Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder characterized by a persistent lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine in the frontal plane. Unlike curvatures occurring in the sagittal plane (lordosis, kyphosis), scoliosis is always pathological in nature. Depending on anatomical features, scoliosis is classified into structural (complex) and non-structural (simple). The disease most commonly progresses during childhood (ages 5–15) — the period of active body growth. Girls are more prone to developing scoliosis.

Non-Structural Scoliosis

This type of scoliosis develops after birth. In this case, spinal deformities are not accompanied by significant anatomical changes in individual vertebrae or the spine as a whole. Fixed rotation of the spine is not observed, which allows classifying such curvature as functional scoliosis. Non-structural scoliosis occurs due to postural disorders, leg length discrepancy, reflexive spinal deviations in cases of inflammation of tissues adjacent to the spine, or sudden lateral curvature associated with pain syndrome or hysteria. In most cases, once the cause of the deformation is eliminated, the spine returns to its normal shape.

Structural Scoliosis

This type of scoliosis can be either congenital or acquired. A pronounced, stable spinal curvature may indicate symptoms of neurofibromatosis, syringomyelia, Marfan syndrome, Friedreich's ataxia, homocystinuria, mucopolysaccharidosis, osteochondrodysplasia, or previous neuroinfections, among others. In some cases, lateral curvature of the spine may be considered the main symptom of scoliotic disease.

The following forms and causes of scoliosis are distinguished:

Congenital scoliosis – develops due to abnormalities during fetal development;
Acquired scoliosis – develops as a result of rickets;
Post-traumatic scoliosis – develops after spinal trauma, typically in the lumbar region;
Paralytic scoliosis – develops against the background of progressive poliomyelitis;
Reflex-pain scoliosis – arises as a result of reflex muscle tension;
Occupational scoliosis – develops due to forced and systematic fixation of incorrect spinal positions during work.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with scoliosis largely depend on the degree of spinal curvature. In the early stages, clear disease symptoms that cause discomfort are usually absent. Diagnosis is often made only during routine school examinations. As the disease progresses and spinal curvature worsens, accompanying symptoms begin to appear, including:

Pain in the back, intensifying even after short walks;
Distortion of the normal physiological shape of the back and chest, increased asymmetry of shoulders and shoulder blades;
Displacement of internal organs, which over time leads to impaired functioning — possible heart pain, shortness of breath, and periodic retrosternal pain.

Degree of Severity

To assess the degree of spinal curvature, three indicators are used: stability of the curvature, its angle in degrees, and the severity of vertebral torsion (rotation around the vertical axis of the spine). According to Chaklin’s classification, scoliosis is divided into four stages:

Stage I – curvature angle up to 10°;
Stage II – curvature angle up to 25°;
Stage III – curvature angle up to 40°;
Stage IV – curvature angle exceeding 40°.

Visual Examination of the Patient

The patient examination begins with a general visual assessment. Attention should be paid to:

Posture – often slouched;
Head position, symmetry of the torso, shoulder level, and waistline;
Shape of the thoracic cage and navel position;
In girls – symmetry and positioning of breast development.

Attention should also be given to the proper alignment of the hip bones and any signs of limb shortening or deformity. During posterior examination, attention is focused on the position of the shoulder blades, presence of lordosis or kyphosis in the thoracic region, presence/absence of a rib hump, and location of the intergluteal fold. When viewed from the side, special attention is given to assessing kyphosis.

Preventive Measures

The easiest way to avoid scoliosis and its consequences is to prevent its occurrence and progression. For this reason, starting from school age, it is important to carefully monitor correct posture both while walking and sitting at a desk. Strengthening the back muscles and developing a "habit" of maintaining proper posture can be achieved through a special set of preventive exercises and wearing a corrective brace.

Treatment of Scoliosis at Berezoviy Gai Sanatorium

Treatment of scoliosis at our health resort complex starts with an accurate diagnosis. Based on comprehensive examination results, an individualized treatment plan is prescribed, which can significantly improve the patient's condition during their stay at the sanatorium. Our facility has all the technical and professional capabilities for comprehensive and effective treatment of scoliosis, lumbago, sciatica, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.