Subluxation of the cervical vertebra in a child in childbirth: symptoms, treatment, consequences

Among the most frequent pathologies of the locomotor system include subluxation of the cervical vertebra. This pathological condition affects not only adults but also children. Subluxation of a vertebra appears incomplete deviation of the adjacent cervical vertebrae relative to each other.

In contrast to dislocation when the joint ligaments are torn, subluxation characterized by the preservation of some minimal articular contact. However, the interaction between the vertebrae is still broken, the neck ceases to function fully . Usually the most susceptible to subluxation of the first cervical vertebra – Atlas.

Articular ligaments between the vertebrae cervical provide neck mobility and the ability to perform these movements in different planes. Although the main and major function of the cervical spine all the same reference. The spinal canal of the cervical just covered with vessels, which are responsible for blood flow to the brain. In addition, there is part of the spinal cord, "breakage" which can lead to paralysis of limbs and death.

Types

Among all subluxations of the cervical vertebrae there are three types of this disease that are most commonly diagnosed in children:

• The most common subluxation of Atlanta that often occurs before a baby is born, during its passage through the birth canal. This is due to the fact that the vertebrae C1 and C2 are extremely vulnerable, and they are arranged somewhat differently from other joints. Subluxation Atlanta deprives neck mobility, he usually provokes strong and regular pains.
• Rotary cervical subluxation may result from movements of the head, in which she adopts an unnatural position relative to the Central axis. In newborns, this pathology develops when parents correctly support the baby's head. If you ignore this injury and put off going to the doctor, the child may develop torticollis.
• Active subluxation happens because of incomplete development of the musculoskeletal system, which in combination with increased muscle tone leads to the estrangement of the joint space. Expressed active subluxation atypical divergence of the vertebrae in a child.

• See also: what to do if your child has a sore neck?

Reasons

Subluxation in the cervical spine can sometimes be the result of both active and indirect impact to the head. Another precipitating factor is spontaneous contraction of the muscles of the neck. In children it usually occurs when they turn their heads and it takes an unnatural position. And given the hyperactive motor activity of children, this can happen quite often.

Subluxation of the cervical vertebrae in newborns is not only acquired, but congenital. That is, this pathology is often the result of birth trauma. During delivery, the baby's head moves relative to the main axis, with the result that the strength of muscular pressure in the birth canal changing, and damaged articular ligaments.

Another common cause of disease is improper execution of sports exercises. Subluxation can happen when you fall on your head during headstand, while diving in unexplored and shallow reservoir, when properly-executed somersaults and other athletic exercises.

• See also: Subluxation of the cervical vertebra in a child.

Symptoms

This frequent trauma to the vertebrae in the cervical spine occurs because narrowing the space between the vertebrae. Subluxation in the cervical vertebrae of the child is accompanied by a number of characteristics, which include:

• Excessive and unnatural tone pericranial muscles;
• Nagging pain in the neck and shoulder, extending to my back;
• Cephalalgia, which is often accompanied by convulsions;
• Pronounced swelling of the tissues in the neck;
• Violation of neck mobility ;
• Restless sleep;
• Numbness of the upper extremities;
• Unexplained deterioration of vision;
• Hearing impairment;

The simple fact is that subluxation of the cervical vertebra in newborns is rarely noticeable in the first six months of life. The only pronounced features are the cervical curvature and atypical head position. Trauma becomes visible when the baby significantly increases locomotor activity, learning to walk independently, resulting in increased vertical load on the spine.

• See also: the Treatment of cervicalscoliosis

Since the child is still not able to report to parents on disturbing his pains, pay attention to the following symptoms:

• The baby is cranky, overly whiny and irritable;
• Noticeable something unnatural in his movements and gait;
• The child can not concentrate, very distracted;
• Gets tired quickly and sleeps a lot;
• Pronounced curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
• Rapidly gaining weight, which is inconsistent with the age of the child;
• The baby often spits up after eating;

• See also: How to straighten the vertebrae themselves.

Upon detection of a combination of at least some of the above listed symptoms, immediately contact an authorised service technician. Careful observation of the child and timely diagnosis of the pathology is the key to its further healthy development.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of "subluxation of cervical vertebra" is difficult, because its symptoms are often similar to signs of other pathologies. Typically, for accurate diagnosis of subluxation is enough to make x-rays of the neck in direct posterior and lateral projections. However, given the severity of the condition of the particular patient, the doctor may do an x-ray in oblique projection. If there is a suspicion at offset Atlanta, the x-ray is carried out through the mouth.

As an additional means of diagnosis of subluxation of the cervical vertebra applied magnetic resonance and computed tomography. To exclude neurological disease may need to consult a neurologist. For the diagnosis of chronic subluxation is used encephalography.

• See also: Subluxation of the cervical vertebra.

Treatment

The treatment of this pathology of the locomotor system consists of such activities as reduction of a displaced vertebra and further restorative procedures. The right to put the vertebrae in place only by a qualified chiropractor or traumatologist.

• See also: What is dangerous and how to treat cervical dislocation?

The doctor will straighten and treat subluxation, a child only under the condition that there are no obvious complications, such as fractures, torn ligaments, etc. Prompt hospitalization of the victim will facilitate the work of the specialist and further treatment.

It is strictly forbidden to exert pressure on the cervical child on their own because it will undoubtedly lead to the rupture of the joint ligaments and complete dislocation.

• See also: Rotary subluxation of the cervical vertebra C1

The treatment of this disease in children involves the use of conservative methods. After reposition of the displaced vertebra, the child should be provided proper attention from adults. Rreabilitatsionnyi the event the doctor will prescribe based on the patient's age. The activities that contribute to the rehabilitation of the child's body after subluxation of the cervical vertebrae include massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise.

Subluxation of the cervical vertebra in a child – very severe injury, which should not be dismissive. Prompt hospitalization, timely first aid and rehabilitation, will help the child easy to transfer treatment and to develop in accordance with their age painless.