Symptoms and treatment of scoliosis grade 2
Scoliosis is a persistent curvature of the spine to the right or to the left relative to its axis, leading to an increase in its physiological bends and twisting of the vertebrae. There are several degrees of curvature of the spinal column, and it is grade 2 scoliosis that is diagnosed more often than others. The fact is that it is at this stage of the development of the disease that the first signs of impaired posture appear, which a person can notice on their own.
Scoliosis of the 2nd steppe is characterized by the curvature of the spine, which does not disappear when the position of the body changes. In this case, one side of the pelvis will be lowered, and the triangle of the waist and the contours of the neck are asymmetric. A bulge forms in the thoracic region, and a roller of muscle fibers forms in the lumbar region. The angle of deviation in grade 2 scoliosis is 11-25 ° C.
Content:
- Causes of scoliosis of the 2nd degree
- Symptoms of scoliosis grade 2
- Types of scoliosis grade 2
- Complications and consequences of scoliosis of the 2nd degree
- Treatment of scoliosis grade 2
- Prevention of scoliosis grade 2
Causes of scoliosis of the 2nd degree
Scoliosis of the 2nd degree can be the result of disease progression from its initial stage. That is, from the first degree, at which the curvature angle is less than 10 ° C, the pathology goes to the second degree.
With congenital anomalies in the development of the musculoskeletal system, muscle or bone tissue, grade 2 scoliosis can be a primary pathology. That is, it will not be preceded by the first degree of curvature.
Scoliosis of the 2nd degree of the acquired type most often develops in childhood and adolescence, when stages of active growth of the body are observed. In this regard, the age periods from 4 to 6 years old and from 10 to 14 years old are dangerous. Although the disease can manifest itself in an adult.
The reasons for the formation and progression of grade 2 scoliosis are as follows:
- Weak muscular apparatus of the back. At the same time, it is difficult for a child to maintain the correct posture, thereby facilitating the process of sitting by tilting the body to one side or the other, which entails an uneven load on the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
- Improperly arranged workplace or study area. In this regard, even the wrong seating of schoolchildren, without taking into account their height, is dangerous. If earlier such scoliosis was called "school scoliosis", now this term is being abandoned. The fact is that more and more children enter educational institutions with existing lateral curvatures of the spine.
- Carrying weights in one hand, carrying heavy briefcases by a child, holding him by one hand while walking - all this can affect the state of the unformed spinal column and cause the development of scoliosis.
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Long-term abnormal position of the spine, which the child maintains, contributes to the formation of a stable skill of body positioning. This is a prerequisite for the further development of scoliosis. Sometimes a skill is formed against the background of the absence of functional and structural disorders on the part of the musculoskeletal system, and sometimes its pathological changes are already present. They can be either congenital or acquired.
- Irrational and too frequent performance of the same type of physical exercises, or errors in physical education can be the main factor for the formation of scoliosis.
- Other risk factors for the development of acquired scoliosis of the 2nd degree: hearing and visual impairment, diseases of internal organs, poor illumination of the workplace, the use of furniture inappropriate for the child's age.
- The asthenic physique of a child can also become a prerequisite for the development of gross disorders in the spine.
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Acquired scoliosis includes rickets curvature of the spine, which are formed against the background of rickets. The group of rickets scoliosis is considered the most frequently diagnosed. Scoliosis of this type is detected in 50% of cases. The development of the disease is caused by disorders that occur in the area of calcification of the apophyses of the vertebral bodies, which leads to osteoporosis. The physical curvature of the thoracic region increases under the influence of physical exertion. Most often, the curvature of the spine is formed with a bulge to the left. The disease is detected by 2-3 years, there is no doubt about the correctness of the diagnosis if the child has other signs of rickets.
- Static scoliosis occurs when the position of the pelvic bones is abnormal. Different lengths of the lower extremities, amputation of the leg, bone injuries, and congenital dislocation of the hip lead to a similar deformation of the spinal column. In this case, the curvature of the spinal column is the result of the inclusion of the compensatory capabilities of the body.
- Sometimes the disease is neurogenic. Past poliomyelitis, syringomyelia, cerebral palsy, various types of myopathy, neurofibromatosis, etc. can lead to neurogenic scoliosis.
- A rare type of scoliosis is the hysterical form of the disease, in which the curvature of the spine is of a psychological nature.
- Reflex scoliosis develops against the background of pain syndrome, in which a person takes an incorrect body position in order to alleviate his condition.
As a person grows older, the increase in the deformity of the spinal column stops. That is, scoliosis will not progress when the growth of the child stops, which happens by the age of 15-17. However, the exception to this rule is paralytic scoliosis, which can progress throughout a person's life. It is a consequence of spinal cord injury caused by polio. The progression of the disease is caused by the asymmetry of the growth of the spine, static loads, disorders of hormonal metabolism and other pathological factors.
Also, grade 2 scoliosis can be the result of congenital developmental anomalies. These include:
Congenital scoliosis.
The reasons for its development:
- Fusion of the vertebrae with each other, splitting of the vertebral bodies, butterfly-shaped vertebrae, wedge-shaped vertebrae.
