Vertebral column in the normal state should be located exactly, ensuring symmetry of the body. For various reasons, its curvature occurs and scoliosis develops - the symptoms of this pathology, unfortunately, are not immediately apparent. To the doctor address already at the started stages of the disease, when the asymmetry of the spine is noticeable even visually.
Symptoms of cervical scoliosis
The considered form of the disease is characterized by displacement of 2-3 vertebrae relative to its axis to the left or to the right.
Clinical manifestations of cervical scoliosis of the 1-2 degree are not too pronounced, so a person can not guess about the curvature of the spine. In the late stages of the progression of pathology, the following symptoms occur:
- asymmetric position of the head, its displacement to the left or right side;
- weakness and fatigue;
- dizziness;
- the impression that one ear is higher than the other;
- headache;
- emotional depression or depression;
- reduced working capacity;
- asymmetry of shoulders;
- difficulties, if necessary, to focus attention.
In especially severe cases of the described type of disease, deformation of the bones of the skull, change of facial features occurs.
Symptoms of chest scoliosis
Curvature in the area of the location of 7-9 vertebrae can be detected in the early stages of development.
With chest scoliosis of 1-2 degrees, such clinical manifestations are noticeable:
- slight stoop;
- different height of shoulders;
- abnormal (oblique) position of the pelvis;
- asymmetric contour of the waist, neck;
- severe irritability.
These signs are preserved in any position of the body, but are best seen when a person is standing.
The pathology of the thoracic part of the third degree is accompanied by more serious disorders:
- weakening of abdominal muscles;
- protruding rib-archs;
- shoulder blade and shoulder on one side elevated;
- the formation of the costal hump;
- abdominal displacement forward;
- development of concomitant ailments of the musculoskeletal system ( osteochondrosis , flat feet).
The main danger of the presented form of the disease is the worsening of the functioning of the lungs and the heart. Because of the incorrect location of the vertebrae, they squeeze the blood vessels. As a result, there is a constant overload of the heart muscle, stagnation of blood in the lungs.
Even more difficult is the mixed type of the disease, when symmetry is additionally violated at the level of the 4th and 5th vertebrae. Symptoms of exacerbation of cervicothoracic scoliosis include all of the listed signs of both forms of pathology. In this case, the blood circulation not only of the heart and lungs but also of the brain worsens, which is fraught with oxygen starvation of its tissues.
Symptoms of lumbar scoliosis
This type of curvature of the spine is the least noticeable visually, since the displacement occurs only at the level of the first two vertebrae of the lumbar spine.
Characteristic clinical manifestations:
- asymmetrical arrangement of pelvic bones (under slope);
- hypertrophy of the waist muscles, loins on the one hand, their underdevelopment on the other;
- flat feet ;
- some shortening of the left or right foot;
- periodic or permanent lameness.
Also, lumbar scoliosis is accompanied by a palpable pain syndrome, which becomes stronger during simple physical exertion, such as walking, easy running, climbing and descending the stairs.
Especially dangerous is this form of pathology for women, since the displacement of pelvic bones provokes a violation of the functions of the reproductive system. Even a slight curvature of the spine in the pelvic area can lead to infertility and problems with bearing a child.