How to correct spinal curvature at home: exercises. The main causes of spinal curvature and how to correct the irregular shape of the spinal column How to correct the spine at home

Date: 2013-09-28

Hello site readers.

It's time to talk about health. I decided to write an article - how to correct posture, because lately I have often noticed that a lot of people walk bent over to the floor. From the outside it looks extremely ugly. It feels like these people are slaves! In addition, posture speaks about a person. I have never seen a crooked successful person. And the woman will not feel protected with "crooked". So how to correct your posture?

Causes of spinal curvature

The causes of a curved spine can be both congenital and acquired. The main congenital cause of a curved spine is a violation of full intrauterine development, which results in underdevelopment of the vertebrae, the appearance of wedge-shaped and additional vertebrae. Acquired causes of spinal curvature include the following diseases: rickets, tuberculosis, radiculitis, pleurisy, poliomyelitis, as well as some injuries - spinal fracture.

In most cases, a person is faced with acquired causes of a curved spine. And often these are not injuries, but incorrect body position due to professional activities. We all begin to crook our spine from school. A person who is sitting cannot easily keep his back straight. This requires a certain load. Therefore, a person relaxes his back, and it becomes hook-shaped. Even now I’m sitting and when I write, my back is in a hook shape. Hence the first conclusion - a sedentary lifestyle leads to spinal curvature.

A sedentary lifestyle also leads to curvature of the spine. A person who does not play sports has weak muscles in the back, arms, legs and the whole body as a whole. He has no choice but to become crooked. And the third reason is habit of walking crookedly. This habit can be corrected. More on this in the section on how to correct your posture.

The most important thing is the desire to correct your posture. If you want something, to improve any area, you will have to take specific actions. The desire must be strong. Because correcting your posture will require concentration from you. So, let's get started.

Personally, I have great posture because I follow some basic rules. Start over. An excellent way to get rid of crooked posture is to sleep on your back without a pillow on a hard surface. This doesn't mean you have to sleep on the floor. Make your bed firm. Remove the mattress or something! You will have to give up the pillow because it raises your head. The levels between the back and head are different. It is not good. If you sleep with a pillow, then only in an embrace.

Go ahead. I assume you have a sedentary lifestyle - a sedentary job. In a sitting position, as I said above, it is difficult to keep your back straight. Therefore, once every ten minutes, get up from your workplace and just stand. If your office is large, walk around it. You can just sit back in your chair. The main thing is not to sit for a long time. Rest should be at least 5 minutes. Better 10 minutes.

Now let's talk about gait. This is where you will need willpower. According to his habits, a person does the same things. From gait to actions. You will have to consciously control your gait. Go to the wall, stand with your back to it, align yourself with it and, walking away slowly, fix in your mind the correct even gait.

When you walk down the street, keep your back straight. A month will pass and your gait will become stronger. You will walk with beautiful, even posture. Your surroundings will definitely notice such a change. They may think that you have become a proud person. Let them continue to think like that.

Special back exercises will help correct your posture. For example, going to the pool is a good way to correct crooked posture. To do this, you will have to swim often in any style. Going to the gym and doing back exercises is amazing for improving your posture. , pressing a weight towards you, rotating a hoop, exercises for the lower back - perfectly develop the back muscles and get rid of curvature.

In addition to strength exercises, there are also gymnastic exercises. I mean, you don’t have to spin on the bar like a gymnast, although that wouldn’t be bad at all. For example, you need to raise your arms up and reach for the ceiling with all your might. Stretch as hard as you can for 10-15 seconds. Then a break of 30 seconds. Then do this exercise again and there should be 5-7 such repetitions. Do the same while lying on your back. Pull your arms up, legs down. The voltage should be maximum.

The next exercise is the bridge. The bridge may not work out right away. It all depends on the flexibility and obesity of your body. Nevertheless, this exercise is mandatory. You not only need to stand on the bridge, but also walk.

Go ahead. Lie on your stomach and take your bent legs to your knees with your hands. Rock on your tummy for 30-60 seconds. Then relax on the floor for 30 seconds and do this exercise again. Do 5 reps. This exercise is just for those whose spine is not very flexible.

Now stand on your feet, raise your arms up as much as possible, without standing on your toes, start bending back (pull your raised arms back up, your stomach forward). Just be careful, the amplitude should not be large. Otherwise you will break yourself. Do the exercise from the video below.

