the spine increases, due to which osteochondrosis develops, a herniated intervertebral disc. In addition, a hump is gradually formed.

Due to the excessive pathological curvature of the spine, there is a negative effect on the spine itself, as well as on all organs located nearby. This reduces the volume of the chest and, as a result, the maximum lung capacity. As a result of such changes, blood circulation and tissue oxygenation are disturbed. It also negatively affects the heart and leads to disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system.

With a strong curvature of the spine, the following diseases develop:

inflammation of the liver;
inflammation of the large and small intestines, sometimes - obstruction;
cardiovascular insufficiency;
circulatory disorders of the brain.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of kyphosis of the thoracic spine is in the competence of an orthopedic surgeon.

To begin with, the patient is interviewed, after which the doctor examines him. It is important to clarify the features of pain, their localization, the presence of neurological disorders.
During the examination, the orthopedist palpates the neck and back, specifying muscle strength and skin sensitivity.
In addition, the doctor listens to the heart rate and lungs, assesses the tendon reflexes using a specialized set of tests.

The degree of kyphotic curvature determines not only the main manifestations of the disease, but also the tactics of treating the pathological condition. Therefore, before treating the kyphosis of the thoracic spine, the doctor will without fail refer the patient to an X-ray examination of the spinal column, computed tomography or MRI.

Additional instrumental studies are required to determine the degree of kyphosis and identify the accompanying pathologies. These include:

x-ray of the affected spine in two projections. The doctor determines the degree of kyphotic deformity on a lateral radiograph by calculating the angle of inclination of the spine;
MRI, CT - indicated for a more detailed diagnosis, they visualize the bone structure of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligamentous apparatus;
angiography (vascular examination) is relevant for cervical kyphosis.

How to independently identify thoracic kyphosis?

Several tests can be performed to self-diagnose thoracic kyphosis and to seek treatment.

Stand with your back against the wall and lean on it, try to reach the back of your head to the surface without moving your head back. If there is a disease, this will be difficult to accomplish.
Bend forward towards the floor and look at your curve in the mirror. If there is deformation, then the ridge will not bend to the end.

How is thoracic kyphosis treated?

Treatment of kyphosis begins with a mandatory visit to a doctor and a thorough diagnosis of the disease, after which an individual course of therapy is prescribed:

Manual therapy;
Therapeutic gymnastics (exercise therapy);
Wearing posture correcting devices;
Physiotherapy;
Symptomatic treatment;
Surgical treatment (operation);
Spa treatment.

In the case of severe pain, the use of various groups of analgesics is indicated, more often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketorol, etc.), which allow not only to get rid of obsessive pain, but also to reduce inflammatory damage. These drugs are shown to be taken according to the doctor's prescription every day, and not at the time of painful attacks.

Manual therapy (massage)

It is worth treating a severe curvature of the spinal column with the use of manual therapy and massage. The osteopathic doctor presses on certain areas of the back, thereby helping the vertebrae to fall into place. The basis of manual therapy is the application of a certain pressure to a specific area of \u200b\u200bthe motor segment.

This method of treatment relieves tension from muscles and nerves. Kyphosis of the thoracic spine requires manual procedures every 3-4 days. Thanks to therapeutic massage, blood flow is activated, muscle tone is increased.

Treatment of kyphosis with exercise therapy

Before correcting the kyphosis of the thoracic spine, the doctor prescribes to the patient a set of diagnostic measures aimed at determining the degree of the disease and assessing the condition of the vertebrae, the presence of hernias, and the like. If a person is diagnosed with a curvature of the first or second degree, then exercises are shown for him with kyphosis of the thoracic spine.

Their essence is to strengthen the muscular corset of the back, restore normal blood supply to the damaged area and increase the mobility of the vertebral joints.

Exercises:

Rest your palms and chest against the wall, bend your back as much as possible back. Stand in this position for 3-4 minutes daily.
Turn your back to the wall, throw your hand back above your head and rest on it. Keep your back in a bent position for 30-40 seconds, then change your hand and repeat the exercise from kyphosis.
Lie on your stomach, touch your shoulders with your hands. Next, inhaling, try to tilt your head back while lifting your chest. Try to get up as high as possible. As you exhale, return to a lying position.
Feet shoulder width apart. We put the stick behind the back, pressing it to the shoulder blades. Inhaling, raise the stick up, throw our head back. Exhaling, we return to the starting position.

Wearing Corest

For an adult with kyphosis, a corset will help prevent the development of pathology, but it is not able to align the already formed spine. In childhood, the base of the skeleton is subject to changes due to its cartilaginous structure, so wearing a corset will help completely correct the deformation.

Corsets are used to fix different parts of the spinal column: lumbar, sacral, thoracic or cervical.

