Scoliosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms, treatment, photos

Scoliosis of the lumbar spine are more likely to compensate the same pathology in the thoracic spine. It is formed s-shaped scoliosis. The characteristic symptom of lumbar scoliosis asymmetry of the hip belt and the different length of the lower extremities.

Reasons

The reasons for the development are:

• The difference in pressure on the intervertebral discs;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Damage to the vertebrae, injury;
• Obesity;
• Congenital abnormality;
• Injuries, after surgery;
• Rickets;
• Infectious bone diseases (osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, etc.);
• Self-doubt, isolation;
• The lack of preventive measures (exercise, fitness, massages, etc.);
• Cerebral palsy in children;
• Rheumatic diseases;
• Pregnancy;
• Flatfoot and clubfoot;
• Tuberculosis of the bones;
• Endocrine disorders (diseases of the ovaries, menstruation failures);
• Wearing tight clothing;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Rare – bad habits (Smoking, alcohol, drugs, abuse of medicines);
• In the children's school age scoliosis occurs due to prolonged sitting at a mismatched Desk;
• Tumors of the spine;
• Hernias;
• Of metabolic disorders.

The above factors without therapeutic measures leads to displacement of the vertebrae and curvature of the lumbar spine.

Symptoms

There are several types of scoliosis: right side, left side, and S – shaped. Lumbar scoliosis is most often left-sided. Lefties have a scoliosis on the right side. There are the following symptoms:

• The patient complains of severe pain in the lumbar;
• Slouching while walking;
• Pain in the chest;
• Often experiences fatigue, weakness;
• It can change your gait;
• Reduced physical activity;
• Decreases the sensitivity of the extremities;
• Restriction of movement;
• Pain in the neck;
• The stiffness of the articular surfaces;
• Pain in the feet when walking;
• Numbness of limbs;
• Swelling in the lumbar region;
• Violations of the internal organs.

There are 4 degrees of scoliosis, lumbar. Dependent on the angle of curvature.

• 1 degree – angle is from 5 to 10 degrees;
• 2 degree angle of curvature of from 10 to 25 degrees;
• 3 degree angle of curvature of from 30 to 50 degrees;
• 4 degree – angle is greater than 50 degrees.

Such a strain causes intense pain in the back and chest. The pain is aching, burning, not irradiiruet associated with physical activity, i.e. there is increased pain during activity. Also disturbed, heart rate, heart palpitation, dyspnea, asthma attacks, result suffers heart muscle.

• See also: Manual therapy of the spine.

If not timely treatment, may suffer the brain, occurring: weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, poor concentration and memory, nausea, reduced ability to work, irritability and more.

At the General examination revealed asymmetric location of the shoulder, asymmetry of the body, the hump, the divergence of the blades, tilting the pelvis.

• See also: How to remove the hump on the back

Diagnosis

If the above symptoms must consult a doctor. Most often turn to the traumatologist. With the goal of diagnostic methods is carried out:

• General analysis of blood;
• Urinalysis;
• Measuring height sitting and standing;
• Measurement of body weight;
• X-rays of the lumbar spine is the most important method;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• Computed tomography;
• Chest x-rays;
• The study of muscle tone;
• Electronic goniometry;
• Ultrasound examination of internal organs;
• Spirometry;
• Electrocardiography.

• Read also: the Degree of scoliosis.

Treatment

For lumbar scoliosis use a holistic treatment which includes:

• Drug therapy;
• Physiotherapy;
• Therapeutic baths;
• In extreme cases the use of surgical treatment;
• A wedge osteotomy.

Asdrug therapy use:

• Non-steroidal anti – inflammatory drugs- the main goal is to relieve inflammation;
• Analgesic drugs – used as a pain relief;
• Muscle relaxants drugs that eliminate muscle spasm.

Physiotherapy consists of:

• Massage;
• Manual therapy;
• Acupuncture;
• Stretching of the spine;
• Physical therapy;
• Medical diet.

Manual therapy and stretching of the spine is carried out only under the supervision of specialists. It is not recommended to turn to a dubious healers do not have appropriate education and licenses.

To treat lumbar scoliosis of the first degree is possible with the help of wearing corsets.

Within the conservative therapy for straightening the spinal column have to swimming pools, physical therapy, diet. In therapeutic diet includes only healthy, balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Physiotherapy is contraindicated in patients who have a scoliosis of 3 degrees, after surgery, and pregnant women.

• Maybe you want to learn: How to treat scoliosis at home

The indication for operative procedures is the angle of curvature greater than 50 degrees. Surgical treatment is divided into single-stage and staged.

• One-stage operations – installation of metal structures;
• Stage – setting the tripod a few times.

Currently used a wedge osteotomy. The method lies in the fact that the doctor inserts the rod between the vertebrae, aligning the intervertebral spaces, as a result, man adopts a straight posture.

• Information on the topic: Treatment of scoliosis in children and adolescents

Prevention

• Need to lead a healthy lifestyle;
• Take vitamins, especially vitamin D;
• Observe the correct seat at a Desk;
• Comply with a balanced diet;
• Give up bad habits;
• To engage in physical activity;
• Greater motor movements;
• Conduct tempering procedure;
• Possible to visit the pools, massages.