Cervical lordosis is straightened with kyphotic deformity. Symptoms and treatment of kyphosis of the cervical spine

Spinal deformity can manifest itself in different ways: partially or completely, with different types of curvature, be congenital or acquired. Depending on the causes of the problem, the degree of complexity of the situation, and the area of damage, correction using conservative methods or surgical treatment is prescribed.

Often such changes lead to curvature of the spine, displacement of spinal discs, and poor posture.

Types of deformation

The following main types of curvature are distinguished:

Lordosis;
Kyphosis;
Scoliosis.

Scoliotic deformity of the spine is expressed by a sideways displacement of the vertebrae. The most common is scoliotic deformity of the thoracic spine. This type of change mainly manifests itself during school age. Scoliosis deformity can be s, z and c shaped. The latter is much more common than others and represents a right- or left-sided curvature.

Lordosis– forward deviation of the spinal axis. The most common deformity is the cervical and lumbar spine, less often combined with thoracic kyphosis. With lumbar lordosis, the mobility of the lower extremities may be limited. Curvatures, especially strong ones, affect the functioning of internal organs: lungs, kidneys and heart.

Kyphosis characterized by backward bending of the axis and has two development options. It is arched and angular. Kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine is extremely rare, since the natural direction of curvature in this part is lordosis.

Also, different groups of changes in the shape of the spine can be combined, for example, kyphoscoliotic spinal deformity. That is, the displacement occurs in several directions at once. Curvatures are often localized specifically in the sacral region, since the load on this segment of the spine is quite serious.

Another type of change in the normal shape of the spine is spondylosis. It is caused by the proliferation of bone tissue with the formation of processes, spines, and narrowing of the spinal canal.

Compression deformity of the spine occurs as a result of strong impacts and other loads. This mainly occurs when falling and hitting the head. As a result, the length of the spinal column decreases, and compression of the dural sac of the cervical spine may increase.

Symptoms

The sensations of patients are different and depend on the type, degree of curvature and its location.

When the violation just begins, and there are no changes in well-being; it can be determined by stooping, raised shoulders, different heights of the shoulder blades. This is the first degree of curvature.
Second degree The formation of an angle of 10 to 25 degrees between the vertebrae is considered. In this case, there is a difference in the tone of the muscles on the back, pain appears and physical activity begins to bring discomfort.
The next degree is the third– accompanied by an increase in the angle of curvature to 50 degrees. This deformation is visible to the naked eye; it is noticeable in the photo when a person is wearing thick clothing. With such a curvature, even the smallest loads cause serious discomfort; discomfort and pain do not stop even at rest.
Quadruple degree- the heaviest. It brings not only pain, but also has a sharply negative effect on the functioning of internal organs. The lungs, stomach, liver and heart cannot function properly and the body experiences severe stress.

Depending on the location of the changes, the symptoms also change. If the cervical spine is curved, this leads to headaches. The lumbar region affects the functions of the reproductive system, motor and sensory disorders in the legs.

If the patient suffers from wedge-shaped deformity, this change is accompanied by severe pain, shortness of breath, decreased lung capacity, high fatigue, and headaches.

Why are spinal deformities dangerous?

If distortions appear, it is worth taking measures to eliminate them. Otherwise, the consequences can be extremely unpleasant. Over time, hernias may appear, knees and other joints may suffer. In addition, the more serious the degree of curvature, the stronger the pain and discomfort during movement and at rest.

Also, a curved spine has a negative impact on the functioning of internal organs and the body as a whole. The chest often becomes smaller in volume, constricting the heart and lungs. In addition, disturbances can affect breathing, provoke congestion in the lungs, pneumonia and bronchitis of varying severity.

The genitourinary and digestive systems suffer from distortions. In women, this can result in infertility and various neoplasms. In men – in decreased sexual function and other unpleasant changes.

It is also worth noting the emergence of psychological barriers and even depression due to changing appearance and the inability to communicate with the world as before.

Diagnostic methods

At the initial examination. Next, the patient is sent for an x-ray and after this the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, determining the location and severity of changes in the spine. If necessary, an examination using MRI and ultrasound of internal organs may be prescribed.

Treatment methods

Treatment usually takes time and patience. Different therapeutic options can be used individually or in combination. Usually these are combinations of medication, physiotherapy and manual treatment. If conservative methods are powerless, the problem is eliminated surgically.

For curvatures of the first and second degree, it is usually possible to do without surgery. Patients do exercises, wear corsets, and eat a healthy diet. Exercises in the pool are effective. Exercise therapy and a swimming pool are also excellent prevention of spinal diseases.