Corset tasks:

formation of correct posture
maintaining the spine in a physiologically correct position during curvature
fixation of the spine after surgery or injury, in the presence of a herniated disc and other diseases

Corset wearing rules:

no more than six hours a day
must be removed at night
do not tighten too tight, as blood circulation is locally impaired
put on if necessary: \u200b\u200bdoing physical work, traveling in transport, and so on
worn over underwear so that the details of the corset do not chafe the skin

Spine surgery for thoracic kyphosis

The indication for surgery is:

Persistent pain syndrome that cannot be eliminated by conservative methods.
Rapid progression of kyphosis, especially accompanied by neurological disorders, as well as impaired lung and heart function.
A cosmetic defect that significantly reduces the patient's quality of life and interferes with the performance of professional duties.

The challenge facing the surgeon is to correct the angle of inclination of the spinal column and to stop the progression of the disease. It is important to eliminate the pinching of the nerve endings, as well as to prevent their compression in the future.

Surgical intervention is carried out in two stages: first, the surgeon removes the defect, and then carries out the correction of the spine with the help of metal construction. The transpedicular structure consists of rods and screws. The surgeon always correlates the risk of surgical complications and the benefits of the intervention.

Postoperative lifestyle

After the performed surgical correction of the spine, the patient gradually returns to normal life, observing all the doctor's prescriptions:

exercise therapy complexes, differing in the intensity of the load in the postoperative and late recovery periods;
massage, physiotherapy;
elimination of unfavorable factors affecting the formation of incorrect posture;
swimming, ball games;
skiing, walking;
good sleep, food.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the development of the disease! To do this, it is enough to follow some recommendations:

Heal in time infectious diseases, to treat chronic diseases, to pay attention to the spine.
Sleep on a firm mattress and a comfortable pillow.
Organize your workspace to ensure correct posture throughout the day.
Fight excess weight, prevent overeating.
Lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Protect your back and neck during sports activities, prevent injuries.
Regularly conduct a gymnastic complex for correct posture.
Older people need to think about spine health as early as possible. Taking vitamins and chondroprotectors, as well as daily exercise therapy will help you stay in shape for a long time and forget about problems with the spine.

Kyphosis - excessive arcuate curvature of the thoracic spine, facing the bulge posteriorly. Outwardly, it is manifested by the formation of a hump on the back.

The term "kyphosis" comes from the word "kyphos", which translated from the ancient Greek language means "crooked", "bent", "hunched over".

Statistics

In the world, about 8-10% of the population has kyphosis to one degree or another. It occurs in people of all ages, but children and adolescents are most susceptible to the development of kyphosis. Moreover, the tendency is more in boys than in girls. People at all times treated hunchbacks ambiguously: some considered them an evil force, others ridiculed or despised them for ugliness, and some admired them.

One of the characters of Ancient Greece is the poet-fabulist Aesop. According to legend, he was a slave, had an ugly appearance and a hump. It is still unknown whether Aesop actually existed. However, in numerous legends, the hero of which he became, he always turned out to be smarter and more resourceful than his master, as well as the official sages. Therefore, the common people have always treated this character with admiration.

Let us turn to later literature and recall the great work of the French writer Victor Hugo - the novel Notre Dame Cathedral. One of its main characters is the bell-ringer of the cathedral, the hunchback Quasimodo. Moreover, he was still deaf and one-eyed. In the story, ordinary people treated him like the devil who came to take their souls. Although in fact, Quasimodo was a sick man in love with the beautiful Esmeralda.

Let's remember M. Yu. Lermontov - a talented poet, prose writer and artist. He was short, limped, had crooked legs, a large head and a hump. This is probably why his soul felt uncomfortable in an ugly figure. Which manifested itself in his causticity, rancor, cockiness, ruthlessness to the weaknesses of others. However, this did not prevent him from writing truly immortal works.

Times have changed. Now everyone knows that kyphosis is a disease in which there is nothing mythical.

Spine anatomy

Spine - the supporting structure of the body, without which a person would not be able to walk or even sit.

The spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae, one above the other.

Each vertebra consists of a body, arch, and processes. The arches of the vertebrae surround the spinal cord, forming a canal for it.

Joints are formed between the processes of the vertebrae, which in structure are close to the knee or elbow joint.

At the level of each vertebra, the anterior and posterior roots of the spinal cord (long processes of motor and sensory cells) branch off, which, uniting with each other, form the trunk of the spinal nerve. In turn, the nerve leaves the spinal cord channel through a special opening, which is formed by two adjacent vertebrae. Each nerve is responsible for the innervation of certain anatomical structures (muscles, internal organs, and so on). When the roots of the spinal cord are infringed, the work and nutrition of the organ or tissue they innervate is disrupted.

