By the term "kyphosis" is meant the bending of the spine by the convexity of the back. Normally, the adult spine is not straight, but has a slight bend in the thoracic region - physiological kyphosis, as well as a similar natural bend in the sacral section. In contrast to these bends, there are two bends in the opposite direction (anterior) - in the cervical and lumbar regions. Due to this structure, the damping properties of the spine are ensured, and a minimal load is provided for each individual vertebra.
If the thoracic kyphosis is strengthened, i.e. the angle of the bend of the spine in the thoracic region exceeds the normal value, then it is a pathological kyphosis. This is a serious disease, the treatment of which should be addressed as soon as possible.
Why develop kyphosis of the thoracic region?
Kyphosis of the thoracic spine can develop as a result of congenital disorders of the spine. Such pathological kyphosis, as a rule, is found already in the second half of the child's life, when he begins to stand and walk.
Other causes of kyphosis are:
- spine trauma;
- violation of posture;
- diseases (rickets, rheumatoid arthritis , spinal tuberculosis, etc.);
- age changes.
Diagnosis of thoracic kyphosis
Kyphosis can be determined visually by the patient's posture: a "round" back, the shoulders are tilted down and forward. Independently, the disease can be determined by conducting a simple test: you should lean your back against the wall and, without tipping your head, touch the wall with the back of your head. If this is done problematically, then, most likely, there is a pathological kyphosis of the thoracic region.
In addition, the disease is accompanied by pain in the thoracic spine, respiratory failure, muscle spasms.
Confirm the diagnosis can be using radiography , computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. These methods also provide an opportunity to establish the degree of the disease.
Degrees of kyphosis
There are three degrees of the disease:
- Light (1 degree) - occurs with a slight increase in the bending of the spine (up to 30 degrees). This form of kyphosis with timely treatment is quite easy and quick to adjust, but, unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed.
- Moderate (2 degree) - the curvature is not more than 60 degrees. The clinical picture with this form is already clearly pronounced, but a long course of treatment can change the situation.
- Heavy (3 degree) - the bend of the thoracic region is more than 60 degrees. This form is characterized by the presence of a hump and is complicated by degenerative changes on the part of the spine, changes in internal organs. Kifosis of the third degree is accompanied by severe pain and can lead to complete disability.
How to cure kyphosis?
Treatment of the kyphosis of the thoracic spine is performed depending on the degree of the disease and taking into account the causes that caused it. In childhood and adolescence, kyphosis is easiest to treat, which usually includes:
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic gymnastics;
- massage;
- wearing a corset.
In addition, it is recommended to sleep on a hard surface, regular physical activity, a ban on wearing heavy weights.
In adulthood and with a severe degree of disease, conservative methods of treatment are aimed at reducing the pain syndrome and improving the mobility of the spine, forming a correct posture to counteract the effects of kyphosis. Unfortunately, to align the vertebral column after the period of skeletal maturity (after 16 years) will not succeed.
In this case, only surgical treatment can help. However, carrying out an operation that can reduce deformation involves a number of risks, therefore it is appointed only in extreme cases.