When it comes to the curvature of the spine, in the minds of many citizens there is one diagnosis - scoliosis. Along with this, there are other types of spinal curvature and their combinations, which will be discussed in the following narrative.

Regardless of the type of curvature, this pathology has the potential to disrupt motor function and involve the shoulders, pelvis, limbs and even internal organs in the destructive process. The posture and appearance of the patient as a whole are disturbed.

In view of the above reasons, it is very important to know what types of spinal curvatures exist, why they appear and how they are treated.

General information

It is known that normally the spine has some S-shaped curve. In the absence of this, a person simply could not sit, stand, walk, bend or straighten his torso. Along with this, due to certain unfavorable circumstances, the magnitude of the specified bend may deviate from the norm. Under such conditions, various disorders are diagnosed. So, for example, if the spine is curved anteriorly, kyphosis is diagnosed, posteriorly - lordosis, sideways - scoliosis.

Their combinations are also possible, for example, if the spine is simultaneously curved sideways and backwards, we are talking about kyphoscoliosis.

Kyphosis and lordosis in some cases can be regarded as a variant of the norm, in contrast to scoliosis, which is a pathology under any circumstances.

Let's look at more detailed information about the mentioned curvatures.

Scoliosis - diagram

It is classified into congenital and acquired forms. Most often diagnosed in patients 4-16 years of age. The main reason for its occurrence is constant incorrect posture, for example, when sitting at a desk.

In such conditions, an incorrect distribution of loads occurs across the back muscles and the spine itself. Significant pathological changes in the structure of the ligaments occur, disturbances in the location of some vertebrae occur and, ultimately, a pronounced lateral curvature is formed.

In addition, previously experienced rickets can lead to scoliosis. Also, provoking factors may lie in the characteristics of work activity that contribute to the occurrence of prolonged uneven loads.

Various types of trauma should also be included among the provoking factors.

As scoliosis progresses, a pronounced change in the shape of the chest occurs, and asymmetry of the shoulder blades and shoulder girdle develops. The patient complains of neuralgia. Possible dysfunction of internal organs.

It can be arched and angular.

Against the background of the first, a decrease in respiratory excursion develops, as a result of which it becomes difficult or impossible for the patient to take full breaths. This, in turn, leads to disruption of circulatory processes. With arcuate kyphosis, the stomach protrudes and sags slightly, the arms drop and move forward.

The angular form of the disease is localized mainly in the thoracic part of the spine and manifests itself in the form of a hump. The torso shortens, the chest protrudes. Tuberculosis often leads to the appearance of such a disease.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine (before and after surgical treatment)

Lordosis

It develops due to various reasons. For example, against the background of a congenital dislocation affecting the hip joint. In the case of such a lesion, the center of gravity shifts in the anterior direction. As a result, a person has to deliberately tilt his torso back, unnaturally bending his body in the lumbar region.

Provoking factors include too much fat located on the abdomen.

Characteristic manifestations of lordosis are the following:

• deformation processes affecting the spine;
• pain in the back area;
• stiffness of movement and limitation of mobility in the area where the pathology is localized.

In parallel with lordosis, prolapse of various organs with concomitant dysfunction of such organs may be observed.

Treatment of lordosis, as well as kyphosis, is carried out similarly to scoliosis. The patient needs to keep his posture, go for a massage, do exercises and follow other doctor’s recommendations.

As noted, curvatures can be congenital or acquired. A variety of reasons can lead to the occurrence of such pathology.

In accordance with the provoking factors, curvatures are classified into structural and non-structural. About them in the table.

Table. Features of structural and non-structural curvatures

Warp group	Characteristics
Structural	Accompanied by curvature of individual vertebrae or the entire spine. They develop against the background of hereditary predisposition, various genetic abnormalities, pathologies of the central nervous system (for example, cerebral palsy), disorders of internal metabolic processes, tumors, and certain diseases (for example, syphilis and tuberculosis) affecting the spine. In patients of the older age group, the curvature can be of a dystrophic-degenerative nature, forming in the presence of hernias and other diseases.
Non-structural	The spinal column initially does not undergo changes. The curvature is of a secondary nature and develops against the background of other disorders. This problem is caused by injuries, various congenital anomalies, diseases of internal organs that require a long stay in a certain position, scar processes in the soft tissue area, and muscle inflammation.