The vertebrae are connected to each other using:

Intervertebral discs, which are a lining made of cartilage tissue. With age, the disc loses water and becomes less elastic. The function of the discs is to absorb loads during physical activity.
Ligamentsthat connect the vertebrae together. They are elastic fabric.
Tendons,extending from the ligaments and connecting bones to muscles.

Back musclesprovide free movement and support the spinal column.

Due to the fact that all these anatomical structures of the spinal column are closely interconnected, the stability of the spine is ensured, it is possible to tilt back and forth, left and right, and turn the body.

Normally, there are four physiological bends in the spinal column(side view):

In the cervical and lumbar regions there are bulges forward - two lordosis.
In the thoracic and sacral regionsthere are bulges back - two kyphosis. In the thoracic region, kyphosis is formed by the age of 7, sacral - by the period of puberty.

The bulges are insignificant, and their expression and size are not always the same. In addition, they largely depend on the characteristics of each person.

Due to its physiological curves, the spine is elastic, mobile and can withstand colossal loads.

Causes, types and mechanisms of kyphosis development

Kyphosis in form is:

Angular - curvature of the spine in the form of a smooth circular arc. Its apex is a spinous process of one or less often two vertebrae.
Arcuate - in the form of a short, highly elongated arc.

Types of kyphosis

Postural (postural) or functional kyphosis

The result of poor posture. It is sometimes called a "round back" Most common in children, adolescents and young people under 30 years of age. More often girls are ill.

Causes

Constant stoop in a standing or sitting position, due to the environment at school or the characteristics of the profession.

Overloading the shoulders with inappropriate clothing in the cold season. This reason is especially relevant in children.

Often adolescents or young people are ashamed of their height, so they constantly slouch. In addition, it should be noted that they live in uncomfortable conditions. Since all furniture, the height of doorways or public transport doors are made based on the height of the average person - 180 cm.

Weak back muscles due to insufficient physical activity.

On a note

A distinctive feature of functional kyphosis is when, in the prone position of the patient, the rounded shape of the back easily disappears, and there are no structural changes in the vertebrae.

Formation mechanism

Under unfavorable conditions (improper organization of the workplace, and so on), the vertebral ligaments are overstretched and the shapes of the vertebrae inappropriate to the norm appear, therefore, a forward tilt is gradually formed.

Simultaneously with these changes, the load on the cervical and lumbar spine increases. As a result, compensatory hyperlordosis (excessive anterior curvature of the spinal column) is formed in these segments, which further aggravates the course of the disease.

Juvenile kyphosis (Scheuermann-Mau disease)

There is a deformity of the spine of the type of kyphosis during the period of intensive growth of the child - at the age of 14-16. Boys are more prone to it than girls.

It occurs in 1% of children. In 30% of cases, it is combined with scoliosis.

Because of what this form of kyphosis develops, it is not precisely established.

The estimated causes of occurrence:

congenital overgrowth of bone tissue on the body of the vertebrae or necrosis of the hyaline cartilage (located between the vertebra and the disc), as well as a violation of the blood supply to the vertebrae

the result of vertebral microtraumathat arose as a result of osteoporosis (partial resorption of inert substance and increased bone fragility)

pathological abnormal development of the back muscles

Formation mechanism

The shape of several vertebrae changes: their front part narrows, and they themselves take the shape of a wedge. In addition, gradual degeneration (loss of function) occurs, contracture (contraction) of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and pectoral muscles develops.

And at the same time, the back muscles are stretched, and their fatigue also develops, so they cease to perform their functions. As a result, the thoracic spine tilts forward and kyphosis is formed.

Congenital kyphosis

It develops as a result of impaired intrauterine development of the fetus. In 20-30% of cases, it is combined with an abnormality of the urinary tract.

Causes

Anomaly of the development of the vertebrae themselves... Vertebrae of various shapes are formed: wedge-shaped, butterfly-shaped, hemivertebrae, and so on. The frequency of this type of kyphosis is about 70% of all congenital kyphosis.

Disorders of separation into individual vertebrae: they seem to stick together. The frequency is 11-21%.

Rotational dislocation of the spine- when kyphosis is located between two areas of the spine, which are based on scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and lordosis (excessive bending forward) at the same time.

Pathology, which, as a rule, leads to gross deformation of the spine, as well as the spinal cord and impairment of its functions. Therefore, this form of kyphosis is accompanied by neurological symptoms, which depend on the level at which there is a congenital malformation: urinary disorders, paralysis in the lower body, and so on. This form of kyphosis is rare.

Formation mechanism

The laying of the spine and the onset of ossification of the vertebrae in the fetus occurs at 5-8 weeks of intrauterine development. If at this moment unfavorable factors (stress, various diseases and others) affect the mother's body, then this can lead to the formation of anomalies in the development of the spine, as well as congenital weakness of the back muscles.

