Exercises for the prevention of scoliosis in preschool children. Measures to prevent scoliosis. How does scoliosis start?

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Scoliosis is called congenital, or one that occurs due to an improper lifestyle.

The causes of this disease are the wrong lifestyle, uncomfortable shoes, non-compliance with safety rules when playing sports, as a result of metabolic disorders, etc.

It must be remembered that it is very difficult to treat, which is why it is necessary to regularly, from infancy, carry out disease prevention.

Prevention of curvature of the spine in adults

For the prevention of scoliosis in adults, it is especially important to lead a correct lifestyle.

Diet

Healthy food is quite an important aspect in life. A person needs to eat:

• fruits;
• vegetables;
• cereals;
• lean meat.

The menu should be selected in such a way that it consists of foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Fatty and fried foods should be avoided.

Lifestyle

Scoliosis is called the problem of our time. This is due to the fact that most people lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle.

If a person has such a specific work, then he needs:

Oh sport, are you life?

Prevention of scoliosis in adult patients is not only the implementation of certain rules, but also the observance of prohibitions.

Many people have an erroneous opinion that sports cannot occur, but this is far from the case. Sports in some cases is the cause of this disease.

If a person goes in for sports, then he needs to avoid excessive physical exertion.

Sleeping mode

Those people who sleep without a pillow should understand how harmful it is. For the prevention of scoliosis, it is necessary to ensure healthy sleep.

That is why it is strictly forbidden to sleep without a pillow. For sleep, it is best to choose an orthopedic mattress. It will allow the spine to be in its usual position during the rest period, which will be an excellent means of preventing spinal curvature.

Let's loosen up a bit...

Also, to prevent the disease, it is necessary to do gymnastics. For this, 10-15 exercises for the back are used. They should be determined by the doctor depending on the individual characteristics of the patient.

You can also practice, the assanas of which not only warm up the muscles of the back, but also have a positive effect on the spine.

Prevention of scoliosis in adults is a fairly simple procedure. To do this, a person needs to follow only simple rules.

Let's Help the Kids

As a rule, scoliosis in most cases develops at preschool and school age, the culprits of the appearance of this diseases in most cases are parents who could not timely ensure the prevention of violations to their children.

In the context of development information technologies children at preschool and school age are constantly at the computer.

And strangely enough, this is encouraged by parents.

Prolonged sitting is strictly prohibited. If a child is passionate about a computer, then every half hour he needs to get up from his desktop and walk around the room for at least ten seconds.

Parents must also before school age teach the child to sit still for 20 minutes. Initially, you need to ask the child to remain in the same position for five minutes.

With each subsequent exercise, the time of motionless sitting should increase by one minute. This will allow not only to develop the correct posture in the child, but also teach him discipline, prepare him for school.

As a rule, in primary school the children do a warm-up in the middle of the lesson. If you teach a child to sit still for half the lesson, and after that a warm-up is done, then this will be an excellent prevention of scoliosis.

In the lesson, the child needs to change the position of the legs. They are closed together and placed, the feet are directed forward and backward, etc. doctors recommend several times a day to do a warm-up. That is why, starting from preschool age, parents should teach their child to do morning exercises, which includes turns and tilts of the torso.

How to properly distribute the load on the spine

Children who go to school must carry a satchel with them. It is necessary to place not only books and other school supplies in it, but also a school breakfast. This is quite a burden for a school-age child.

That is why parents should responsibly approach the choice of a school backpack. To ensure a uniform load on the back, it is necessary to give preference to a backpack that is worn on two shoulders.

When using bags, the load is shifted to one side. Even if the child changes the shoulder on which he carries the bag, it still negatively affects the spine.

The fragile children's spine needs to be given rest. To achieve the highest possible effect, the child needs to take a prone position. The child should lie on his back or stomach.

It is not necessary to watch TV or read books during the rest period, as this negatively affects the child's vision.

If the child lies on his side, then this will not provide him with rest, since the load in this position is equal to the load in a standing position.

More about posture

Parents should develop the correct posture in the child at preschool age. He needs to be taught to walk and sit with straight shoulders. The head must be level. Walking with your head down for a child is not only harmful, but also unsafe.

For the rest of the baby, you need to choose a bed of medium hardness. To avoid the appearance of tension in the muscles of the baby, parents should teach the child to sleep on their side.

Doctors say that the best position for a child is the fetal position - on its side with bent legs.

What is prohibited

In order to prevent scoliosis, children are strictly prohibited from:

• carry a backpack on one shoulder;
• during rest, lean on your elbows;
• exercise intensively.

The child should not only have the right period of activity, but also sleep.

Preventive exercises

In order to provide a full range of preventive measures, the child needs to perform the following exercises daily:

These exercises can be performed to prevent scoliosis, not only for a child, but also for an adult.

Scoliosis is very difficult to treat and easier to avoid. To do this, it is necessary to ensure the right way of life not only for yourself, but also for your children. Exercises have a high impact in the prevention of this disease.

The main disadvantage of the development of the scientific and technical capabilities of mankind is the inexorable decline in the physical activity of the population of the planet. The lack of systematic physical activity has a negative impact primarily on the state of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, the prevention of scoliosis in children every year becomes more and more relevant. Curvature of the spine leads not only to a violation of posture, but also to the development of concomitant pathologies of internal organs.

Prevention of children's scoliosis in infancy

An integrated approach is used not only in the treatment of diseases of the spinal column (see). Prevention of children's scoliosis also involves the simultaneous use of various methods. At the same time, orthopedists insist on the need to take appropriate measures from the very birth of the baby.

