Scoliosis Treatment

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine. In some cases it is congenital; in others it develops as a result of injuries or poor posture. Many people do not notice the problem for years, but over time the deformity worsens.

Before ignoring any curvature of the spine, it is worth having a diagnostic examination at our clinic, located in Kyiv at 17 Kovpaka St, and starting scoliosis treatment. Neglected stages can negatively affect the work of the body's systems and organs.

Medicine distinguishes several forms of spinal deformity.

Treatment of grade 1 scoliosis

Grade 1 scoliosis is almost unnoticeable visually and is characterized by a slight curvature. When lying down, the spine takes the correct shape. The symptoms of the condition include:

• stooped posture;
• fatigue after long walks;
• asymmetry, for example the shoulders being at different heights.

This grade can be corrected. For treating grade 1 thoracic scoliosis, conservative methods aimed at strengthening and straightening the spine are used, such as:

• physical exercise;
• swimming;
• massage.

Commonly recommended exercises for grade 1 scoliosis are performed on a flat surface:

• on all fours, arch and round the back, in the "cat" and "camel" poses;
• lying on the back, with the feet pressed into the floor, raise and lower the pelvis while shifting the spine vertically;
• in the same position, turn the torso and legs in different directions.

Yoga and Pilates may help with this problem. Static exercises strengthen precisely those muscles of the body on which a person's posture depends.

For scoliosis treatment, it is important to choose asymmetric movements that help shift the spine in the right direction and straighten it. From the whole variety of exercises, choose those that use your own body weight, without extra load. A curved spine reacts poorly to strength loads and work with dumbbells or barbells.

Such methods of treating grade 1 scoliosis can have a good effect on the condition of the spinal column, and they may help improve the figure and strengthen the back muscles.

Qualified specialists work at our clinic in Kyiv. They can help you develop an individual exercise program for scoliosis. If the grade of the condition is not critical, scoliosis treatment in adults may also be possible at home, under a specialist's guidance.

Treatment of grade 2 scoliosis

With grade 2 of the condition, the angle of the spinal curvature increases to 25 degrees. Patients start to feel pain in the back, and the asymmetry of the shoulder blades becomes noticeable from the side. If treatment is not started at this grade, the condition may progress to a more severe, 3rd grade.

Methods of treating grade 2 scoliosis include:

• breathing exercises;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• therapeutic exercise (LFK), aimed at strengthening the back muscles and correcting the position of the spine;
• wearing an individual corset for scoliosis treatment and posture correction;
• professional massage and manual therapy to eliminate muscle imbalance.

With persistent work and regular training, noticeable results may be achieved in about a year.

Recommended exercises for grade 2 scoliosis:

• stand against a wall, give the back the correct position and try to walk evenly without changing the angle of the tilt;
• do squats with arms stretched forward and a straight back;
• keep your balance by standing on one leg;
• do the "scissors" and "cat" exercises and various kinds of twists.

Do not try to design an exercise program for yourself. It is better to see a specialist who will take all your physiological needs into account.

The earlier treatment of grade 2 scoliosis is started, the better. Book a consultation at our center in Kyiv for scoliosis treatment.

Treatment of grade 3 scoliosis

With grade 3 scoliosis, the curvature is visible from the side (the angle values depend on the classification used) and requires a serious approach to treatment. Such a condition rarely develops in children because the spine is flexible enough to return to the correct position. The main goal of therapy is to stop the progression of the condition and correct the position of the spine.

Methods of treating scoliosis include:

• massages;
• wearing braces;
• therapeutic procedures;
• electrical muscle stimulation;
• surgical treatment of scoliosis;
• yoga.

Right-sided scoliosis is generally considered easier to treat than left-sided scoliosis. This is linked to the fact that the curve has a less pronounced effect on the cardiovascular system. Surgery is indicated when the curvature progresses or is accompanied by pain.

Treatment of grade 4 scoliosis

With a diagnosis of grade 4 curvature, the spine is deviated to the side at a severe angle. This is noticeable not only on an X-ray but also to the naked eye. Without treatment of such scoliosis in children, growth may be affected.

Both children and adults may develop:

• hernias;
• joint pain that leads to restricted mobility.

Without treatment, scoliosis of the spine significantly reduces quality of life and can cause neuroses and depression.

The goal of treating grade 4 scoliosis is to reduce the curvature of the spine and strengthen the muscles. The main treatment route is surgery. Supporting methods include massage, manual therapy and wearing an individual corset.

Types of scoliosis

Treatment of C-shaped thoracic scoliosis is somewhat easier than that of S-shaped scoliosis. This is because the changes in this case are not as severe and are still reversible.

Specialists at our clinic often also find lumbar scoliosis in patients who come with complaints of osteochondrosis.

S-shaped scoliosis is a curvature in two places, in which scoliosis of the lumbar region is a compensation for a similar deformity in the thoracic region. It often develops in schoolchildren because of poor posture and incorrect positions during lessons. The period up to 18 years is the riskiest for the development of spinal curvature in adolescents. A characteristic sign of this condition is a difference in the length of the patient's legs.

Conservative methods are used to treat grade 1 and 2 S-shaped scoliosis:

• therapeutic exercise;
• swimming in a pool.

The exercise program for treating S-shaped scoliosis is aimed at correcting posture, and with regular training it may give a good result.

Simple exercises commonly used for scoliosis:

• lying on the stomach, lift the left arm and the right leg at the same time;
• hold them in the air;
• lower them to the floor and repeat several times.

For stages 3 and 4 of S-shaped scoliosis, surgical methods are often used. After surgery, patients begin rehabilitation. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and muscle relaxants are used to treat lumbar scoliosis. Kinesitherapy, a method of exercising on special equipment, may also be beneficial.

If the condition progresses, stopping the pathological process may take more than a year, but with persistent work a lasting result can be achieved. If scoliosis of the thoracic spine is not treated in time, the internal organs may be affected. The cardiovascular system is the most prone to deformation.

How to book an appointment in Kyiv

To start scoliosis treatment, we advise booking a consultation with a doctor at our clinic. You can fill in the form on the website or call the phone number provided. The specialist will carry out a full examination, order an X-ray, choose the method and prescribe appropriate treatment.

We have the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis in children and adults in Kyiv.

The center's specialists are ready to work with patients of any age with various diagnoses. We are committed to your recovery.

Sources

• Ukrainian Wikipedia
• World Health Organization
• Journal "Acute and Emergency Conditions in a Physician's Practice"