Paralytic kyphosis

It occurs due to paralysis of the muscles of the spine.

Causes

Any disease that caused paralysis of the back muscles: poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and others.

Formation mechanism

Kyphosis develops slowly, because after the onset of paralysis, the back muscles gradually atrophy and cease to perform their functions. It should be remembered that with spastic paralysis, muscle tone increases, and with sluggishness, it decreases.

However, in both cases, the strength of the back muscles is reduced or absent altogether. In addition, the back muscles gradually atrophy (decrease in size). Therefore, they can no longer perform their functions (to ensure the stability of the spine, bends, turns, and so on). As a result, with physical exertion (even moderate), the very shape of the vertebrae changes and they shift.

Post-traumatic kyphosis

It makes up about 40% of all kyphosis and progresses rapidly. With a spinal injury, kyphosis develops quite often: according to some reports, in 70-90% of cases. The severity of kyphosis depends on the severity of the injury and its extent.

Causes

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae themselves and intervertebral discs, as well as the weakening of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus that supports the spinal column.

Formation mechanism

With the gradual development of degenerative processes, the shape of the vertebral bodies is deformed. In addition, intervertebral discs sag or disc hernias form, back muscles and ligaments are weakened in the affected area. As a result, the spinal column begins to bend, unable to withstand even minor loads.

In addition, at the initial stages of kyphosis formation, an imbalance in body weight and redistribution of the load on individual structures of the spinal column develop. Therefore, the parts of the spine that are not initially involved in degenerative processes (healthy) take on most of the load and, as a result, wear out faster. Thus, a vicious circle is formed.

Senile (senile) kyphosis

It develops in people in old age and is most common in women.

Causes

Reverse development of anatomical structures (aging) that form the spine: intervertebral discs, ligaments, vertebrae, muscles.

Formation mechanism

The vertebrae become softer, the muscles and ligaments become less elastic, the intervertebral discs sag. Therefore, the spine gradually ceases to withstand loads, even moderate ones. As a result, as age-related changes progress, the spinal column becomes bent.

Rachitic kyphosis

It develops in children with rickets, starting from the sixth month of life. However, rickets kyphosis is often formed in older children or adolescents who have suffered rickets in early childhood.

Cause

Rickets is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin D, which leads to a change in metabolism. What is manifested by a violation of bone formation (bones become soft), the work of the nervous system and some internal organs.

Formation mechanism

Due to the softness of the vertebrae, as well as the weakness of the muscles and ligaments, the spinal column can no longer withstand adequate stress. Therefore, the vertebrae change their shape and shift.

Other reasons

Often, kyphosis develops with tumors of the spinal column or spondylitis (chronic inflammatory diseases of the spine): infectious (for example, tuberculosis) and non-infectious (for example, ankylosing spondylitis)

With a prolonged course and irrational treatment of these diseases, the vertebral bodies are destroyed, the intervertebral discs sag, the ligaments and muscles are weakened. Therefore, the spinal column itself is deformed, not withstanding the loads.

Spinal kyphosis degrees

Normally, the angle of physiological kyphosis of the spine ranges from 15 ° to 30 °. Anything more is pathology.

There is a difference between physiological kyphosis and pathology: normally, the apex of kyphosis is at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra, while in case of disease it shifts.

Classification of kyphosis according to the severity of the angle of inclination

I degree. The tilt angle is from 31 ° to 40 °
II degree. Angle - 41 to 50 °
III degree.Angle - 51 to 70 °
IV degree. Angle - 71 ° and more

Diagnosis of kyphosis

The severity of the angle of inclination is difficult to determine "by eye".

For this, special methods are used:

X-ray of the spinal column.The picture is taken in lateral projection with the maximum extension of the spine.
Then on Three points are marked on the X-ray film:
- the first is the center of the vertebra, which is at the apex of the bend
- the second and third are the centers of the two extreme vertebrae of the bend
Then these three points are connected, so that a triangle is formed.
- Tilt angle. For this, the lines intersecting at the top of the bend (legs) are extended. And the resulting outer angle (lateral) in relation to the legs is actually the angle of inclination of the kyphosis.
- Kyphosis coefficient.To determine it, from a point located on the rise of the arc (apex), a perpendicular is drawn to the base of the triangle. The ratio of the length of the base to the height of the perpendicular is the kyphosis coefficient. It is necessary to establish whether the curvature is a disease or a norm. If it is less than 10, then kyphosis is considered a pathology.
Magnetic resonance imaging It is used to clarify, as well as identify the degree of structural changes in the intervertebral discs (flattening in the anteroposterior direction, the presence of a hernia), vertebrae and other anatomical formations of the spine.
Also, if necessary, studies of the function of other organs and systems are carried out to determine how much their work is impaired (for example, ultrasound of internal organs).

