Thoracic scoliosis – disease of the 21st century. After all, the curvature of the spine relative to its axis occurs in every 4-6 people out of 1000. And most often affects children, as well as adolescents who, hunched over, sit at a school desk and in front of a computer. Also, this problem occurs among office workers and those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Many refer to scoliosis as a completely harmless phenomenon. But in fact, incorrect posture can significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to sad consequences, to which ones, estet-portal.com found out.
How to recognize thoracic scoliosis: the main signs of pathology
At the very first stages, thoracic scoliosis practically does not manifest itself in any way. But in the process of progression, its symptoms are quite pronounced. Symptoms can be seen with the naked eye and even felt. This is:
• asymmetry of the shoulders, shoulder blades, ribs and pelvis;
• chest deformity;
• pelvic curvature;
• headache;
• pain in the back, between the shoulder blades and in the chest;
• increased fatigue of the back muscles during prolonged sitting or standing.
Protrusion of the abdomen forward, as well as raising the shoulders and shoulder blades up – the main signs of scoliosis of the thoracic spine.
Thoracic scoliosis: types and degrees of curvature of the spine
Depending on the form of curvature of the spine, thoracic scoliosis can be:
• C-shaped – one arc of curvature;
• S-shaped – two arcs of curvature. Also, the pathology is divided depending on the deviation of the arc from the vertical axis into right-sided and left-sided. Although bilateral deformation is also common.
As practice shows, curvature of the spine occurs in early childhood and tends to progress with age.
The way the pathology develops can be seen in the following stages:
• 1st – considered the easiest. With this degree, the spine is curved by 10 degrees. Pathology is not visually noticeable. It can only be seen on an x-ray. The first stage does not bring discomfort to a person. It is quite possible to fully live with it.
• 2nd – the angle of curvature is 10-25 degrees. Here, the pathology can already be seen visually: one forearm is lower than the other. At this stage, thoracic scoliosis needs to be corrected as it progresses rapidly.
• 3rd – at this stage, the curvature reaches 26-50 degrees. In this case, the asymmetry of the figure is clearly visible.
• 4th – this is the most severe because here the spine is curved by more than 50 degrees. In addition to the external aesthetic defect, there are also problems with organs and systems.
Thoracic scoliosis: what leads to the development of the disease
Thoracic scoliosis can occur for various reasons. Often, a sedentary lifestyle and poor posture, in which a person constantly stoops, leads to spinal deformity.
Girls are more likely to suffer from thoracic scoliosis than boys, moreover during adolescence, when the back muscles are still poorly developed.
But other factors can also lead to the development of such a disease:
• heredity;
• congenital pathology of the spine;
• cerebral palsy;
• metabolic disease;
• injuries and tumors of the spine;
• injuries of the legs or pelvic bones;
• thoracic osteochondrosis;
• diseases of internal organs, etc.
Thoracic scoliosis: what is the danger
At the initial stage, the curvature of the spine is not dangerous for a person. But if the problem is ignored, it can continue to progress, endangering human health and life. Why is such a pathology dangerous? If in the early stages a person is worried about stoop, asymmetry of body parts and pain, then in a neglected state, almost all organs and systems suffer, namely:
• organs are displaced;
• pinched nerve;
• metabolism is disturbed;
• there are diseases of internal organs: heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, kidneys.
Thoracic scoliosis often leads to respiratory and heart failure. In the first case, the ribs are displaced, as a result of which the shape of the lungs changes, and with a maximum breath, the amount of air decreases. And in the second case, due to compression and impaired blood supply to the lungs, dysfunction of the right heart occurs. A person feels short of breath with every climb up the stairs and other physical activities. There is also an increase in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. Often, scoliosis of the thoracic region is the cause of coronary heart disease and even myocardial infarction.
In advanced cases, thoracic scoliosis leads to disability and psychological trauma.
But the worst thing that can happen – This is a complete loss of performance. According to statistics, 47% of people with grade 4 thoracic scoliosis – invalids. They are unable to do even simple household chores such as cleaning and cooking, so they need outside help. Compression of the vertebral artery also leads to disability. And this, in turn, leads to irreversible changes in thinking. In addition, cerebral hemorrhage can occur, which often ends in death.
If advanced scoliosis is detected in a child, he may experience deep psychological trauma. He becomes insecure, feels inferior and withdraws into himself. In addition, such children are more difficult to learn, they do not remember well and it is difficult to assimilate new information.
, see a doctor before it's too late. It is possible to correct thoracic scoliosis at the 2nd and 3rd stages by conservative therapy, which includes a set of therapeutic exercises, as well as wearing a special corset. And with stage 4, only surgery can help. In the event that you do not have scoliosis, you can easily avoid it by taking the following preventive measures: • sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
• do not overload the spine;
• do not slouch;
• walk every day;
• take up swimming. <
Read also:
How to prevent back problems in a child
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