The scoliosis lumbar is a pathology characterized by lateral deviation of the vertical axis of the spine, forming an asymmetry of the hip belt and the different lengths of the lower extremities.
This deformation causes severe pain in the back and chest. Increased pain is projected during exercise. The heart rate is also disturbed, heartbeat racing and you may be short of breath.
When a person with lumbar scoliosis undergoes a general exam, an asymmetrical arrangement of the shoulders and body is revealed, deviation of the shoulder blades and a distortion in the pelvis.
Depending on the direction of the primary scoliotic arch in the lumbar spine, it is customary to assign:
- Lumbar scoliosis on the left side
- Right side lumbar scoliosis
In left lumbar scoliosis, the space between the ilium of the pelvis and the lower border is smaller than on the right side; while on the right side, the image is exactly the opposite.
In most patients, lumbar scoliosis can be seen on the left side. In counterpart, lefties develop lumbar scoliosis on the right side.
Often, specialists associate lumbar scoliosis with lumbar osteochondrosis. Most patients suspected of having osteochondrosis have scoliosis of the lumbar spine.
Index
Lumbar scoliosis degrees
exist 4 degrees of lumbar scoliosis. These depend on the angle of curvature according to Cobb.
1 degree. The angle is between 5 a 10 degrees
2 degree. Angle of curvature of 10 a 25 degrees
3 degree. The angle of curvature is 30 a 50 degrees
4 degree. The angle exceeds 50 degrees
Causes of lumbar scoliosis
- Recession of the formation and growth of the spine, that appear in childhood
- Flat feet or clubfoot
- Birth defects caused by birth injuries
- Anomalies in the development of the fetus
- Spinal tumors
- Cerebral palsy in children
Symptoms of a lumbar scoliosis
Symptoms of lumbar scoliosis, first, include pain over the lower back. In most cases, are the cause of going to the doctor. What's more, other symptoms such as:
- Pain in the chest and spinal muscles
- Physical activity decreases and it is common to experience fatigue and weakness
- Restricted or limited movement
- Foot pain when walking
- The patient tends to walk crouched, with reduced speed and fatigue quickly
- Sensitivity is reduced and numbness of the limbs is experienced
- There is swelling in the lumbar region and in advanced stages there is asymmetry of the trunk
Lumbar Scoliosis Diagnosis
If any of the above symptoms have appeared, it is necessary to go to the doctor. The diagnosis of lumbar scoliosis involves an examination performed by the specialist. If symptoms are proven, the patient will be referred to X-rays and / or MRI.
These instrumental studies allow to determine, accurately, The localization, the degree and characteristic features of the pathology.
There are also other diagnostic methods to confirm lumbar scoliosis., including:
- Computed tomography
- Fluorografía
- Sitting and standing growth measurement
- Study of the muscle tone of the back
- Electronic goniometry, for the evaluation of the ranges of movements
Treatment for lumbar scoliosis
Lumbar scoliosis treatment should be started in a timely manner. Specialists prescribe the treatment of lumbar scoliosis according to the degree of the pathology and its causes.
For instance, first degree lumbar scoliosis can be treated with braces. Wearing a special outer corset, used to balance the correct position of the spine.
Conservative treatment
Within the framework of conservative therapy to straighten the spine, it is recommended exercise, practice swimming, do physical therapy, include a diet with healthy and balanced foods, initiate electrical stimulation of the back muscles and massage procedures by a professional specialist.
It is important to note that therapeutic exercise is contraindicated in patients with scoliosis grade 3, after back surgery or in pregnant women.
Corrective measures are aimed at the development and strengthening of the muscular system. The goal is to stop the development of the disease.
Treatment for lumbar scoliosis, it can be complex, this includes:
- Drug therapy, What: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and muscle relaxants
- Physiotherapy
- Spinal stretch
- Therapeutic gymnastics
- Acupuncture
- Massages
- Manual therapy
- Balance diet
Manual therapy and spinal stretching should only be performed under the supervision of specialists. Contacting dubious healers is not recommended, who do not have a corresponding education or license.
Surgical treatment
Only in extreme cases, surgical treatment is used. The indication of expert spine surgeons is intervene on the patient when the angle of curvature exceeds 50 degrees.
One of the most used methods to treat scoliosis is to apply the spinal fusion. This process seeks to realign and fuse the vertebrae that form the curve, in such a way that they join in a single and solid bone.
Bone graft is involved in the process, placing small pieces of bone between the vertebrae to be fused. The bone is expected to grow similarly, as if it were a fracture.
Finally the doctor inserts a bar between the vertebrae, attached to the column by screws, hooks or wires. The goal of this procedure is to align the intervertebral spaces, until the merger occurs. As a result, the person will adopt a straight posture.