Signs of kyphosis depending on the severity of the angle of inclination

First degree kyphosis

The angle of inclination is small, so the stoop is not expressed, and the kyphosis itself is easily treatable.

Signs

Posture is moderately impaired, patients complain of rapid fatigability of the back muscles, as well as slight back pain, which increases with minor physical exertion.

It is in such a dull symptomatology that the problem lies: many perceive the stoop as a temporary drawback. This is especially true for parents who believe that in the process of the child's growth, it will be eliminated by itself. However, this is an erroneous opinion, since with excessive or insufficient load, the first degree kyphosis can go into the second or even the third degree.

Second degree kyphosis

The angle of inclination is slightly larger, so the symptoms are more pronounced.

Causes

in time untreated kyphosis of the first degree
consequences of injury or surgery
inadequate load on the spine during the period of intensive growth, and it can be either excessive or insufficient
congenital kyphosis

Signs

The roundness of the back is pronounced, the shoulders are lowered down.
The curvature becomes especially noticeable if a child or an adult is sitting at a table for a long time: the back takes a C-shape... This happens because the back muscles get tired quickly. Therefore, the patient tries to find a comfortable posture and support, but in vain.
In the prone position, the back remains convex, even if the body is slightly pressed from above.
Standing bulging belly due to moderate compensatory strengthening of the forward bending of the spine in the lumbar region (lordosis), as well as relaxation of the abdominal muscles.
The cervical lordosis (protrusion forward) becomes more pronounced, therefore, due to the displacement of the position of the neck, the patient's chin is strongly shifted forward.

All these phenomena lead to the fact that the volume of the chest decreases, and the diaphragm (respiratory muscle) no longer performs its function in full. As a result, the work of the heart and respiratory organs is disrupted. Therefore, such patients often suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis, ischemic disease heart and other diseases.

Kyphosis of the third degree

Severe pathology, which is characterized not only by external changes, but also by severe dysfunctions of internal organs.

Causes

Untreated kyphosis of the first or second degree.
Congenital malformations of the spinal column and musculoskeletal system.
After suffering severe injuries of the spinal column.
Pronounced degenerative changes in the spine, which occur for various reasons: rapid growth of the skeleton, rapidly progressing infectious and non-infectious inflammatory diseases of the spine, rickets and others.

Signs

The line of the spinal column becomes S-shaped. That is, the spine is bent, both in the thoracic and lumbar regions, so the patient's back is literally bent in half.
Due to the deformation of the trunk, growth decreases, and the limbs seem to be longer.
Muscle tone in the arms and legs is reduced.
The patient cannot withstand prolonged loads, cannot be in a sitting or standing position for a long time. In addition, he needs support.
Constant pain in the back worries, intercostal neuralgia develops (compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves).
At the slightest load, the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems is disrupted: shortness of breath appears (sometimes even at rest), interruptions in the work of the heart (fading or increased heart rate) and some other symptoms.
Sometimes, due to pressure on the internal organs, there are signs of a violation in their work: incontinence of feces and urine, belching, and others.
If a child develops kyphosis of the second or third degree, then he lags behind his peers in physical development.

Over time, all these changes progress, leading to deep disability of the patient.

Kyphosis symptoms

Many people believe that kyphosis is a deformity of the spine that is manifested only by a stoop or hunchback.

However, changes invisible to the eye also occur: the volume of the chest decreases, the diaphragm descends and presses on the internal organs, disrupting their work. As kyphosis progresses, compensatory hyperlordosis (excessive forward bending) of the lumbar or cervical spine develops.

In addition, the spine ages quickly, the height of the intervertebral discs decreases, and their depreciation functions are also lost. The roots of the spinal cord may be pinched, which leads to disruption of the functioning of internal organs and innervation of the limbs. As a result, pain occurs, blood circulation is impaired, and many other changes develop.

All manifestations of kyphosis and complaints of patients depend on the degree of inclination, as well as the affected segment of the spine.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine

It occurs most often, it is characterized by the involvement of 4 to 10 thoracic vertebra in the process.

Signs

Patients complain of rapid fatigability of the back muscles, as well as painful spasms.

When the spinal cord or its roots are pinched, patients talk about the appearance of numbness and weakness in the limbs, as well as the appearance of a feeling of "goose bumps" in them.

With an increase in the angle of inclination, the disease progresses, therefore, disturbances in the work of internal organs are often observed:

gastrointestinal tract (belching, poor appetite, stool incontinence)
respiratory system (shortness of breath, frequent bronchitis, pneumonia)
heart and blood vessels (interruptions in the work of the heart, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure)
urinary system (urinary incontinence)

Cervical kyphosis

In the cervical spine, there is normal physiological lordosis - forward bending. Therefore, when the posterior bend changes, it is not entirely correct to speak of kyphosis. In this case, we are talking about flattening or straightening of lordosis.