Anatomical appear gradually and in a certain sequence. To prevent anomalies in the development of the musculoskeletal system, parents must observe the following rules:

1. Properly organize a place for the baby to sleep: do not use a pillow until he is one year old. Make sure that the mattress in the children's bed is elastic, dense and made of quality materials. Such measures will help prevent violations in the process of forming a bend in the cervical spine.
2. When the baby is 2 months old, he begins to roll over on his side. Parents should ensure that these turns are carried out in both directions - both to the right and to the left.
3. Children make their first attempts to sit down six months after birth, sometimes later. It is forbidden to try to plant the baby before he himself is ready for this. Increased loads on the children's spine contribute to the formation of a "round back": its curvature in the thoracic and lumbar segments.
4. Make sure that the child sleeps mainly on his back or stomach. If the baby sleeps on its side, the load on its spine increases by 75%.

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Sometimes parents try to help their child learn to walk faster. Orthopedists strongly do not recommend using walkers and other devices for this purpose, as well as putting the child on his own legs. Increased loads acting on the unformed spine contribute to the development of pathologies in its various departments.

Principles of prevention of scoliosis in preschool children

The first period of rapid growth of the child's body, when the risk of curvature of the spinal column increases, occurs at the age of 5–7 years. Prevention of scoliosis in preschool children consists of the following measures:

1. Development of correct posture: do not allow the child to slouch (see).
2. Do not allow children to watch TV while lying in bed.
3. In the presence of congenital anomalies in the development of the musculoskeletal system, in particular, shortening of one of the legs, carefully follow the recommendations of the orthopedist, use medical insoles.
4. Develop a rational regimen of the day and nutrition.
5. Form the habit of doing morning exercises every day.
6. Enroll a preschooler in the pool.

Parents should not only ensure that children are not disturbed by physical activity. Due attention must be paid to rest: preschoolers should sleep at least 9 hours a day.

Principles of prevention of scoliosis in children of school age

With the beginning of the educational process, the load on the spine increases: children are forced to stay in a static position for a long time, carry a briefcase with textbooks. An additional negative factor is a change in the psycho-emotional background: a new team and increased social responsibility can provoke the emergence of stressful situations. Properly organized prevention of scoliosis in schoolchildren helps to prevent anomalies in the development of the musculoskeletal system or significantly slow down the progression of an already formed pathology.

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The complex application of the following measures helps to prevent curvature of the spine in schoolchildren:

1. Daily morning exercises. According to the rules, charging should begin with a short self-massage of the back and lower back in order to warm up and prepare muscle fibers for subsequent loads. Only then can you begin to perform exercises to prevent scoliosis. It is necessary to finish gymnastics with water procedures.
2. Performing during the day small physical exercises lasting 5-6 minutes. If a child is forced to sit still for more than 15 minutes, he should periodically change the position of his legs, move his feet in different directions.
3. Proper organization of the student's workplace. The distance between the desk and the chest of the student should not exceed the width of the palm. The seat of the chair should be rigid, which helps the student to keep his back straight during the lesson.
4. Access to the pool twice a week. The most effective in the prevention of scoliosis in schoolchildren is swimming on the back.
5. The systematic implementation of exercises that contribute to the extension of the spine, for example, a clean hang on the horizontal bar, in which there is no support for the legs.

In the prevention of scoliosis, gymnastics, including special compensatory exercises, has great importance. You can perform it in combination with morning exercises or throughout the day:

• hang on the horizontal bar and try to bring your knees to your chest;
• take a starting position on your knees, then first arch your back strongly, then bend it.

Note! The effectiveness of physical exercises depends not only on the regularity of their implementation, but also on the duration.

Permissible exercises for the prevention of scoliosis in children

Physical education helps the child not only improve appearance but also contribute to the normalization of the functioning of all internal organs. Exercises for the prevention of scoliosis in children are aimed at strengthening all types of back muscles, as a result of which it is easier for the student to maintain the correct posture:

1. Standing, put your hands behind your head, then with an effort to take them to the sides, then up and bend. After a few seconds, return to the starting position.
2. Standing, put a gymnastic stick behind your back and press it to your body. Keeping your back vertical, slowly sit down, then alternately tilt forward, right and left. After each movement, you must return to the starting position.
3. Lying on your stomach, lean on your hands and try to bend your back as much as possible. Make sure your thighs touch the floor at all times.

The optimal set of exercises for the prevention of scoliosis can only be developed by a physiotherapist. Consultation with a specialist will help to avoid the development of severe complications in the student's musculoskeletal system and guarantee maximum success in preventing spinal curvature in a patient (see contact). That is why during scheduled medical examinations at the age of up to a year, upon admission to kindergarten and the school provides orthopedic consultations.

Scoliosis in children is a very common pathology that occurs very often not only among school-age children, but also among preschoolers. We will consider the causes of the development of the disease, its signs, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

The concept of scoliosis

In a healthy person, the spinal column has four natural bends in the sagittal plane: two anterior (cervical and lumbar lordosis) and two posterior (sacral and thoracic kyphosis). The vertical plane dividing the body into right and left halves is called the sagittal plane. Perpendicular to it, the same vertical plane, passing between the front and back of the body, is called the frontal.

Scoliosis is a pathological curvature of the spinal column to the left or right in the frontal plane, which subsequently leads to "twisting" of the vertebrae and an increase in physiological curves. The resulting compression of blood vessels and internal organs causes disruption of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, nervous and other body systems.

It is noticed that girls suffer from scoliosis about 9 times more often than boys. According to medical statistics, almost 10% of children and adolescents have curvature of the spinal column. Therefore, pediatric orthopedists confidently put scoliosis in one of the first positions among all pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

In childhood, there are two periods when there is a jump in the growth of the body: from 6 to 7 years and from 11 to 14 years. It is these age intervals that are considered periods of high risk of developing scoliosis.

Ask the child to stand up, turn his back to you, lower his arms along the body and not strain. If you notice that one shoulder is higher than the other, or one shoulder blade is higher than the other, or in the waist area the distance from the arm to the body is greater on one side than on the other, ask the child to lean forward. In this position, you can see that not all of the vertebrae are in the same line. The presence of at least one of these signs is a reasonable reason to go to an appointment with a pediatric orthopedist to exclude scoliosis. In this disease, the principle applies: early treatment is a favorable outcome. The child's body is not yet fully formed, it continues to grow, so it is much easier to resist the progression of scoliosis in a child than in an adult.