As for curvatures in young patients, in this case pathologies can arise due to too rapid growth of a person against the background of underdeveloped spinal muscles and, of course, incorrect posture.

Characteristic signs

Most often, curvatures are diagnosed in the lumbar and cervical spine. Depending on the location of the problem, the nature of its manifestation varies.

So, if the curvature affects the cervical spine, the following symptoms are present:

• limitation of the function of the joints of the shoulder girdle;
• painful sensations when making head movements;
• hearing impairment;
• pressure surges;
• headache;
• unpleasant sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulder girdle.

When the curvature is localized in the lumbar region, the symptoms are reduced to the following manifestations:

• pathological protrusion of one of the shoulder blades;
• asymmetry of the shoulder girdle;
• gait disorders;
• pronounced stoop;
• visual change in the length of the upper limbs (becomes noticeable when placing hands on the waist);
• painful sensations in the stomach and chest;
• high blood pressure;
• rapid fatigue.

Diagnosis and treatment procedure

In advanced stages, the diagnosis can be made even with a cursory external examination. Patients have severe asymmetry of the shoulder girdle and curvature of the contour of the spinal column itself. A change in the length of the lower limb may occur. If at least one of the above pathological signs is detected, the patient is sent for an x-ray, based on the results of which the specialist determines the degree of curvature and its location.

If necessary, an MRI is prescribed. Tomography results provide a three-dimensional image of the spine. If there is a severe degree of curvature, the patient undergoes an ultrasound of the internal organs.

Regarding treatment issues, you need to immediately be prepared for the fact that this process will be quite complex and lengthy. The following treatment options are practiced and applied comprehensively:

• medicinal;
• physiotherapy;
• manual.

If the use of conservative methods is ineffective or it is clearly impossible to eliminate the problem using the above means, they resort to surgical intervention.

As a rule, with curvature of the 1st and 2nd degrees, it is possible to do without surgery. Special exercises are recommended for the patient. Wearing a corset may be indicated (for children and adolescents who are still growing). A healthy diet is required.

One of the key areas in the treatment of spinal curvatures is physical therapy. Your attending physician will provide specific recommendations on this matter.

Training in the pool is very useful.

The patient must monitor his posture and gait.

To obtain maximum benefits, it is better to practice therapeutic exercises under the supervision of an experienced, qualified instructor.

Surgical intervention is resorted to mainly in the presence of severe advanced curvatures of the spine. The essence of the operations comes down to the installation of special endoprostheses and fixing devices, under the influence of which the spine will be maintained in the correct healthy position.

Regarding issues of drug therapy, a specific treatment regimen is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. If necessary, the patient takes chondroprotectors, vitamins and restorative drugs.

Special massage is very effective, as well as various methods of physiotherapy and stimulation of the spinal muscles, acupuncture, reflexology, etc.

Now you know what types of spinal curvature exist. React in a timely manner to unfavorable changes in your condition, adhere to medical recommendations and prescriptions, and be healthy!

Video - Types of spinal curvature

Correct posture is one of the main indicators of health and beauty. Today, the problem of spinal diseases is widespread among adults and children. In some advanced cases, it is possible to restore posture and return to normal life without pain or complications. This article is about how to correct a curvature of the spine, but please note that the post is for informational purposes only. Before putting any advice and techniques from the Internet into practice, you should consult your doctor.

Types of spinal curvature

Cervical

Deformation of the cervical spine is called scoliosis. It can be neurological in nature, congenital, static, dysplastic and idiopathic. There are cases with 1 or 3 arcs. Depending on the degree of inclination of the spinal column, the degree is determined from 1 to 4. Curvature occurs against the background of endocrine insufficiency, disorders in muscles and ligaments, changes in bone tissue or disorders of the nervous system.

The problem of cervical osteochondrosis is associated with impaired blood supply to the brain and hypoxia. These disorders cause dizziness and headaches. With degrees 1-2, the discomfort is insignificant, and with degrees 3-4, displacement of the vertebrae occurs.

Chest

When there is a curvature in the middle of the spinal column, a diagnosis of thoracic scoliosis is made. The sternum includes 12 vertebrae, it is a long section, so it is vulnerable. The pathology develops against the background of diseases of the internal organs, due to hereditary and congenital factors, inflammation of the spinal muscles, and connective tissue diseases.