Surgery is needed for third and fourth degree changes.

Price

You can learn more about the cost of treatment by visiting a specialist. Only after making an accurate diagnosis and determining the course of treatment can we talk about its cost. In order not to harm your health, you should only contact well-proven specialists. Otherwise, even minor violations can develop into irreparable health problems.

Make an appointment with a specialist

For the treatment to be successful and give the expected effect, choose professional doctors from a reputable clinic. It is the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow that has an excellent reputation. Vertebrologists at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences successfully restore the health of many patients with various forms of diseases.

The spine is the most important center of the body, on which health, longevity, and the ability to live a full life, free from pain and discomfort, completely depend. If you value your health, do not delay your visit to the doctor. Call the numbers listed on the website and make an appointment online. Take a step towards excellent health now!

Kyphosis is the normal anatomical curvature of the spine. However, an increase in the angle of this formation can lead not only to discomfort in the body, but also to a noticeable defect in posture - a hump. And if it is not difficult to imagine this pathology in the thoracic region, then how does kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine manifest itself and what needs to be done to prevent its occurrence?

Kyphosis of the neck is extremely rare, since the physiologically correct curve for this part of the spine is lordosis. This sign of poor posture is not so easy to notice. Most often, patients seek help because they begin to be bothered by pain and other somatic manifestations. They can be so strong that they can even deprive the patient of his usual way of life.

Kyphosis in the cervical segment of the spine is said to occur when its natural lordosis begins, gradually straightens, and becomes flat. As this process worsens, it leads to the formation of pathological kyphosis for the cervical region.

Pathological deformation of the spinal column in the cervical region has related causes as curvatures in other regions. Most often they are divided into two groups - congenital and acquired. The first of them include:

Genetic predisposition. This can be understood by tracing similar signs in several generations of relatives;
Kyphosis, which appeared in the first year of the baby’s life. It can occur against the background of rickets, cerebral palsy, or after polio;
A congenital form of spinal column deformity can occur due to weakness of the muscular and ligamentous corset, as well as softening of the vertebral bodies themselves;
In the appearance of pathological deformation, intrauterine anomalies in the development of the fetus and injuries received by the child during childbirth are of great importance.

Changes that occur in all tissues of the patient due to aging of the body;
Diseases that cause metabolic and mineral disorders in the body, as well as osteoporosis, osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine;
Various spinal injuries and poor posture;
Tumors in the tissues of the spine or surrounding structures.

Kyphotic alignment of the cervical spine can occur in anyone regardless of gender or age.

The curvature of the spinal column occurs gradually, and this change in appearance does not become noticeable immediately. Most often, it is his relatives and friends who notice that the patient has deformed posture. The person himself may suspect something is wrong based on a change in his health status. The main symptom that begins to darken his daily life is pain in the back, neck, and sometimes headaches.

Along with it appear:

Blood pressure indicators that are atypical for a person (increase or decrease);
Numbness of hands;
Increased fatigue;
Sometimes hearing or vision impairment.

The patient experiences such severe pain that it can lead to loss of motor activity. Mobility in the cervical spine is also sharply limited, and a crunching sound can be heard when turning.

Deformation of any part of the spine affects the spinal endings. When the roots are pinched, various complications can occur, including urinary incontinence or peripheral paralysis.

The most dangerous complication is compression myelopathy. In the body, the vertebral artery is pinched. Clinically, the patient experiences a sharp increase in all the symptoms that bother him. First of all, headaches worsen, since thanks to this artery, 25% of the supply to the brain structures is ensured. At the same time, numbness in certain areas of the neck or back may occur or intensify.

In order to avoid such tragic consequences, which can ultimately lead to the patient’s disability, it is necessary to contact a specialist in a timely manner. Do not neglect preventive examinations. It is thanks to them that the pathology of any organ or system can be detected before the failure makes itself felt through somatic manifestations.

Kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine must be amenable to therapy. The modern level of development of medicine will make it possible to easily establish the nature of the pathology in each patient. Treatment tactics will be developed by a specialist based on the type and nature of the pathology.

First of all, it will be necessary to eliminate the factor that provoked the appearance of the pathology. Symptomatic treatment will then be carried out, since the first priority is always to relieve the patient's pain. For this purpose, it is recommended to use nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs (analgin, diclofenac and others).

However, the main method in the treatment of this pathology of the cervical spine remains the wearing of special orthopedic corsets by the patient. In combination with special physical therapy exercises, strengthening of the back muscles is achieved. Over time, the ligaments become so strong that they can hold all the vertebrae in their physiological position. If these methods are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to the patient. Surgical intervention cannot guarantee a clearly positive outcome for the patient. Therefore, it is worth resorting to such an extreme only if the forecast of the expected result exceeds the possible risks.

