Summary | Postural deformity of the spine

Summary

Postural deformities of the spine are common diseases especially in western countries. The spinal column, which is supposed to absorb great forces every day and which is responsible, among other things, for upright walking, consists of concave and convex areas. What on the one hand has static reasons, is at the same time its weak point.

Especially in frequently sedentary people, the spinal column areas known as kyphosis and lordosis can strengthen and thus become unstable. If the vertebral bodies are tilted more often and thus become unstable, the postural defects will progress rapidly if no active countermeasures are taken. The most common malposition is kyphosis (also known as humpback), especially in the thoracic spine region.

The lordosis (also known as hollow back) is then the second most common malposition. An S-shaped lateral curvature of the spine is also known as scoliosis. It is also accompanied by a twisting around its own axis (rotation).

The first treatment options would be physiotherapeutic exercise, which consists of strengthening the muscle strands along the spine and stretching exercises. In extreme cases, severe kyphosis and scoliosis also leads to a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) and pressure on the nerve fibers. Neurological failures are the result.

In this case an operation must always be considered. In this case, the vertebral bodies of the affected area are detached from each other and screwed together again in a straight position. However, the result is that the vertebral bodies are stiffened at this point and can no longer be moved.

A prerequisite for surgery is that the patient is no longer in the growth phase. Adolescents and children would therefore be more reluctant to undergo surgery. It is also possible to try to bring the spine back into a straight position with corsets.

A condition is however a carrying time of 3⁄4 of the day, which does not promote the co-operation of the patients straight. Also the success of corset treatments is rather poor. The prevention of posture damage is therefore extremely important.

Frequently sitting persons should do regular stretching exercises during the day (grasping the ceiling with the fingertips). The use of a kneeling chair should also improve the posture and thus relieve the spine.