Predisposing disorders are thoracic osteochondrosis, which develops into intercostal neuralgia and thoracic scoliosis. The sternum can take on an incorrect position due to osteoporosis or being forced to remain in an uncomfortable static bent position. Tumors and injuries of the spinal column also influence the development of the disease.

Lumbar

Lumbar scoliosis can be recognized by X-ray images. The arch is formed from 1-5 lumbar vertebrae or the lower 11-12 thoracic vertebrae. The retraction of the waist area is visually noticeable, the iliac pelvic bone protrudes. When the body is tilted forward, a roll of muscles is felt in the middle of the lower back, which is localized at the point of twisting of the spine.

Most often, left-sided curvature occurs with an angle of up to 30 degrees. Severe cases are mostly congenital. Lumbar scoliosis can be a consequence of abnormalities in intrauterine development or birth injuries, childhood spinal growth disorders, small or too large loads on the back, and general weakness of the body.

types of posture disorders

What is the curvature of the spine called?

Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to the sideways curvature of the spinal column. Lumbar and thoracic curvature are the most common. With scoliosis, there is asymmetry of the body; a rib or scapula may protrude. Scoliosis is diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. Most cases are idiopathic - scoliosis of unknown etiology.

With C-shaped scoliosis - curvature in the center of the back, tilt to the left or right, 1 department is involved. With S-shaped scoliosis, there is an inclination of the thoracic region to one side and the lumbar region to the opposite side. A Z-shaped curvature with three arcs is rare. Sedentary people with weak muscles and ligaments are predisposed to scoliosis.

scoliosis

Kyphosis

Physiologically, the spinal column has several curves. When one of the natural deflections is violated, a general failure occurs. When the deviation is over 30 degrees, this is a pathology. Mostly people suffer from thoracic kyphosis. The figure looks stooped. Most often, kyphosis is accompanied by muscle spasms, neck and back pain. The upper body is tilted forward, the spinal muscles are always in good shape, and the peritoneum is deformed.

Pathological kyphosis threatens other disorders. Against this background, osteochondrosis, hernias and protrusions on the spine develop. Due to arching of the back, blood circulation in the vessels of the neck and brain is disrupted. These troubles can be recognized by tinnitus, headaches and dizziness.

kyphosis

Lordosis

Normal or pathological lordosis is a forward-directed bending of the spinal column. A physiological wave should be present in the neck and lower back, but if it becomes too pronounced, then this is already a pathology. Lordosis in the thoracic region is a rare phenomenon. In humans, hyper or hypolordosis develops due to inflammation, developmental disorders, tumors of the spinal muscles and vertebrae, and disorders of the hip joint.

The first signs of lordosis are back pain and poor posture. In this case, the patient cannot return to a normal position at all, or is only able to partially straighten, so non-fixed and completely fixed forms are distinguished.

lordosis

Degrees of spinal curvature

There are several degrees of curvature of the spine, in each case there is a different inclination to the right or left.

Characteristics of 4 degrees of spinal curvature:

• 1st degree curvature - a pathological bend of up to 10 degrees is almost invisible, a slight twist is visible on the x-ray;
• 2nd degree curvature - significant visually noticeable twisting, angle of inclination 10-25 degrees, deformation of the vertebrae is visible on the x-ray;
• 3rd degree curvature - the angle is 25-40 degrees, characterized by a costal hump and the presence of wedge-shaped vertebrae;
• 4th degree curvature - complex deformation of the sternum at an angle of 40 degrees in the form of kyphoscoliosis, posterior and anterior costal hump, deformation of the vertebrae, joints and pelvis.

The first 2 degrees create little discomfort and are successfully treated. Grades 3 and 4 curvature cause many concomitant disorders and ailments; these are complex deviations that in rare cases can be treated.

What causes spinal curvature?

Let's identify common causes of back problems. So, the provoking acquired and congenital factors for spinal curvature are as follows:

• genetic disorders that affect the connective tissue in the spine;
• congenital pathology of the central nervous system;
• hereditary predisposition to spinal curvature;
• abnormalities of metabolic processes and dystrophic changes;
• spondylolisthesis;
• spinal injuries;
• pronounced kyphosis, lordosis;
• disorders with pain in one side of the body - gallstones, kidney disease;
• rickets;
• curvature of the thoracic spine;
• muscle sprains and scars;
• polio;
• cerebral paralysis;
• sedentary work and study;
• asymmetrical sports activity;
• incorrectly selected desk;
• poor eyesight;
• carrying weights with one hand;
• weak abdominal and back muscles.