Causes

degenerative (changes in organs and tissues with impairment or loss of their function) processes in the spine arising from inflammatory diseases of an infectious (tuberculosis) and non-infectious (ankylosing spondylitis, ostechondrosis) nature
age (senile) changes
consequences of trauma
herniated disc
spinal tumors (benign, malignant)

Signs

stoop appears
patients complain of numbness in the hands, pain in the back of the head and shoulders, headaches and dizziness
there are frequent drops in blood pressure
sometimes a hump forms in the neck due to protruding spinous processes of the vertebrae

With a long course of the disease and in the absence of adequate treatment, the roots of the spinal cord can be infringed. As a result, the work of the respiratory system is often disrupted (shortness of breath sometimes appears even at rest, there are frequent diseases of pneumonia, bronchitis) and the heart (arrhythmias, increased blood pressure).

Kyphosis of the lumbar spine

It is about smoothing out the physiological lordosis in the lumbar spine. The vertebrae of the lumbar region are affected, as well as secondarily - the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae.

Causes

lumbar spine injury
herniated discs in the lumbar spine
in young people with well-developed lumbar muscles
lumbar osteochondrosis
malignant and benign neoplasms
consequences of infections (tuberculosis)
transferred rickets

Signs

back pain radiating to the buttocks or lower extremities (along the sciatic nerve)
decreased sensitivity and numbness of the legs
drops in blood pressure
sexual disorders
incontinence of urine and feces
secondary hump formation above the lumbar spine

Which doctor diagnoses and treats spinal diseases?

The spine is the seat of the spinal cord and part of the bone marrow. Therefore, doctors of various specialties are involved in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases of the spine: neuropathologist, vertebro-neurologist, chiropractor, oncologist, traumatologist, rheumatologist and others.

Physicians of such specialties as vertebro-neurologist, traumatologist, neurosurgeon, chiropractor are responsible for the treatment and diagnosis of kyphosis.

Kyphosis treatment

The choice of direction depends on the stage and cause of kyphosis, as well as complications that have already developed. Of course, one cannot do without drugs that alleviate the general condition, reduce pain, compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. However, pills, ointments, gels and injections are not the mainstay of kyphosis treatment.

A slightly different approach is needed here.

There are two main areas of treatment:

Without surgery - conservative treatment (main method)
- performing special therapeutic exercises
- back massage
- wearing orthopedic corsets
With operation - surgery

Performing specific therapeutic exercises

In children and adolescents, therapeutic and recreational exercises, depending on the angle of inclination of kyphosis, can lead to a complete cure. Whereas in adults, recovery does not always occur, since the spinal column has already been formed, and its shape does not change.

However, this does not mean at all that this method of treatment should be neglected. Since, thanks to exercises, the back is visually straightened, local blood circulation and tissue nutrition are improved. Therefore, further destruction of the anatomical structures of the spine and the progression of kyphosis are suspended. In addition, strong muscles form a powerful framework for the spine.

There are many complexes of therapeutic exercises. Here are just a few of them that everyone can do at home.

A set of exercises for the treatment of thoracic kyphosis

When starting this set of exercises, stock up on a gymnastic stick in advance.

Take the starting position (I.P.): Stand on your feet and spread them shoulder-width apart. Then put the gymnastic stick behind your back and lightly press it with your hands to the shoulder blades (this position helps to straighten the shoulder blades). And start squats: squatting, exhale. Returning to the starting position, inhale.
I.P. The same as in the previous exercise. Raise your arms up over the sides while inhaling. Returning to the starting position, exhale.
I.P. Stand straight and spread your legs shoulder-width apart. Then put the gymnastic stick behind your back and hold it in your hands, slightly pressing it against the shoulder blades. Further, raising your hands, at the same time slightly throw your head back. Breathe in as you do this exercise. Returning to the starting position, exhale.
Get on all fours, rest on your hands and knees. Next, raise your head, and move your elbows to the sides and bend your chest as far down as possible. In this position, take 40-50 steps.
I.P. Lie on your back, straighten your arms along the body. Then, leaning on your hands, bend your spine upward, lifting your ribcage and pelvis. Breathe in as you exercise. Returning to the starting position, exhale.
I.P. Lie on your stomach, put a gymnastic stick on your shoulder blades and hold it with your hands. Next, tilt your head back while bending your spine up. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds and return to I.P. During the exercise, breathing is arbitrary.
I.P. Stand in a knee-wrist position. Next, bend your elbows and lower your ribcage to the floor, making a movement with your whole body forward. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds and return to I.P. Breathing is arbitrary.
I.P. Lie on your back, stretch your arms along your torso and relax as much as possible. Then place your hands behind your head and stretch. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds and return to I.P. Breathing is arbitrary.
I.P. Stand on your feet straight, place your hands on the back of your head. Next, rise on your toes and at the same time spread your arms to the sides. Inhale as you exercise. Returning to the starting position, exhale.