Scoliosis classification

Used in orthopedics various classifications scoliosis depending on the causes of their development, the severity of the pathological process, the time of manifestation of the disease, etc.

If scoliosis manifests itself between the first and second year of a child's life, it is called infantile. If the disease manifests itself at the age of 4-6 years, they talk about juvenile scoliosis, at 10-14 years old - about adolescence.

The two main types of scoliosis are:

1. congenital scoliosis, which is formed in the prenatal period due to improper development of bone and cartilage structures. The reasons for it can be:
   • anomalies in the development of the spine (hemivertebrae, wedge-shaped vertebrae);
   • sacro-lumbar dysplasia;
   • additional ribs or fusion of ribs.

In this case, the transitional sections of the spine (lumbar-thoracic, cervicothoracic, lumbosacral) suffer more often. But usually there is no large arc of curvature, since single vertebrae are involved in the process. Therefore, congenital scoliosis manifests itself not earlier than 5–7 years.

1. Acquired scoliosis is formed in a child after birth under the influence of certain factors.

Depending on the origin and causes of the disease, there are 5 groups of scoliosis:

1. scoliosis muscular origin. They are formed due to the pathology of the muscles and ligamentous apparatus, for example, with muscular dystrophy, muscular hypotension, congenital dislocation of the hip, contracture of the hip or knee joint, congenital torticollis.
2. scoliosis neurogenic origin. They develop as a result of trauma. spinal cord, Friedreich's ataxia, past poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, syringomyelia and other pathologies of the nervous system.
3. Dysplastic scoliosis is all congenital scoliosis.
4. Scoliosis, which is based on injuries and diseases chest(fractures of the spine, pleural empyema, extensive burns, thoracoplasty, etc.) and other pathological conditions(rickets, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Hunter's syndrome, Marfan's syndrome, juvenile osteochondrosis, tumors of the spinal cord and spine, etc.).
5. idiopathic scoliosis, the causes of which have not been established. This group includes the majority of scoliosis developing in childhood and adolescence.

Factors contributing to the scoliotic curvature of the spinal column:

• hypodynamia;
• asthenic conditions;
• age-appropriate load on the spine;
• incorrect posture;
• continuing until the age of 18, the formation of the musculoskeletal system.

According to the form of curvature, scoliosis is as follows:

• C-shaped when the spine has one arc in the frontal plane;
• S-shaped- two arcs;
• Z-shaped- three arcs.

According to the location of the top of the lateral curvature of the spine, several types of scoliosis are distinguished:

• cervicothoracic (at the level of III–IV thoracic vertebrae);
• thoracic (at the level of VIII–IX thoracic vertebrae);
• lumbar-thoracic (at the level of XI-XII thoracic vertebrae);
• lumbar (at the level of I–II lumbar vertebrae);
• lumbosacral (at the level of the V lumbar and I coccygeal vertebrae).

There are several different clinical and radiological classifications of scoliosis according to severity. Our doctors use classification of the outstanding domestic traumatologist-orthopedist Chaklin V.D. compiled in 1973.

Idegree, in which the lateral curvature of the spine is noticeable in the vertical position of the body and disappears in the horizontal. If the child is standing, the asymmetry of the shoulder blades and shoulder lines or waist is visible, which depends on the localization of the curvature. The angle of scoliosis on radiographs does not exceed 10°;

IIdegree when the lateral deformity of the spine is more pronounced, and it does not disappear in the supine position. The costal hump begins to form, a compensatory arch appears. On the side of the curvature along the spine, a muscle roller is determined. The angle of scoliosis on the x-ray is greater than 11°, but less than 30°;

IIIdegree, in which a significantly pronounced lateral curvature of the spinal column is combined with a formed compensatory arch. Rib hump reaches large sizes, the chest is deformed. Unloading the spine does not give any result. The angle of scoliosis on the radiograph is 31°–60°;

IVdegree when the scoliosis angle exceeds 60°. In addition to pronounced musculoskeletal deformities, there are disturbances in the functioning of internal organs (heart, lungs, etc.).

Depending on the nature of the course, scoliosis can be progressive or non-progressive.

Symptoms of children's scoliosis

Children with scoliosis of I-II degree do not present any complaints as such. But those around them always mark their head down, asymmetry of the back, flattened shoulders. With III-IV degree of deformation, the child sometimes begins to complain of back pain, he may be disturbed by shortness of breath, he notices transient pain in the region of the heart and palpitations. The stiffness of movements increases, the child becomes inattentive, quickly gets tired. Young children may have difficulty walking, stumble, or lose their balance.

Scoliosis is not only a physical but also a cosmetic defect. Sick children may complain of a bad mood, become depressed. Their relationships with peers are broken, self-esteem falls. Therefore, parents in the first place, as well as psychologists and doctors, should help the child overcome these problems.

Doctors of all specialties working with children know how important early diagnosis of scoliosis is. Therefore, a doctor of a children's institution, a local pediatrician, a surgeon, a pediatric neurologist, a physiotherapist, a dermatologist, etc., can suspect a deformity of the spinal column and refer the patient for further examination.

A pediatric orthopedist leads a child with scoliosis or with suspicion of it, and in the absence of this doctor in the clinic, a surgeon. To make a diagnosis, the doctor examines the child from the back and front, from both sides, in the standing positions straight and leaning forward, as well as sitting and lying down. If there are signs of scoliosis (asymmetry of the back, costal hump, etc.), he determines the degree of curvature of the spinal column in degrees using a scoliometer. If the spine is deviated from the vertical axis by more than 5–7 °, the doctor directs the patient to.