How to recognize the problem?

If you suspect a curvature of the spine, then you should not hesitate to visit an orthopedist. Only a specialist can correctly diagnose, prescribe treatment and choose restorative measures. Whether or not there is a curvature is determined by doctors through a visual examination and analysis of x-rays.

Before going to the hospital, you can do a visual examination. In a standing position, the shoulder blades should be symmetrical, at an equal distance from the spinal column, the gluteal folds and waist triangles should be even. Some information can be obtained by standing a person with his back to the wall. We press our back, heels, back of the head and buttocks to a vertical plane, feet together. For a healthy person, this position is natural, it is easy to accept, there is no discomfort.

What does spinal curvature lead to?

Incorrect position of the spine provokes other disorders that interfere with living a full life. If the curvature is insignificant, then total problems with the internal organs do not arise. Second degree - rarely causes health problems.

The real danger to health is 3-4 degrees of scoliosis. Sometimes internal organs suffer from this. The sternum becomes deformed and lung capacity decreases. There is a predisposition to pneumonia, bronchitis, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, congestion in the gallbladder, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, problems with conceiving and bearing a child. Nerves are pinched, blood supply to the spine is disrupted, and abdominal muscles weaken.

Treatment of the spine and correction of posture

Which doctor should I contact?

Obviously, you should not start diagnosing and treating spinal curvature with alternative medicine. You need to choose a good specialist with sufficient qualifications and experience in the orthopedic field. Usually, an orthopedist is involved in diagnosis and treatment, as well as the selection of corrective agents. If a child has back problems, there is no need to self-medicate; it can still be corrected in childhood. An orthopedist-traumatologist will help with this.

Different specialists may be involved in the treatment of spinal curvature in adults and children. For example, therapist, chiropractor, neurologist, surgeon, exercise therapy instructor.

example of gymnastics for spine flexibility

Therapy at home

Any independent measures can act as an additional direction for restoring back health. All manipulations must be agreed upon with the attending physician, otherwise harm may occur. In most cases, corrective measures are necessary to comprehensively strengthen the muscular corset with safe exercises. At-home interventions are usually aimed at stabilizing the spine and counteracting the progression of scoliosis.

Effective folk remedies for improving the condition of poor posture are a salt compress and a pine bath. There are also special sets of exercises and simulators for correcting the spine. The exercises and the nature of their implementation are determined strictly individually, depending on the condition of the back and the body as a whole, and the person’s capabilities.

Operation

Spinal surgery is a necessary last resort measure to restore health. Such intervention is relevant at stages 3-4 of curvature. For the operation there must be appropriate indications, these include a pronounced cosmetic defect of irregularities on the back, a weak effect of conservative analgesic treatment, a tilt of the spine of 40 degrees or more.

The main goals of the operation are, if possible, to eliminate the curvature, prevent further progression of the pathology, protect nerve fibers from damage, protect or correct pinched sciatic nerve.

How to prevent spinal curvature?

We list the best preventive measures to prevent spinal curvature from developing:

• if your back gets tired, you need to wear a corset;
• there are a lot of preventive exercises to stretch and strengthen the back muscles, increase mobility and prevent spinal curvature;
• taking vitamin-mineral complexes will definitely be useful, in particular, you need to monitor your calcium intake;
• if there is a problem of flat feet, then we must try to eliminate it;
• To prevent curvature, a massage course (10 sessions) is very useful;
• it is ideal to sleep on an orthopedic mattress or any other surface that is favorable for the back;
• It is important to independently monitor your posture, try to straighten up when slouching occurs, and not sit in a hunched state for a long time.

Of course, it is reasonable to treat spinal diseases and/or correct posture in the early stages, when there are no obvious irreversible disorders. If you see a doctor before the disease has fully progressed, you have a much better chance of recovery. It is important to note that children and adults often have poor posture due to weak back muscles, poor lifestyle choices and lack of self-discipline. To protect yourself from back problems, you need to sit straight in the correct posture, stretch and strengthen your back muscles.

In most cases, scoliosis develops in childhood and adolescence, and with timely diagnosis, it can be successfully treated. But it also happens that the disease strikes after 25 years, when the skeleton is fully formed and the bones stop growing. This happens for various reasons, and solving the problem is no longer so easy.

What is the difference between spinal curvature in adults, and how to treat it?