Exercises to treat lower back kyphosis

I.P. Lie on your back, raise your arms up and extend them. Then, at the same time, stretch your arms up as much as possible and your toes down. Remain in this position for 20-30 seconds. Next, pull the socks towards you, and stretch down with your heels, alternately with each leg, so that the illusion of walking is created, but without bending your legs at the knee joints. Repeat the movements for 20-30 seconds. This exercise stretches your back and lower back muscles.
I. P. Remaining in a supine position, spread your arms to the sides and bend your legs at the knee joints, move your pelvis a little to the right. Then turn your head to the right, and bent legs at the knee joints to the left and lay them on a surface. Stay in this position for 20-30 seconds. Then repeat the exercise, but in the opposite direction. As you exercise, breathe slowly and relax your back muscles as much as possible with each exhalation.
I.P. Remaining on your back, lower your arms along your torso. Turn the legs bent at the knees in both directions, and the feet towards each other and connect them. Then, while inhaling, leaning on your hands, raise your back and pelvis above the surface, and squeeze your buttocks. Remain in this position for 5-10 seconds, then slowly return to I.P. on exhalation.
I.P. In a supine position, bend your knees and pull them to your chest, holding them in this position with your hands. Next, inhale, and as you exhale, raise your head to your knees. If it's hard, then pull each leg to your chest in turn, without raising your head.

Exercises to treat kyphosis of the neck

I. P. Sitting, lower your shoulders down and pull your crown up. Then close your eyes and focus on stretching your neck. Next, begin smooth movements of your head back and forth, while throwing your head back only slightly.
I. P. as in the previous exercise. Tilt your head smoothly to the sides.
I.P. While sitting, place your palms on your forehead. Next, take a deep breath and as you exhale, press with your palms on your forehead, and with your forehead on your palms. But try not to strain too much, and while doing the exercise, try to keep your neck upright.
I. P. Sitting, place your palms on the temples. As you exhale, press on the temples with your palms, and with your head on your palms. While inhaling, stop the pressure on the temples. Perform the exercise first in one direction, and then in the other.

On a note

In the complexes, repeat each exercise from 3 to 5 times, depending on the load tolerance, only then proceed to the next.
Do exercises for all areas, strengthening the entire spine.
If it's hard for you, teach every other day.
Perform each exercise depending on your overall health, gradually increasing their repetitions, as well as the number.
Perform all exercises on a firm surface.

Kyphosis surgery

The measure that is resorted to if other methods have not helped, since there are high risks of complications.

Indications

the disease is rapidly progressing
kyphosis with an angle of inclination of more than 60 degrees
severe pain syndrome, which indicates infringement of the roots of the spinal cord and does not stop medicines
high risk spinal cord compression
imbalance and free movement
development of complications: urinary and fecal incontinence
muscle atrophy (decrease in size with impaired or loss of function) of muscles

Contraindications

elderly age
the presence of severe concomitant pathology: arterial hypertension of the III degree, diabetes mellitus with a severe course, arrhythmias and other ailments
oncological diseases that are not in remission

Risks of Surgical Treatment

infection
nerve damage
alteration of the graft
difficulty in wound healing
bleeding

Methodology

Their choice depends on the severity of the kyphosis, as well as the cause that caused it.

Methodology	Method of access to the problem area	Procedure progress	Efficiency
Osteotomy (transection of the bone to correct deformity) followed by plasty	In accordance with the features of the curvature, an anterior, posterior or combined dissection is performed.	Problematic vertebrae are cut, deformities are corrected, then they are fixed in the desired position. The resulting cracks are filled with donor bone, artificial grafts, and biological substances. The spine is stabilized with titanium screws, plates, and so on. All of these methods fix the vertebrae and keep the spine in balance, ensuring its stability.	The method is quite effective in advanced cases.
Kyphoplasty - minimally invasive surgery	It is performed through small incisions at the site of injury using endoscopic equipment.	A capsule is inserted into the area of \u200b\u200bthe destroyed vertebra, which has the ability to swell and take the form of a defect. Then its cavity is filled with a special solution, which solidifies after injection. Thus, maintaining the shape of the vertebra and preventing it from further deterioration.	This method is especially effective for minor defects and after fresh spinal injuries.

Massage for kyphosis

Plays a supporting role and gives good results when combined with remedial gymnastics.