To identify the pathology of the spinal column, radiography is performed in the vertical and horizontal positions of the patient in two projections. The radiologist in conclusion indicates the degree of scoliosis, determining it by the Chaklin method. To obtain more detailed information and in the absence of contraindications, X-ray tomography, MRI or CT of the spinal column, and myelography are performed. During treatment, to control its effectiveness, a non-beam method of computerized optical topography is used. Pediatric orthopedists often use a camera at all stages of observation and treatment of a patient. Comparing photographs taken at different times and from different angles, the doctor can indirectly judge the course of the disease.

If there are indications, a child with scoliosis is consulted by a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, who can prescribe an additional examination (laboratory tests, ECG, ultrasound, etc.).

The orthopedic doctor chooses the treatment tactics for each child strictly individually. It is determined by the age of the patient, the severity of scoliosis, the course of the disease (with or without progress). All methods of treatment of this type of spinal deformity are divided into conservative and surgical.

Conservative treatment includes an orthopedic regimen, massage, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises, manual therapy, wearing a corset. The orthopedic regimen includes constant monitoring of correct posture, sleeping on a solid board, unloading the spine with a horizontal position of the body several times a day.

If a child has scoliosis of I-II degree, and the disease does not progress, all measures are taken to eliminate the causes that contribute to the curvature, organize the correct motor activity of the patient and unload the spine. The main thing is to prevent the progression of the pathological process. The child is prescribed an orthopedic regimen, massage of the entire back, therapeutic exercises, swimming lessons.

If scoliosis of the I-II degree progresses, the orthopedist adds to the above appointments a special complex of physiotherapy exercises, manual therapy (soft techniques), physiotherapy (magnetotherapy, mud and hydrotherapy, SMT therapy, electromyostimulation, thermotherapy, etc.), wearing an orthopedic corset correcting the position of the spinal column.

If conservative treatment does not give the desired effect, and the disease progresses, if the angle of scoliosis exceeds 40 °, and the child has impaired functions of the internal organs, he is shown surgical treatment of the disease. Doctors try to do the operation after 10, but before 14 years, since this age interval is considered optimal for its implementation.

Surgical treatment involves implantation in the chest special devices(distractors, endocorrectors, etc.), fixing the spine in the maximum possible straightened state. Surgical intervention is always preceded by traction of the spinal column. Other options for surgical treatment are osteoplastic (resection of the vertebrae), mobilizing (removal of the intervertebral disc, etc.) and cosmetic (resection of the hump, angle of the scapula, etc.) operations. After any surgical intervention, the child undergoes a long course of rehabilitation therapy.

Forecast of children's scoliosis

Scoliosis is less aggressive, manifesting in a child at the age of 10–12 years. Manifested before the age of 6 years, the disease usually has a progressive course, accompanied by early development of spinal deformity. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is quite possible to stop the pathological process and reduce the severity of the curvature.

Children with scoliosis are subject to long-term orthopedic follow-up and at least twice a year should receive specialized treatment. Prognosis in terms of mobility and independence is determined by the degree of scoliosis. Sick children with mild forms of curvature move freely, participate in active games on a par with their peers. If scoliosis is severe, independence may be limited due to imbalance in the body, and the child will need a cane or walker. In this case, mobility is most often limited, especially torso inclinations.

For girls with spinal deformity, the prognosis in terms of pregnancy is quite favorable, since special sets of exercises have been developed that make it easier to bear a child and prepare a woman for childbirth.

Young men of military age suffering from scoliosis are not subject to or subject to restrictions to be drafted into the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which is determined by the severity of the deformity.

Disease prevention

Scoliosis, like many diseases, is easier to prevent than to treat. No one better than the parents of the child can cope with measures to prevent the development of spinal deformity. Only parents have the ability to constantly control their child.

• at the age of one year, do not rush the child to grow: do not put him in pillows if he cannot sit on his own, and do not use walkers if the baby is not yet standing;
• enroll your son or daughter in the pool as early as possible, as swimming is the most efficient view sports in terms of prevention of scoliosis;
• always control the correct posture of the child, his physical activity and motor mode;
• by personal example, teach him to do morning exercises every day;
• buy an orthopedic mattress for your child to sleep;
• organize it properly workplace, buy a satchel for school.

Remember that in both the treatment and prevention of scoliosis, only patience and perseverance, combined with confidence and optimism, will lead you to success.

Zaluzhanskaya Elena Aleksandrovna, pediatrician

Scoliosis (from the Greek for “curve”) is a fairly common disease today. Few people can boast of a perfectly straight spine and correct posture. Both adults and children suffer from curvature of the spine to a greater or lesser extent. How dangerous is scoliosis? What can it lead to? And most importantly - how to prevent it?

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by curvature of the spine in all planes: to the right, to the left, forward, backward; as well as around all its axes. In this state, the spine is like a twisted vine. Most often, scoliosis occurs in children, it is especially dangerous when such a diagnosis is made to children at preschool age, because scoliosis progresses rapidly from 5 to 7 years. Scoliosis in a teenager is not so dangerous, because there is hope that the disease will not develop.

Rice. Scoliosis. A real preparation from 1894, located in the Berlin Medical Historical Museum at the Charité clinic.

Doctors share two concepts: scoliosis and scoliotic disease. With scoliosis, there are changes in the vertebrae themselves, the correct shape of which can no longer be returned. And with scoliotic disease, there are no such changes, there is only disharmony of the muscles: on one side of the spine they are stronger, and on the other they are weaker. This muscular imbalance is the cause of the lateral curvature of the spine. Therefore, by strengthening the back muscles, you can get rid of posture defects. Untreated scoliotic posture can turn into scoliosis.

Causes of scoliosis:

- long stay in one position;

- uncomfortable and incorrectly selected desks and desks in accordance with the growth of the child;

- lack of physical activity;

- carrying weights (especially in one hand);

- impaired vision;

- diseases of internal organs;

- congenital defects.

Harbingers of scoliosis

Rice. rachitic skeleton. A real drug from 1900, located in the Berlin Medical Historical Museum at the Charité.

Rickets- a disease associated with a lack of vitamin D, which is formed under the influence of sunlight, so children born in winter and autumn are at risk. The ultraviolet spectrum of light, under the influence of which vitamin D is synthesized, does not penetrate through window panes, so walking with a child only on a glazed balcony / loggia is not enough. The child needs "live" sunlight. Due to a lack of vitamin D, bones soften. The first signs of the disease are noticeable at 2-3 months of a child's life: he becomes excitable, tearful, sleeps poorly, shudders at loud sounds, sweats heavily, bald patches appear on his head.

In an untreated disease, after six months, the symptoms become more pronounced: the back of the head flattens, the bones of the skull become supple and soft. The chest is deformed, it becomes like a chicken breast or a "shoemaker's chest" (depression in the middle), the pelvis and limbs are bent; the person becomes more irritable. The legs take an O-shape (varus deformity), the frontal and parietal tubercles protrude strongly on the skull. Young children with rickets later begin to crawl, sit, stand, lag behind in development, they often develop malocclusion, caries, and postural disorders. When recovering, babies feel better, calm down, cry less, but skeletal deformities can persist for a long time.

Vitamin D is used to treat rickets, but only the doctor determines its dosage and duration of treatment. In addition to drug treatment, it is important to properly organize the day of the child: hardening, gymnastics, massage. The diet should include a sufficient amount of foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, trace elements.

Early and high-quality treatment in some children allows you to cope with the disease.

Another major cause of stoop is flat feet. In people with flat feet, the center of gravity is shifted back, thus disturbing the balance of the whole body. The person involuntarily leans forward so as not to fall, and begins to stoop. Most people have static flat feet, which develops due to congenital weakness of the ligaments, hereditary thinness of the bone, abnormal gait, excess weight. Incorrectly selected shoes are perhaps the main cause of static flat feet. The mechanics of a normal step is broken and the foot is deformed if you wear stilettos or on a rigid platform all the time. Occupational activities (standing for a long time or carrying heavy objects) can also cause flat feet.

Flat feet are treated by an orthopedist. The treatment is based on special daily gymnastics, which is complemented by warm foot baths, foot and leg massage to strengthen the musculoskeletal system.

Ideal shoes - with a heel 2-3 cm high and with a tight back. It is useful to use arch support insoles, which raise the flattened arch of the foot and improve posture. With flat feet, walking barefoot in nature, hardening, swimming, cycling give a good therapeutic effect. Advanced cases are treated promptly.

Very often, scoliosis is a manifestation of some other diseases and conditions, such as: diseases of the hip joints, diffuse diseases of the connective tissue, different leg lengths, cerebral palsy. These diseases, due to their characteristics, change the load on the vertebrae, distributing it incorrectly, and cause their deformation, which leads to a curvature of the spine. Various intrauterine diseases lead to congenital scoliosis. The development of the disease can be provoked by birth trauma. Transferred to early age rickets and various kinds of injuries are the causes of poor posture (most often due to developing muscle weakness). At an older age, scoliosis appears in children whose workplace is organized incorrectly and forces them to sit hunched over. Curvature of the spine can also appear in adults as a result of prolonged asymmetric loads on the back muscles.

5 main groups of scoliosis:

1. Scoliosis of muscular origin. Poorly developed muscles and ligaments cannot ensure the normal development of the spine. For example, rachitic scoliosis occurs as a result of a dystrophic process in the neuromuscular tissue (along with those in the skeleton).
2. Scoliosis of neurogenic origin occurs with poliomyelitis, spastic paralysis, sciatica. This also includes scoliosis, caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
3. Congenital scoliosis occurs as a result of impaired bone development.
4. Scoliosis caused by diseases of the chest: pleural empyema, extensive burns, plastic surgery.
5. Scoliosis, the causes of which have not yet been studied.

Depending on whether what part of the spine is curved, the following variants of scoliosis are distinguished:

- “stooping”: an increase in the thoracic curve in the upper sections with a straight lower back;

- "round back": an increase in the thoracic curve throughout the thoracic spine;

- "concave back": increased bending in the lumbar region;

- "round-concave back": an increase in the thoracic curve with an increase in the lumbar curve;

- “flat-concave back”: a decrease in the thoracic curve with a normal or slightly increased lumbar curve.

The severity of scoliosis

Scoliosis I degree: lateral deviation of the spine up to 10 degrees and its slight twisting (it can be seen on the x-ray).

Scoliosis II degree: angle of curvature of 10-25 degrees, pronounced twisting of the spine (a hump can be determined), the presence of compensating bends (the spine is bent in the other direction and becomes s-shaped). The x-ray clearly shows the deformity of the vertebrae.

Scoliosis of the III degree: the angle of curvature is 25-40 degrees, severe deformation of the vertebrae, the formation of a large hump. In places of greatest curvature, the vertebrae become wedge-shaped.

Scoliosis IV degree: angle of curvature 40-90 degrees, disfigurement of the figure: posterior and anterior costal humps, deformity of the pelvis and chest, cinematic scoliosis of the thoracic region.

At-risk groups:

- children with a hereditary predisposition to scoliosis;

- children who play a lot of music (violin and accordion especially contribute to the curvature of the spine);

- fast growing and thin;

- children from schools and kindergartens with increased workload.

How to check if you or your loved ones have scoliosis?

1. Stand with your back against a wall or a door. If a person stands correctly, then his spine forms a concave curve in the neck and waist (lower back), a convex one in the chest and pelvis, touching the wall in these places. Between the spine and the wall in the neck and lower back there are gaps that are equal to the thickness of the palm of the subject. If these distances are greater, then there are violations of posture.
2. Locate the protruding seventh cervical vertebra at the base of the neck. Take any weight on a string (plumb line) and, applying it to this protruding place, look: does the plumb line run exactly along the spine and further between the buttocks? If yes, then everything is fine. If it doesn't go away, then you have scoliosis.
3. Bend forward, see if one of the shoulder blades sticks out. You can check yourself with a mirror: all changes in posture are clearly visible in it.