If in adolescents scoliosis is often mild, then in adults a curvature of 2 or 3 degrees is usually immediately diagnosed, that is, in a fairly advanced state.

This is due to the fact that people do not pay due attention to the first manifestations of the disease, considering back pain to be a consequence of fatigue and overexertion. As a result, the patient comes to see a doctor with severe pain, dysfunction of internal organs and other related problems.

Despite the fact that bone tissue is renewed throughout life, it is no longer possible to completely eliminate vertebral deformities using conservative methods, and the main goal of therapy is to combat the manifestations of the disease. In the most advanced cases, when the progression of the disease cannot be stopped, surgical treatment is used.

Scoliosis is classified according to several characteristics: the degree of curvature, its location and shape.

Types of scoliosis according to the shape of the curvature

Type	Description
	It is one of the most common. The spine bends along one arc, most often to the left.
	It is characterized by curvature of the spinal column along two arches directed in different directions.
	Refers to rare and severe pathologies. It is characterized by the presence of three arcs of curvature, one of which is less pronounced than the others.

Types of scoliosis by severity

Degree of curvature	Characteristics
I	The deviation of the spine from the axis does not exceed 10 degrees. External manifestations are almost invisible, there is no pain syndrome, and such curvature does not pose a health risk.
II	The deflection angle is within 1-25 degrees. The asymmetry of the shoulder blades and shoulders is visible; when bending forward, one side of the back protrudes more. The pain syndrome is mild or absent.
III	The deflection angle is within 26-50 degrees. There is a pronounced asymmetry of the body and pelvis, a rib hump is often present, and gait is disturbed. This condition is accompanied by back pain, displacement and compression of internal organs.
IV	The spinal column is deviated from its axis by more than 50 degrees. The condition is severe and requires surgical treatment.

Depending on the location, scoliosis is classified into lumbar, thoracic, lumbar-thoracic and cervical-thoracic. If the deformity affects both the upper and lower parts of the spinal column, such scoliosis is called combined.

Causes and signs of curvature

The main cause of spinal curvature in adults is considered to be childhood scoliosis, which was not diagnosed in a timely manner or remained untreated. After ossification of the cartilages, the deformation becomes permanent, and over time, the manifestations of the disease only intensify. But there are other factors that provoke the development of scoliosis in adulthood:

• previous osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, cancer;
• progressive osteoporosis;
• changes in the spine of a dystrophic-degenerative nature - disc herniations, osteochondrosis, narrowing of the canals;
• chest and back injuries;
• previous operations on the spine, sternum, internal organs.

Incorrect posture is the cause of scoliosis

In some cases, it is not possible to identify the cause of the curvature - such scoliosis is called idiopathic. It is less common than other types of the disease and is mostly diagnosed in adolescents. Unfortunately, it does not respond well to conservative treatment methods, and the patient is usually prescribed spinal surgery.

Since in adults the curvature is usually severe, it is not at all difficult to detect signs of the disease. The most characteristic manifestations of scoliosis include:

• asymmetry of the body - the shoulders and shoulder blades are located at different heights, one part of the back is concave, the second, on the contrary, is excessively convex;
• the presence of a rib hump, which is especially clearly visible in an inclined position of the body;
• changes in posture and gait, possible limping due to pelvic distortion;
• feeling of increased fatigue in an upright position;
• numbness of the limbs, tingling in the fingers;
• painful sensations in the lower back, under the shoulder blade, pain radiating to the sternum.

If you want to learn in more detail, the features of therapy depending on the degree of curvature, as well as, you can read an article about this on our portal.

In addition to external manifestations, there are other symptoms caused by the effects of curvature on internal organs:

• digestive disorders;
• development of pulmonary heart failure;
• decreased immunity;
• problems with the genitourinary system in women;
• sexual dysfunction in men.

It should be taken into account that in adults the curvature progresses steadily, and if it is not treated, it will increasingly affect the quality of life. The rate of development of the disease most depends on the degree of physical stress on the spine: lifting weights, staying on your feet for a long time or in an uncomfortable position significantly accelerates the process of curvature of the spinal column. Accordingly, the pain syndrome intensifies and the general condition of the body worsens.

