A crooked spine is a problem that affects most children in Poland - for example, scoliosis affects every tenth child. This lateral curvature of the spine can put pressure on the internal organs - mainly the heart and lungs. Doctors can deal effectively with the sudden pain that scoliosis causes. They also know how to help in cases of chronic diseases.
When there is a posture defect
Althoughthe child's spinealready at the end of the first year of life is characterized by normal curves and takes the form of a double S, it takes its final shape only around the age of 18. Thanks to this,posture defectscan be easily corrected in a teenager, but if parents or doctors do not notice them, the child enters adulthood burdened with abnormalities. Most often it is lateral curvature of the spine, i.e.scoliosis . In Poland, every tenth child suffers from it. This defect usually develops for a long time, and comes to light in the period of the so-called height jumps, i.e. between the first and third, fifth and eighth and tenth and twelve years of age. Then the spine viewed from the back does not form a straight line, but arches into arches at the level of the loins, in the thoracic and cervical sections. The most expressive sign of curvature of the spine is the asymmetrical position of the shoulder blades. If one of them is more protruding or they do not lie at the same height, you need to see an orthopedist. Only a specialist can tell what contributed to the curvature. Usually this is to maintain a bad posture, not to move, and to carry heavy school bags on one shoulder. It happens, however, that the defect results from improper placement of the pelvis, e.g. due to unequal length of the legs (even a difference of 5 - 10 mm may cause a curvature), or diseases of the feet or the hip joint. It is also often the result of birth defects of the spine, diseases of the muscles or the nervous system.
Corrective exercise is necessary in the case of scoliosis
If the doctor finds scoliosis, the child should be under the constant care of an orthopedist. Sometimes the defect can be removed by regular exercise, the so-called corrective gymnastics. However, if the curvature is large or deeper, it becomes necessary to wear a special corset and even surgery. The scope of treatment is an individual matter andthe doctor decides about it. Most often these are periodic exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist, sessions in sanatoriums and daily corrective gymnastics performed at home. The child then exercises as recommended.
You must do itLook out for symptoms
- The baby's back becomes round and the head and shoulders come forward.
- The child complains of backache, headaches.
- The child gets tired quickly.
Types of spinal curvatures
Kyphosisconsists in bending the spine backwards. In addition to the incorrect shape, the photo also shows the crushing of the vertebra (one is clearly lower than the others). Injury may arise as a result of lifting too much weight, and its symptom is pain paralyzing all movements.
Lordosisis the forward bending of the spine. The photo shows changes in the cervical region. Marked are "bone spouts", i.e. degenerative growths that cause pain and limit the movement of the spine in all planes.
Scoliosis , or lateral curvature of the spine, makes it similar to the letter C. It may appear after extensive trauma, due to pain, but then usually regresses after the discomfort has subsided.
Backache - a problem in industrialized countries
Back pain can be the result of curvature or injury, but this is not the most common cause of it. Usually the ailments are the result of our many years of neglect.
The spine is often troubled due to weakening of the muscles and ligaments that stabilize it. If we have little exercise, they are already around thirty. This condition worsens over the years. Backache has become a real scourge in industrialized countries. It is believed that they are the most common cause of absenteeism.