- The presence of additional underdeveloped vertebrae.
- Fusion of the ribs with each other.
- Mixed developmental anomalies: Klippel-Feil syndrome, Sprengel deformity.
- Underdevelopment of the processes of the vertebrae or their arches, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis.
- Dysplastic scoliosis.
The reasons for its development:
- Sacralization and lumbarization: full or partial.
- Lumbar vertebrae arch failure.
- The presence of an underdeveloped last lumbar or first sacral vertebra.
Despite the abundance of the listed reasons, which can lead to the formation of grade 2 scoliosis, in 80% of cases the etiological factor remains unclear. Then doctors talk about idiopathic scoliosis. Experts agree that idiopathic curvature of the spine is a so-called growth disease. Most often, idiopathic scoliosis is diagnosed in girls aged 10-12 years.
Symptoms of scoliosis grade 2
Scoliosis of the 2nd degree is a curvature of the spine, in which the angle of deformity is 11-25 ° C.
Symptoms of the 2nd degree of scoliosis of the spine are as follows:
- Pronounced stoop of a person, which is visible to the naked eye. In this case, the spinal column is most often S-shaped. The asymmetry of the lines of the shoulder blades, pelvis and shoulders will be visible to the naked eye.
- If a person is standing straight, then one hand will appear lower than the other.
- If the patient is asked to bend forward, then a rib hump will appear on his back.
- In the lumbar region there is a roller of tense muscles.
- In the back, pain occurs, which intensifies against the background of physical effort, or after a long stay in a static position.
- The back muscles get tired faster, even with minor exertion.
Although scoliosis of the 2nd degree can be noticed even by a non-specialist, often parents simply do not attach importance to the child's posture. Therefore, you should be more careful about his complaints of recurrent back pain, stoop while walking and static postures. Moreover, one should not ignore planned visits to an orthopedist. If the disease goes unnoticed, then it will progress steadily.
Clinical indicators of scoliosis of the 2nd degree according to V. D. Chaklin:
- The curvature of the spine is pronounced and does not disappear after unloading.
- The patient has a small compensatory arch.
- There is a small rib hump.
- The angle of the scoliotic curve is 11-30 ° C.
Types of scoliosis grade 2
Depending on the shape of the curvature of the spine, scoliosis of the 2nd degree can be C-shaped with one bulging arc, S-shaped when there are two curvature arcs and Z-shaped, in which the patient has three curvature arcs. The most common diagnosed form is S-shaped scoliosis of the 2nd degree.
Depending on where exactly the curvature is located, there are:
- Cervicothoracic scoliosis of the 2nd degree. In this case, 4-5 vertebrae undergo deformation.
- Thoracic scoliosis of the 2nd degree. In chest scoliosis, 7-8 vertebrae are subject to pathological changes. The left or right scapula will be lifted up, depending on which direction the scoliotic arch is directed. In parallel, organs located in the chest are affected: the heart and lungs. There may be minor disturbances in the work of the stomach, increased sweating of the palms, numbness of the hands (provided that the nerve fibers are clamped), a slight deterioration in the sensitivity of the upper limbs.
- Grade 2 lumbar scoliosis: Lumbar scoliosis most often has an angle of deviation directed to the left side. The disease, although slowly, but steadily progresses. The main symptom of a disorder in the structure of the spinal column is lumbar pain, which intensifies both after physical exertion and against the background of a long pastime in a static position.
- Lumbar-thoracic scoliosis of the 2nd degree. In this case, the arch of the curvature runs along the 10-11 vertebra. This type of scoliosis causes difficulties in terms of treatment, more often than others, it leads to the development of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion, and the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Complications and consequences of scoliosis of the 2nd degree
Scoliosis of the 2nd degree is dangerous because it can progress. Muscle imbalance is observed due to the curvature of the spinal column. They will be taut on one side and relaxed on the other.
If scoliosis develops in the lumbar region, this will contribute to the displacement of the spine towards the kidney (right or left), which negatively affects the functioning of the urinary system. If the curvature is localized in the thoracic region, then organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach and liver are affected. Even a slight displacement and compression of them can lead to the development of serious diseases.
The work of the lungs is disrupted more strongly than other organs. One of them will not breathe at full strength. This entails hypoxia of the whole organism, which is manifested by headaches, increased sweating, dizziness, and rapid fatigue. People with grade 2 scoliosis are at risk for bronchial asthma, pneumonia, and pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
In addition to respiratory dysfunction, grade 2 scoliosis can be a prerequisite for the formation of osteochondrosis, spinal hernia, arthritis and arthrosis of the joints. Pathological curvature of the basis of the musculoskeletal system of the body cannot exist independently, therefore the entire osteoarticular system suffers.
Treatment of scoliosis grade 2
Scoliosis grade 2 requires immediate treatment. If you ignore the disease, then it will progress steadily. It is not for nothing that doctors call scoliosis "orthopedic cancer."
The statistics are scary:
- In 30% of cases, the disease progresses steadily year after year.
- In 9% of cases, the situation is getting worse every month. In this case, the angle of curvature increases by 15 ° C according to Cobb.