What should be the massage?

Regardless of the type of kyphosis, all movements should be smooth and light.
Before and during the massage, the patient's back muscles should be as relaxed as possible, and he should lie in a comfortable position.
You should not press on the curved area of \u200b\u200bthe back as if it needs to be leveled right now.
Carefully massage the area of \u200b\u200bthe spinous processes of the vertebrae.
If there are wounds, bruises or irritation on the skin of the back, it is better to temporarily refrain from massage sessions.

How to massage?

Before the massage, you should lightly lubricate your back with massage oil. Next, prepare the muscles of the back for massage: perform stroking movements all over the back with a full palm and in both sides of the spine at the same time.

Then proceed to the massage itself, performing movements in the following order:

First kneading block: grips, stroking with zigzag and rake-like finger movements, spiral touches.
Rubbing muscles with full palms, ribs of palms, fingers.
Second kneading block: stretching, shifting, pinching, comb kneading.
Vibrations by tapping with your fingertips, chopping the ribs of the palm, patting the palm.

Each of these movements is repeated 5-8 times, and the procedure itself lasts about 15-20 minutes.

The massage session ends with gentle strokes.

What is the effect of massage?

It improves blood circulation and lymph flow, nutrition of the muscles and ligaments of the back, as well as the vertebrae. Therefore, the destruction of bones and intervertebral discs is suspended, the back muscles are strengthened.

Prevention

In the age of computer technology, office workers spend their working day sitting in front of a monitor screen. And schoolchildren are mostly at school, sitting at their desks, and at home - doing their homework. As a result, various deformities of the spine may develop. Therefore, it is necessary to organize the workplace correctly for each employee and student.

How to choose a slouch corset?

Corsets are used to fix different parts of the spinal column: lumbar, sacral, thoracic or cervical.

Corset tasks

formation of correct posture
maintaining the spine in a physiologically correct position during curvature
fixation of the spine after surgery or injury, in the presence of a herniated disc and other diseases

Types of corsets

The model and type of corset is recommended by the attending physician individually, depending on what goals need to be achieved and the severity of the disease itself. In addition, the doctor will select the type of corset: thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar, lumbosacral, or cervical.

Your tasks:

Choose the right corset size. To do this, while inhaling, measure the circumference of the chest, as well as height. Further, be guided by the size table, which is in the description of each model. If your parameters are intermediate, then give preference to a larger product.

Choose a corset made of quality material:
- the fabric of the corset itself should be light and elastic, and its inner surface is made of cotton fabric
- all metal inserts and corrective parts must not press or chafe
- it is better to opt for a product that is equipped with Velcro fasteners and wide elastic straps

Corset wearing rules

no more than six hours a day
must be removed at night
do not tighten too tight, as blood circulation is locally impaired
put on if necessary: \u200b\u200bdoing physical work, traveling in transport, and so on
worn over underwear so that the details of the corset do not chafe the skin

What exercises to do for slouching?

There are complexes of medical and recreational physical education, which are aimed at strengthening the muscles of the back. They are quite simple, so anyone can do them at home.

The simplest set of exercises for stoop

Take the starting position (I.P.): Lie on your stomach, raise your hands to your shoulders. Then, as you inhale, lift your ribcage, simultaneously resting on your forearms and throwing your head back. As you exhale, lower yourself.
I.P. Get on all fours, bend your back down as much as possible and spread your elbows to the sides. In this position, walk 40-50 steps.
I.P. Lie on your back with your legs bent at the knees. Then lean on your feet and head, then tear the pelvis and back from the surface. Hold in this position for 2-3 seconds and return to the starting position.
I.P. Sit on the floor, straighten your legs and place your hands on your shoulders. Then perform circular motions backward (counterclockwise). At the same time, straining the muscles of the reducing shoulder blades as much as possible.

How to treat a child's stoop?

In children, due to circumstances (prolonged stay at a desk in the wrong position, and so on), postural or functional kyphosis most often develops. The task of parents is to prevent the further development of kyphosis and to promote complete recovery child.

Fortunately, children have the possibility of a complete cure, since their spine is not fully formed, and the muscles and ligaments of the back are elastic.

For the treatment of stoop in children, the following are used:

health-improving gymnastics
wearing a corset
back massage
correct organization of the workplace
swimming lessons under the guidance of an experienced instructor

How to identify slouching?

Slouch - a physical defect that is usually clearly visible.

Characteristic appearance a person with kyphosis:

the shoulders are lowered and tilted forward and downward as the chest muscles are shortened
head tilted forward
the abdomen is bulging due to weakness of the abdominal muscles and hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine (excessive forward curvature)
legs bent at the knees
the chest is narrowed

There are two diagnostic methods:

lateral projection of the spine
magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal column