Most people are born physically healthy and with a properly positioned spine and bone system . Proper posture is a gift from nature that is generous but does not forgive the mistakes we make. Look at today's children: school is a factor that causes spinal deformities due to the incredibly heavy backpacks that children are required to carry; after school he sits for long hours in front of a computer screen. Here are the prerequisites sufficient to lead to serious distortions of the spine of children . Your job is to protect them. Introduce them to what a proper spine should look like and show them illustrations of a crooked one. Show them how to sit in front of the computer in the correct position.

When the baby is born , you will notice that his spine has no curves . They begin to form around the first year of birth , when it begins, and end at 12-14 years. The spine is fully formed when 4 curves appear:

  • 2 anterior arches - one in the neck and the other in the lumbar region
  • 2 posterior arches - thoracic and sacral kyphosis.

Distortion of children's spine can be caused by heavy backpacks for school We must emphasize that during the formation of posture, if there is a prolonged influence of harmful factors such as those mentioned above, the consequences are crooked spine .

Types of distortions:

  • Lateral curvature of the spine in children is called scoliosis.
  • Excessively curved spine is a disease called kyphosis
  • If the child 's spine is curved far forward it is a pathological disease and is called lordosis.

And now in detail:

Scoliosis - lateral curvature of the spine can be congenital or acquired . Depending on the disorder, it is diagnosed in three stages:

  • First degree - a slight deviation from the norm, which is corrected on the recommendation of a specialist
  • Second degree is more pronounced and is corrected by pulling by a competent specialist
  • The third degree involves not only curvature of the spine , but also deformity of the ribs, which affects the respiratory function of the child .

As you can see, poor posture and being overweight can have serious consequences .

After noticing a distortion, the doctor will definitely perform an X-ray of the child . Scoliosis can be found at almost any age (1 to 17 years ).

Causes of congenital scoliosis : cerebral palsy; Marfan syndrome; presence of additional edges on the ribs or their absence; plastic disorders in the structure of the vertebrae.

Causes of acquired scoliosis are: prolonged unilateral pressure on the spine caused by improper position of the school bench; systematic loads by carrying heavy school backpacks ; injuries in accidents.

Improper posture of the child can cause spinal curvature

Spinal deformities in children with congenital diseases require medical intervention from an early age, while acquired ones can be completely avoided. Children with scoliosis do not complain. In the first phase there are no symptoms, except for a slight change in posture , which can not be noticed if you are not familiar with the signs that are indicative of distortions (one shoulder is higher than the other, etc.).

Pathological kyphosis is diagnosed by the degree of the angle of curvature of the spine , which exceeds the allowable values. If kyphosis is combined with scoliosis , a unilateral hump may form. Various birth defects, birth injuries, tumors of the spine can lead to this disease. kyphosis is diagnosed in three stages :

  • First degree - when the angle of the curve is 30 degrees 1-degree kyphosis /
  • Second degree - the angle is from 30 to 59 degrees / 2-degree kyphosis /
  • The third degree - the curve is over 60 degrees / 3-degree distortion /

The first symptoms in a child are a habit of swaying and when he stands up, he may experience unpleasant sensations and even pain.

Pathological lordosis is an extremely rare disease in children . It is observed in the case of:

  • Congenital deformity of the hip joint
  • Congenital malformations of bone and muscle structure
  • Trauma at birth

This disease is acquired as a result of:

  • Tuberculosis
  • Increased body weight
  • Injuries and others

Treatment of spinal deformities

Once we have identified the diseases and their causes, let's see how to treat them. The treatment of each of the above diseases is a long and systematic process. In their early stages, they do not require medication. This includes physical exercises recommended and supervised by a doctor, massage and manual therapy. It is important to properly organize your daily life and a rational diet. Parents should choose for the child furniture that meets the physiology of his age. Improperly selected furniture is the first threat of distortion of the child's spine .

  • Spinal curvature in children can be treated if it is at an early stage This type of disease requires physiotherapy sessions with an instructor. They begin with a gradual load and are under the supervision of a doctor. After mastering a set of exercises, the sessions can be performed at home.
  • Massage is a necessary component of therapy. It should be done by professionals who have acquired the necessary qualifications, not by amateurs. It is advisable to find out about a good professional masseur.
  • If you use manual therapy as a method of treatment, look for osteopathic centers where this therapy is guided by an orthopedist.

Medications and surgery

Medicines must be prescribed by a doctor if necessary. They are usually recommended only in advanced phases of spinal deformities . Surgery is primarily a solution to congenital pathological distortions .

Prevention

To avoid the undesirable consequences of spinal curvature , you need to provide the child with a proper diet, saturated with all the necessary substances that maintain the child's health .

Morning gymnastics and outdoor physical games must be present in his daily life. Swimming courses are an excellent prevention for the proper shaping of the spine , as well as for the overall physique of the child . A certain amount of time during the day should be set aside for the body to rest in a supine position. Watch and encourage your child to strive for the right posture when he is on school or in front of the computer at home, where he spends most of his time. Limit this exciting process for children by offering acceptable alternatives - go on a trip to the park or the cinema together, swim together in the pool, etc.

The wrong position to which the child is subjected in everyday life causes various serious injuries , which can be temporary (perceptions that last for several hours) and lead to damage to the bone marrow. Therefore, parents must act responsibly, taking the necessary measures in advance to prevent the aforementioned diseases.