What is it about ?
Scoliosis and kyphosis are abnormalities of the axis of the spine.
When viewed from the side, a normal spine has arching (lordosis) in the neck and lower back and convexity (kyphosis) in the thorax.
If we look at the back from the front and see a curvature to the side, in the shape of an “S” or “C”, we will speak of scoliosis.
If the convexity of the back is really very marked, then we speak of hyperkyphosis. If the back is too arched, the person has hyperlordosis.
Scoliosis and kyphosis can both also be present. This is called kyphoscoliosis.
What is their frequency?
There is usually no identifiable cause for scoliosis. The condition develops during rapid growth, around the age of 10-12 years in girls and somewhat later in boys. Scoliosis occurs 10 times more in girls than in boys and is usually discovered during a medical visit at school.
Kyphosis most often occurs with Scheuermann’s disease. This disease is characterized by a disorder in the growth of one or more discs between the vertebrae (intervertebral discs). Kyphosis occurs from the age of 10, but 4 times more in boys than in girls. Usually, symptoms are quite absent except pain in the spine near the rib cage.
The other causes of scoliosis and kyphosis are less common and can be congenital, such as a neuromuscular disorder in the brain, spinal cord, nerves or muscles. They can also be the result of an accident or an infection.
How to recognize them?
Scoliosis is often discovered by chance during a doctor’s visit or a routine exam. Often, parents have already noticed it in their child. If you look at the back, you can see that the spine has an “S” or “C” curvature on the side. It can be accompanied by a bump or asymmetry of the shoulders.
In kyphosis, the normal curvature of the back is too marked, leading to the formation of a hunchbacked back. In general, we do not really suffer from it and the pain is not very marked.
How is the diagnosis made?
First, the doctor will examine your bare back while standing and bending over. He will take the time to see if there are any abnormalities in the axes of the hips and shoulders and if the two legs are indeed the same length. He can measure the inclination between the vertebrae with a scoliometer or using an x-ray. In Scheuermann’s disease, there are specific abnormalities on the x-ray. It also causes stiffness in the back and thigh muscles. In addition, it is important for the doctor to rule out other conditions that may cause back abnormalities (such as tuberculosis, cancer or a fracture).
What can you do ?
If you suspect a serious vertebral abnormality or chest abnormality during childhood, it is recommended that the child be examined as soon as possible. Not treating it can cause a decrease in the volume of the lungs, problems with the spinal cord and a serious malposition. In addition, the chances of success are better if the brace treatment is early. So you can avoid having to have surgery later.
A physiotherapist can teach you exercises that are right for you, which you can do yourself at home.
What can your doctor do?
Scoliosis with no apparent cause with a slight malposition of the spine (less than 25 degrees) does not need to be treated. You just have to watch the evolution of things.
A 25-45 degree deviation in a growing child is treated with a corset. In adults (that is, a person who has finished growing), a corset is no longer useful.
A deviation of more than 45 degrees is an indication to correct the position by surgery. In the event of a significant deviation, gravitation can indeed cause the vertebrae to move. Other indications for surgery are the maintenance of normal respiratory function, relief of back pain, and cosmetic improvement in the shape of the back.
Physiotherapy will benefit people with Scheuermann’s disease and it is recommended that they avoid certain sports that are unfavorable for the back, such as weight lifting. A corset is recommended for them only from a deviation of 60 degrees of kyphosis. An intervention is considered from a deviation of 75 degrees, but this possibility remains rare.
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