Scoliosis (especially III and IV degrees) is dangerous because it contributes to disruption of the work of all organs and systems: the heart, lungs, blood circulation, organs suffer abdominal cavity, nervous system. People with scoliosis develop osteochondrosis earlier. In addition, scoliosis is a cosmetic defect that puts pressure on the human psyche and makes it difficult to live a full life.

Scoliosis can be accompanied by lordosis (strong forward bending of the spine) or kyphosis (backward bending), deformities of the shoulder blades, sternum and muscles. Kyphosis (hump) and lordosis are essentially different diseases, but they often accompany each other, because if kyphosis develops in one part of the spine, then lordosis occurs in another compensatory, and vice versa.

A person has physiological lordosis and kyphosis: normally, a small kyphosis is present in the upper part of the thoracic spine, in the region of the sacrum and coccyx. Lordosis is normally present in the lower thoracic, lumbar and cervical spine. The depth of physiological bends corresponds to the thickness of the human palm.

Scoliosis usually occurs at the age of 6-7, which is associated with a sharply increasing load on the spine (beginning of school). The second stimulus for the development of scoliosis is observed at 12-13 years old - with intensive growth. With age, the curvature of the spine only worsens, the deformity intensifies, the spine seems to twist around its axis. Deformities can be corrected only up to 14 years: the growth zones of the vertebrae have not yet been closed. After that, scoliosis can no longer be cured, but it is possible to stabilize a person's condition and slow down the deformation of the vertebrae with the help of therapeutic exercises, massage, and physiotherapy. The purpose of these methods is the formation of the so-called muscle corset from the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, back, muscles of the neck and shoulders. The muscular corset maintains the spine in the correct position, thus reducing the pronounced curvature.

It is impossible to invent a set of exercises to strengthen the muscular corset on your own, because some types of exercise for scoliosis are strictly prohibited (jumping, weight lifting, stretching and flexibility exercises). Stretching for scoliosis is not recommended, because a person stretches, first of all, healthy sections of the spine, which are already very mobile. Because of this, scoliosis develops faster, therefore, with scoliosis, you do not need to hang on horizontal bars or on Swedish walls.

Properly selected exercises of therapeutic exercises should strengthen the muscles, and not aggravate the course of scoliosis. All exercises are performed slowly and smoothly, with a minimum amplitude, while the spine should be practically motionless. Manual therapy and massage help to normalize muscle tone, increase joint mobility, and improve blood circulation. During their implementation, tissue nutrition is enhanced, and this, in turn, provides strengthening and more intensive development of muscles.

With the help of a corset, you can forcibly give the spine the desired shape. The most important thing is that the corset is properly fitted and does not squeeze internal organs. But you don’t need to get carried away with corsets, since the constant artificial maintenance of the spine in the right position contributes to inactivity and weakening of your own muscles, which ultimately aggravates scoliosis. Therefore, if you wear a corset, then not for long, and even better, create your own muscle corset. Manual therapy can help in the early stages of scoliosis, but only if it is performed by an experienced specialist.

Kyphosis (hump) at an early stage is treated with the help of special styling, in which the patient is placed for some time in the most correct position, unloading the spine.

The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the degree of spinal deformity. In most cases, congenital pathologies are more difficult to correct. Older children and adult patients often have to be operated on. Surgical correction is carried out at III and IV stages of scoliosis. During the operation, the spine is fixed with metal rods, after which the patient wears a plaster corset for several months. After surgery, lung volume does not increase, but blood oxygen saturation improves. In the future, the possibility of carrying out (and directly carrying out) overinflation of the lungs with the help of devices that create positive and negative pressure during breathing is considered.

Treatment of scoliosis will be effective only if you regularly perform the prescribed exercises, constantly monitor the correct posture, do back massage, intelligently alternate classes and leisure consult with an orthopedic surgeon. In addition, consultations of a gastroenterologist, neuropathologist, otolaryngologist and dentist are needed.

Enemies of good posture

1. Sleeping area. It is useful to sleep on a hard bed, best in the position on the stomach or on the back. The pillow should not be too big and soft. The ideal option is the use of orthopedic mattresses and pillows.

1. Clothing and footwear. The development of scoliosis is facilitated by tight clothing (shirts), which interferes with the normal growth and development of the chest. It is harmful to wear shoes "for growth", tight or uncomfortable. Incorrect leg position leads to flat feet and a long-term result - curvature of the spine. If a child has flat feet or clubfoot, you should immediately start treating these diseases. Adults with scoliosis should not wear shoes on high heels and on a pin.

1. Bags. The surest way to scoliosis is to carry a bag in one hand. For schoolchildren, it is preferable to choose backpacks with a hard back and wide straps. The backpack must be sized. And for adults, backpacks are preferable to bags.

1. The workplace should be comfortable and well lit. It is not suitable for high school students to sit on a low chair and at a low desk. If the child is short and does not reach the floor with his feet (sitting at the table), make him a stand so that the hip and knee joints are bent at a right angle. The same rules apply to sitting at a computer. It is very important that the furniture fits the student in height. Insufficient lighting and impaired vision have a bad effect on the state of posture, because in this case the child sits hunched over and bends low over books and notebooks.

For office workers who spend 7-8 hours at work, it is important to properly organize the workplace, because sedentary work puts a huge strain on the spine. The height of the table should be 2-3 cm higher than the elbow of the lowered arm of the seated person, and the height of the chair should not exceed the height of the lower leg. When working for desk you need to lean on both elbows, both legs, the back should closely touch the back of the chair, while maintaining the lumbar bend. A fist should be placed between the chest and the edge of the table.

1. The daily routine should be rational: sedentary work should be alternated with a physical workout. For schoolchildren, this can be physical education. When working at a computer, children need to take breaks every 15-20 minutes. It will be useful to enroll the child in the sports section. Office workers should take breaks for 5-10 minutes every 45 minutes, and during this time do a little gymnastics to stretch stiff muscles. Walking, hiking, swimming are very useful for both children and adults.

How to lift weights correctly?

From an inclined position, try never to lift anything! Use the principle of a jack, not a crane. Squat down and lift the load with a straight back, or better yet, maintaining a lumbar curve. In this case, the muscles of the legs, and not the spine, should work. If possible, press the load towards you so that the load is evenly distributed along the spine. The same rules must be followed when lowering the load. If the lifting of the load is nevertheless carried out due to the muscles of the back, their work can be facilitated by simultaneously bending the legs. It is very dangerous to lift weights in a state of physical fatigue, when the muscles do not provide the necessary protection for the spine.

Keep your back straight!

In the institutes of noble maidens, to create a beautiful posture, girls were forced to walk several times a day, holding a stick behind their backs: their shoulders were straightened, a beautiful, proud posture was fixed. The standard of correct posture: the head is slightly raised, the shoulders are deployed, the shoulder blades do not protrude, the line of the abdomen does not go beyond the line of the chest. Such a posture can be developed with special exercises that strengthen the muscles of the arms, legs, back, abdomen, and neck.

Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back

1. Starting position (ip) - lying on the stomach. Raise your head and shoulders, clasp your hands at the back of your head, spread your elbows to the sides.
2. I.p. - the same, hands to the sides. Alternately and simultaneously lift straightened legs without lifting your pelvis off the floor.

Exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles

1. I.p. - lying on your back, arms along the body, lower back pressed to the floor. Alternately and simultaneously lift straightened legs.
2. I.p. - the same. We make a smooth transition to a sitting position, while maintaining the correct posture.

Exercises to strengthen the lateral muscles of the body

1. I.p. - lying on the right side, the right arm is extended, the left is located along the body. Raise and lower your left leg. Do the same exercise on the left side.
2. I.p. - the same, the right arm is extended, the left palm rests on the floor. Slowly raise and lower both straightened legs. Do the same exercise on the left side. In this case, the movements should be smooth, rhythmic (one movement is performed in 2-3 seconds).

Exercises for the formation of correct posture

1. Lean tightly against the wall, while your back is straightened, your shoulders are slightly apart, your chin is raised (correct posture). Then take 2 steps forward, sit down, stand up. Again, take the correct position of the body.
2. I.p. - Lying on your back. The head, torso, legs are located on the same line, the arms are pressed to the body. Raise your head and shoulders, fix the position of the body, slowly return from the i.p.
3. Exercise with a weight on your head (sandbag or thick book): squat, walk with proper posture, and also step over obstacles.

morning exercises

Exercise is best done on the floor or bed.

Lying on your back

1) Alternately pull your knees to your chest, clasping your shins with your hands and at the same time pulling your toes towards you.

2) Do the exercise "bicycle" for a minute. If it is difficult to work with two legs at the same time, work them in turn. Pull the toe towards you.

3) I.p. - lying on your back, hands clasped at the back of the head, legs raised at an angle of 90 degrees. Raising the body as high as possible, try to touch the left knee with your right elbow, lower yourself. Then try to touch your left elbow to your right knee. Repeat the exercise 10 times on each side. During this exercise, the back muscles and oblique abdominal muscles work.

4) Lying on your back, bend your knees, leaning on the back of your head and elbows, lift your pelvis, straining your buttocks. Hold this position for a few seconds and lower yourself to the floor.

5) A variation of the same exercise: raise the pelvis, spread the knees as far as possible to the sides and bring them together with force. When you feel tired, lower your pelvis, rest and repeat the exercise.

On knees

1) Alternately pull one or the other knee to the opposite hand.

2) "Kitty". Arch your back and stretch your spine up, then arch your lower back properly. Repeat several times.

3) Straighten and lift your left leg at the same time as your right arm. Return to starting position. Then straighten and lift your right leg at the same time as your left arm. Repeat the exercise several times.

Constantly watch how you stand, walk, sit. Stand leaning against a wall several times a day. Performing this exercise, try to straighten your shoulders as much as possible, touching the wall with your shoulder blades, buttocks and heels. The duration of the exercise is 3-4 minutes. Then walk around the room, but continue to control your posture. All exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles should be performed symmetrically on both halves of the body, the load should be distributed from top to bottom with a gradual increase.

With weakness of the ligamentous apparatus, it is forbidden: exercises on the horizontal bar, weight lifting, basketball, hockey, football. In other words, all “asymmetrical” sports are prohibited, in which all physical activity falls on one side of the body.

When sitting for a long time, for example, on the sofa watching TV, change the position of the legs, head, move the pillow, do not freeze in one position.

To improve muscle performance, it is useful to take natural vitamins and minerals, trace elements (B vitamins, calcium, silicon, zinc, and others).

Scoliosis in children is a common pathology, the etiological factor of which is most often rapid growth. At this age, the disease can be treated with a 100% result, since the process of forming the spine in a child has not yet been completed. There are many methods of treating scoliosis, both stationary and at home. What will be their therapeutic effect, depends on the age at which the pathology was diagnosed and therapy was started, which includes gymnastics and special scoliosis exercises for children, massage and other arrangements. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis.

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of a certain part of the spine. The disease is especially dangerous for preschool children. Often, parents neglect the prevention of the disease, which is based on therapeutic exercises for the back and spine, because of this they miss the moment of its onset, so they have to treat an already advanced disease, which includes symptoms up to flat feet.

Etiology

It must be said that the causes of the appearance of this pathology are diverse.

