Scoliosis of the cervical spine: symptoms, treatment, exercises, photos

Cervical scoliosis – a curvature from the first to the seventh vertebra of the neck Department. Cervical scoliosis is dangerous not only pain manifestations but also the deterioration of blood supply of the brain. Complications appear in by displacement of the spinal artery, supplying blood to the brain more than a quarter of the total.

The causes of pathology

Cervical scoliosis has a second name – high scoliosis. In addition to innate prerequisites, there are other reasons. The disease affects the upper part of the spine. Doctors use several theories to explain the reasons for the skew:

• Dysfunction of the endocrine glands – the main version of the causes of disease. Hormones, influencing the tunable the body during the teenage changes affect the state of the skeleton. Make the bones, the vertebrae softer, easily adjustable under load;
• Failure of the system of muscles and ligaments. With the rapid growth of the child, when muscles and bones do not have time for each other, the probability of formation of scoliosis. The musculo-ligamentous apparatus is weakening, unable to hold the spine in the desired form;
• Dysplastic version, according to which changes in bone lead to dysplastic processes;
• According to the neurogenic theory, it is believed that the pathological processes of the nervous system influence the occurrence of scoliosis. The reason for this may be syringomyelia, deformity of the back.

Types of the disease

Classification of Moshkovich divides the scoliosis of the cervical-type:

• Congenital;
• Idiopathic;
• Dysplastic;
• Static;
• Neurogenic.

The scoliosis is divided into three types of lateral curvature:

• C-shaped where the curved one arc;
• S-shaped, where the two curved arc;
• Z-shaped where the curved three-arc.

X-ray examination can detect the degree of angle of curvature, from which depends the treatment, the predictions of the disease:

• The angle of 1-10 degrees indicates on the first degree. There is no possibility visually to determine the presence of pathology, the patient did not bother;
• 11-25 angle in degrees on the second. Visually noticeable changes;
• The angle at 26-40 degrees on the third. The patient is experiencing discomfort, feeling the deterioration in the quality of life, decreased performance;
• More than 40 degrees on the fourth degree of scoliosis. Complicated internal organs, blood vessels, nervous system.

• See also: What kind of doctor treats scoliosis.

Symptoms varied:

• Appears irregular contour of the shoulders;
• Improper formation of the bones of the skull;
• Different location of ears, wherein one markedly below the second;
• Dizziness, headache, insomnia appeared;
• Inhibition of actions, thoughts, fatigue, memory impairment,
• Reduction of reflexes in the nerves;
• Disturbed nervous system.

Diagnosis

Cervical scoliosis is discovered during examination of the patient: you have to lean forward to lower the upper limb down. This posture allows you to detect line of the vertebrae, asymmetry of the body, curvature of the spine. The doctor prescribes x-rays, and to identify the degree of angle of curvature, the image is carried out two lines running parallel to the plates of the vertebrae neutral. The angle measurement is calculated at the point of intersection. Assigned magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical.

The treatment of the disease

Treatment of scoliosis of the cervical occurs in one of two ways. The doctor will determine the most appropriate, which will treat patients based on General condition, shape and extent of the disease.

The conservative methodology

The main objectives pursued by this method of treatment:

• Stop the development of pathology;
• Improving the static;
• Elimination of violations received;
• Return back correct posture.

To not it took the intervention of the surgeons used therapy, Wellness therapy. Use mattresses of high hardness, the patient goes to rest solely on the back, well-fitted chair, table, baby, relative to their height, prescribe therapeutic exercise, swimming, hardening.

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Useful the conservative way of getting rid of scoliosis massage, strengthens dorsal muscles, electrical stimulation of the region of pathology. It is important to improve nutrition, focusing more on the diet with added calcium, phosphorus, protein. Doctors recommend to wear special braces.

Exercises are conducted at all stages of the disease, and for maximum effect, gymnastic classes combine other methods of treatment. Based on the condition and progression of the disease, the podiatrist prescribes physical therapy course. Through regular lessons, aligned posture, strengthens back muscles, reduces the load on the internal organs.

The exercises upon awakening, prolonged stay in one position for long on the same movement of the joints.

1. Again turns from side to side, left to right and back as in the pronunciation of the word "No";
2. The head is bent alternately to each arm;
3. Sitting exactly, are nods and down with small amplitude, as if the repetition of the word "Yes".

For the stretching part of the neck use the following exercises:

1. Smoothly, gently tilt your head, trying to touch the chin to the chest;
2. Gently turn your head from side to side, pulling the chin shoulders, looking back;
3. Neck bent gently, slowly, left and right, the ears should touch the shoulders;
4. Extrude the neck, chin up, head when you do this not to throw back;
5. Lift, lower, rotate shoulder joints;
6. Falling on his back, fingers folding castle, laying on the back of the head. Making slow breath, elbows driving, and when you exhale bred in hand;
7. Lying on your back, knees bent legs, pressing her feet to the floor. The pelvis is lifted on the inhale, arching the entire spine, exhaling, again down to the starting position;
8. Down the belly of the upper limb is stretched along the body with palms to the floor. Inhaling, lift the chest, arching the neck, on the exhale, slowly sink back;
9. Prone to produce medical massage the neck and the occipital part within 2-4 minutes. May bring a little discomfort after the procedure, pass, and General condition markedly improved. Conducted both independently and with the help of a stranger;
10. On all fours, keep your back parallel with the floor rotting down on the inhale, on the exhale, aligning the neck and spine;
11. Sitting straight, with her hands down along the body, slowly turn your head from side to side. After some time of regular exercise your chin is above the shoulder joints.

All actions performed by 15 times, stop if you experience worsening symptoms of numbness, convulsions, pain. If, during subsequent lessons, the symptoms recur, it is necessary to consult the attending physician.

• See also: Massage for scoliosis.

Surgery

The lack of positive changes when using conservative methods means that it is time of surgical treatment. The fourth degree of the disease responds poorly to conservative treatment methods. Therefore, the purpose of surgery is appointed as early as possible, to avoid progression, the appearance of severe cosmetic defects of the cervical.

Types of surgical intervention:

• The procedure restricts asymmetric increase of the vertebrae, in other words, the resection region of the disk located between the vertebrae, the plates with the protruding side of the area of the disease;
• Stabilization of the deformed spine fusion using bone grafts;
• Recovery, stabilization of the curved portion of the spine;
• Cosmetic change, eliminating defects caused by pathological influences.

Rehabilitation

To after surgery fused the bones will take at least three months. To avoid injury, improve healing, are appointed by the plaster bandage, or the use of head supporting devices. After five weeks the recommended restore joint exercises with the physiotherapist, relieving painful symptoms, improving flexibility, relieving inflammation and return to normal life.

All classes are held at least three times a week for 60 days. Full recovery takes six months, and in order to avoid problems, later life has limitations to increased physical activity.

• See also: the Effects of scoliosis – the dangerous curvature of the spine?

In surgical operations the potential negative consequences, some of which may appear during the process – disruption of blood vessels, deformation of the spinal cord, the destruction of the deformed vertebrae, and the period of rehabilitation likely purulent inflammation.