Diagnosis of curvature

If you discover at least a few of them described above, you should be examined in a clinic as soon as possible. You need to contact an orthopedist or vertebrologist - these are the specialists who deal with problems of the musculoskeletal system. The doctor makes the initial diagnosis during the initial examination, but it is possible to accurately determine the location and severity of the curvature only with the help of radiography. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe an MRI for a more detailed examination of problem areas, as well as an ultrasound to identify abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs.

How to treat scoliosis in adults

A formed scoliotic arch cannot be eliminated using conservative methods, and therapeutic measures are aimed mainly at combating the manifestations of scoliosis and the consequences of its impact on the body. The specific objectives of such treatment are:

• relieving inflammation and pain;
• normalization of blood supply;
• strengthening muscle tissue;
• slowing down and stopping degenerative processes in intervertebral discs;
• improving the condition of bone tissue.

Medicines

Most people with grade 2 and 3 curvature experience frequent and sometimes constant pain in the back, neck, and chest. The more advanced the condition, the stronger the pain, so treatment usually begins with taking medications.

These are mainly local painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings.

Prices for painkillers for back pain

If scoliosis is severe and continues to progress rapidly, the doctor prescribes vitamin D in combination with calcium supplements, which helps slow down this process.

In other cases, such drugs will be completely useless. For scoliosis, external agents can also be used - various ointments and creams with anti-inflammatory properties. Regardless of the type of medication, you can only use those prescribed by your doctor to avoid negative health consequences.

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy is the most important part of treatment. With the help of a set of exercises, the most problematic muscle groups are affected, and the spine receives natural support. In addition, physical therapy normalizes blood circulation in compressed tissues, promotes the development of the spine, and has a healing effect on the entire body.

If you want to learn in more detail how to treat, and also consider alternative treatment methods, you can read an article about this on our portal.

Exercising such gymnastics does not give an immediate effect, and even then only if performed regularly. The minimum course of treatment for the mildest form of scoliosis lasts six months; if the curvature is formed, it will take a year and a half, and in some cases even longer. Exercises are selected individually, taking into account the severity of the patient’s condition and the presence of contraindications.

Prices for mats for yoga and fitness

Wearing a corset

In terms of effectiveness, this method is considered second after exercise therapy. A special corset helps keep the spine in an upright position, prevents discs from moving, and compensates for muscle deficiency. The time to wear a corset is determined depending on the stage of scoliosis and the condition of the body as a whole; it is usually recommended to wear it for 6-12 hours. In severe cases, the corset is not removed even at night. It is very important to understand that a corset alone will not be able to eliminate the consequences of curvature, which means you cannot cancel exercises or break the regime.

Corrective corsets are made to order, because each product must match the patient’s build and take into account his physiological characteristics. In addition, such corsets have many varieties, and only the attending physician can choose the right model.

Depending on the degree of curvature of the spine, conservative treatment is prescribed: a complex of physical therapy, massage, exercise in water, good nutrition, walks in the fresh air, etc. You should not treat spinal curvature on your own - you can master basic techniques, sports elements and exercise at home, but for periodic monitoring you need to visit your doctor.

Much attention is paid to physical therapy in the treatment of scoliosis - a system of individually selected exercises involves regular exercises (bending, turning, twisting, etc.). The main goal is to strengthen the muscular frame of the back.

Massage and manual therapy are often used as correction methods. But if massage is more aimed at working the muscles with increased blood circulation and tissue nutrition, then the effectiveness of manual therapy has not been sufficiently studied. Sharp and deep movements and stress on the spine during a manual therapy session can lead to irreversible changes and the appearance of hypermobility of the vertebrae. The method is quite traumatic and ineffective for higher curvature of the spine.

Wearing a fixation corset allows you to hold muscles and joints in a certain position and is often used to correct the initial degrees of scoliosis. With scoliosis, it is important to strengthen the body, so doctors recommend swimming, doing water aerobics, correcting the condition of the spine with the correct position, etc.

All conservative methods of treating the spine are effective only in the first stages of curvature, but they do not always stop the process, even in children and adolescents. It is almost impossible to cure an adult with scoliosis using only conservative methods, so therapy is supportive in nature.

Surgical treatment of scoliosis is prescribed only in extreme cases, since the likelihood of complications is high. If a person is suffering from severe pain and this prevents him from working and living normally, then surgery is indicated for him. Progressive spinal deformity is also an indication for surgery, as this may threaten the functioning of internal organs. Scoliosis is considered a cosmetic defect and if this bothers the patient, then a decision is made on surgical treatment.