1. Incorrect posture during training sessions. Because of it, the load on the muscular apparatus of the back is unevenly distributed, and this negatively affects both the muscles and the spine.
2. Cervical scoliosis develops as a result of developmental pathologies, acquired injuries, various diseases (rheumatism, rickets).
3. Thoracic scoliosis is formed as a result of uneven development and weakness of the muscular corset. In addition, its causes are congenital malformations, cerebral palsy, spinal atrophy, tumors, muscle dystrophy, rickets. May cause flat feet
4. Lumbar scoliosis develops as a result of congenital pathologies, acquired traumatic injuries, uneven development of the muscles of the back and limbs, malnutrition, and inflammatory processes (pleurisy, sciatica). Its consequence may be symptoms of flat feet.

Types of curvature of the spine in children

There are two options for the development of this pathology. Despite their differences, the etiological factors are similar, and the pathology itself requires immediate correction of the symptoms. If left untreated, symptoms of flat feet may appear.
Arcuate. The most common option. The apex of the curvature is localized on the lumbar vertebrae and most often has a left-sided character. At the same time, visual signs are characteristic: a noticeable arc in lumbar spinal column; back muscles are most strongly loaded in the left side of the waist, which forms their hypertrophy.

S-shaped. The curvature of the spine in this case resembles the letter S. In this type, the curvature is localized in two sections of the spine at once. Characterized by rapid development.

Scoliosis in children of both school and preschool age can have different degrees of severity.

First degree. This degree is characterized by a complex of symptoms: an oblique pelvis, flattened shoulders, stoop, a back curvature angle of up to ten degrees. It should be treated with physical exercises.

Second degree. It is characterized by a visually noticeable rotation of the vertebrae along the vertical axis, a beveled pelvis, visible curvature, and an angle of curvature in the range of 11-25 degrees. Amenable to correction when performing exercises that provide for physiotherapy exercises. It progresses rapidly and is able to move to the third in a short time.

Third degree. At this degree, there are: a large costal hump, retraction of the ribs, weakening of the abdominal muscles, severe pelvic obliquity, a back curvature angle of 26-50 degrees. This pathology is difficult to treat.

Fourth degree. There is an increase in the symptoms of pathology of the third degree, the muscles in the zone of curvature are significantly stretched. The angle of curvature is greater than 50 degrees. Severe deformity of the spine is noticeable. The pathology is extremely severe and almost impossible to correct.

Advanced scoliosis in children poses a serious threat to the health and quality of life of the patient. If the diagnosis is late, and treatment measures are not followed, children's scoliosis leads to irreversible consequences: spinal deformities, pelvic asymmetry, development of flat feet, impaired development and functioning of internal organs.

Scoliosis diagnosis

There are signs of the disease by which it is possible to detect the development of pathology in a child. These include a set of symptoms:

1. The position of one shoulder is higher than the other.
2. Protrusion of the angle of the scapula.
3. Visually noticeable curvature of the spinal column when bending forward.
4. Symptoms of flat feet of the initial degree.

In children under one year old, the parents themselves are unlikely to be able to determine the presence of pathology. Therefore, it is necessary to be observed by the local pediatrician, because only a doctor can detect the disease and the diagnosis will be correct.

Treatment of scoliosis in children should be comprehensive and include all the measures prescribed by the doctor. Typically, therapy tactics consist of the following points:

• wearing a corset;
• gymnastics and scoliosis exercises for kids, which includes physiotherapy exercises (LFK), as well as classes at home;
• special children's massage for scoliosis;
• tonic treatments.

In severe cases, or if medical recommendations are not followed, surgery may be required to correct the pathology, which is performed by a doctor of the appropriate specialty.

Therapeutic physical culture (LFK) is a set of physical exercises used for prevention and treatment of scoliosis. Classes are often scheduled in groups, which improves the socialization of young patients. At the same time, the physiotherapy doctor conducts a course of treatment that corrects the pathology. It should be noted that gymnastics and any exercises provided for by the exercise therapy course and carried out by a specialist bring significant improvements in health and are mandatory.

Complexes of physical therapy exercises can be performed at home. There are various exercises for scoliosis in children. For example, when doing exercises in the morning, in a standing position, you need to walk in place with the most even posture. Gymnastics also provides for the benefit of lifting on toes with arms extended upwards, and then slowly assuming the starting position.

A detailed set of exercises can be advised by a physiotherapy doctor. However, at home, such techniques are appropriate. In difficult cases, special exercises and gymnastics are prescribed to correct flat feet.

Physiotherapy

It is a complex of natural and artificial ways therapeutic effect on the patient. These include mud baths, heat therapy, paraffin baths, as well as the use of electricity, magnetic radiation and ultrasound in medicinal purposes. At the same time, children's scoliosis is cured faster.

Proper massage for scoliosis in children is a mandatory item in the prescribed course of therapy. With its help, scoliosis is a disease of any severity. Its relevance remains unchanged. You can carry out a set of massage techniques prescribed by a doctor at home in the presence of an appropriate specialist.

Manual therapy

It consists of techniques that relax the muscles of the back and direct the joints to their natural position. Manual therapy sessions should not be scheduled more than once every seven days. At the same time, a complex of therapy methods is appropriate for the correction of scoliosis of the first and second degree.

Preventive measures for scoliosis

To prevent the appearance of signs of the disease, scoliosis prevention in children should be carried out at home, which includes:

1. Correct body position during training sessions.
2. The right mattress and pillow.
3. Correct diet, including vitamins and minerals.
4. Morning exercises at home and exercises from the exercise complex for children.

All these measures, observed at home and at school, can prevent the development of pathology, make the posture correct and beautiful. The correct mode, the correct load, daily exercises and massage are the key to the health and good mood of the child. However, if there are signs of the disease, starting with flat feet, you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis and competent treatment will prevent the occurrence of undesirable consequences. At the same time, what will be the result depends only on the timely adoption of the necessary measures.