- In 1% of cases, scoliosis progresses every week. In this case, the Cobb curvature angle can increase by more than 30 ° C per year.
Treatment of scoliosis of the 2nd degree is reduced to conservative measures.
Basic patient management scheme:
- Selection of a complex of medical gymnastics.
- Performing massage.
- Swimming pool visit.
- Physiological treatment.
- Wearing an orthopedic corset.
- Spinal traction using special equipment.
- Spa treatment.
As a rule, surgery is not indicated for patients with grade 2 scoliosis. However, it can be prescribed if there is no effect of the therapy, or the disease progresses at a high rate.
Physiotherapy exercises for scoliosis of the 2nd degree is designed to strengthen the muscular frame of the back, which will allow maintaining the spinal column in its normal position. When choosing exercise therapy, it is imperative to take into account the degree of deformity of the spine and chest, and direct efforts to correct them. If you practice regularly, then this will not only correct the existing violations, but also make your posture correct, improve your health in general.
Physiotherapy should be done under medical supervision. The doctor selects exercises on an individual basis. Self-treatment of scoliosis is unacceptable, otherwise, you can only aggravate the course of the disease.
For patients with grade 2 scoliosis, the following exercises may be recommended:
- Walking in place, with posture control.
- Floor exercises:
- Standing on all fours, arch your back, trying to touch your chin to your chest.
- Lying on your stomach, raise your head up, with the back arch in the spine. In this position, you need to withstand a few seconds, and then go back.
- Lying on your back, alternately pull your legs to your stomach and return them back.
- Lying on your stomach, alternately take your legs to the sides.
- Lying on your back, perform the scissors exercise with your feet.
- You need to complete the complex correctly. To do this, clasp your hands behind your back, stand on your heels and walk for a minute. Then they raise their hands above their heads, walk around the room on their toes for another minute.
During the execution of gymnastic exercises, it is possible to use various sports equipment. It can be wall bars, dumbbells, sticks, rubber bands, etc.
In the past few years, experts have pointed to the crucial role of swimming in the treatment of scoliosis. This type of physical activity allows you to strengthen all muscle structures, but it does not load the spine. It is good if you have the opportunity to practice under the supervision of a professional trainer.
The effectiveness of sports exercises can be increased through a course visit to the massage therapist's office. Massage for scoliosis of the 2nd degree is shown once every six months. It can only be performed by a specialist who has a medical education. Self-massaging of the back of a patient with scoliosis is unacceptable.
The massage helps to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the back, allows you to correct your posture, and improves the blood supply to the tissues of the spinal column.
As for physiotherapeutic treatment, the patient can be directed to electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, electrical stimulation, mud wraps.
The wearing of a corset is indicated only for those patients in whom the stage of active growth of the spinal column has not been completed until now. Sometimes your doctor recommends that you only wear the support device for a night's rest, and sometimes it should be worn during the day. After the completion of growth, the corset is not used.
Prevention of scoliosis grade 2
Prevention of scoliosis is reduced to compliance with the following recommendations:
- It is necessary to pay due attention to the correct posture of the child during classes, the correspondence of his height and the size of the desk.
- To prevent the formation of the skill of the wrong posture, children should be periodically transplanted to other desks, change the lighting of the workplace.
- You need to pay attention to how the child wears the backpack.
- Prevention of the development of paralytic scoliosis against the background of poliomyelitis is reduced to giving the patient the correct body position in bed when the disease is in the acute stage. The child must necessarily engage in therapeutic exercises, wear an orthopedic corset during the recovery period.
- It is necessary to sleep on a hard mattress that is appropriate for the person's age.
- People who are at risk of developing scoliosis should give up weightlifting, boxing, skating, wrestling, and cycling. Swimming and skiing are recommended.
- If it is necessary to correct the length of the lower extremities, the patient is selected special shoes or insoles designed to eliminate the existing imbalance.
- Physical activity must be adequate. It is imperative to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air, go in for tourism, dance, walk more.
- It is important to observe the regime of work and rest. If a person has been in a static position for a long time, it must necessarily be replaced by physical activity and vice versa. You should take breaks every 30-40 minutes.
People who have already been diagnosed with grade 2 scoliosis are shown regular observation by an orthopedist (at least 2 times a year), daily exercise therapy classes, a visit to the pool, massage courses - once every six months.
Scoliosis grade 2 responds well to treatment, provided that the child is still in the stage of active growth. So, infantile and early childhood scoliosis is corrected better than others. The most favorable prognosis will be if the child has not reached the age of 3 years. In general, the disease can be completely eliminated until the age of the patient has exceeded 11 years. In the future, the chances of full recovery are low. Adults cannot be successful with conservative treatment. However, if it is carried out according to all the rules, then this can reduce pain, improve appearance and significantly improve the quality of life.
Author of the article: Kaplan Alexander Sergeevich | Orthopedist
Education: diploma in the specialty "General Medicine" received in 2009 at the Medical Academy. I. M. Sechenov. In 2012 completed postgraduate studies in Traumatology and Orthopedics at the City Clinical Hospital named after Botkin at the Department of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Disaster Surgery.