Kyphotic spinal deformity - complications

The information presented is not intended for self-medication. It is not guaranteed to be accurate or applicable to you. Contact medical specialists!

As we described in the article containing a description of the pathology. Kyphosis as such is more a symptom than a disease. However, it is a completely independent launching pad for many ailments.

Among the latter there are those that can make a person disabled until the end of his days.

Let's start with the basics to help you understand the main risks.

Curvature of posture is nothing more than a violation of the anatomical structure of the chest (and sometimes the upper part of the lumbar region).

A change in the shape and position of the vertebrae is necessarily reflected in the position of the ribs. Over time, their mobility becomes significantly limited.

The ribs compress the organs located inside. The most significant pressure is placed on the lungs, a key element of the respiratory system. Their constant presence in constraint over time provokes the development of pulmonary failure. This is the first complication of kyphosis, the most typical.

Let's discuss further. Come on, what else is in the chest? That's right, heart. His work also requires normal physiological conditions. In addition to pulmonary failure in a person with kyphotic posture, cardiac failure is often added.

But these are not all possible surprises.

With severe thoracolumbar deformity and with compensatory lordosis, the abdominal cavity is compressed. The result is the development of chronic diseases of the digestive organs - the stomach and intestines.

The liver also suffers.

An additional negative factor is the insufficient supply of oxygen to the mentioned organs, which is explained by inappropriate conditions for the proper functioning of the heart.

We will not say that every patient diagnosed with kyphosis is at risk of gastritis or colitis. You just need to understand that even a prerequisite for the acquisition of such ailments can be the last straw, added to other reasons for the development of a particular disease.

Finally, let's think about the most frightening type of complications of kyphotic spinal deformity - impaired motor functions. It happens when the modified vertebrae begin to press on the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord.

Unfortunately, sometimes incorrect posture leads to paresis and paralysis. Occasionally, pressure on the spinal cord sets the stage for inflammatory diseases, such as secondary meningitis.

For some, the most terrible complication may not even be paralysis, but deformity. Angular kyphosis gradually turns into a real hump.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine - frequency

The true incidence of pathological kyphosis is unknown. Depending on diagnostic criteria, it is approximately 3-8% of the population. However, the vast majority of cases are of little clinical significance, and severe deformity is quite rare.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine - pathological physiology

Normally, the thoracic spine has a physiological kyphosis of 20-40°, which is supported by muscular and ligamentous supporting structures. Many disease processes can lead to an abnormal increase in dorsal kyphosis. Despite the wide variability of causes (see below), the immediate mechanisms producing deformation are almost always similar. This is either a decrease in the height of the vertebral body in front and its adoption of a wedge-shaped shape, or a violation of the integrity of supporting structures (ligaments or muscles), or both. Often kyphosis is not presented in its pure form, but with elements of rotation and lateral bending in the upper part of the thoracic spine.

The most common causes of kyphosis

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine - clinical manifestations

With so many causes, it is not surprising that kyphosis can appear at any age. Congenital kyphosis is usually obvious at birth. Adolescent kyphosis, or Scheuermann's disease, develops gradually, usually at puberty, and affects girls 2 times more often than boys. Kyphosis due to osteoporosis occurs mainly in postmenopausal women. Tumor, infection, or trauma can cause kyphotic deformity in patients of any age. Regardless of the etiology or age at which symptoms appear, the symptoms caused by the deformity are the same.

The patient is usually prompted to seek medical help by pain in the lower thoracic spine. There is often a gradual onset and the pain may improve with rest. The patient may indicate its irradiation to the groin area. It is usually unusual for patients to have an early awareness of spinal deformity in themselves, although others may already notice it. General symptoms may only be manifestations of a primary disease (eg, infection, advanced malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis).

With prolonged duration of severe spinal deformity, symptoms of neurological disorders or respiratory failure may develop. By the time the patient sees a doctor, physical examination usually reveals a curvature. The hump, barely noticeable in the initial manifestations, is found in the middle or lower part of the thoracic spine. It protrudes more strongly when the subject bends forward (Fig. 239). With further bending, pain and muscle spasm may appear. The latter can also be detected by palpation of the paravertebral muscles in the hump area. There may be stiffness in the joints and chest muscles. Patients with significant deformity have spastic paralysis.

Rice. 239. In a patient with thoracic kyphosis, the irregular curve is clearly visible when flexed.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine - complications

Kyphotic deformity is a serious concern for patients, as it gives the impression of an unattractive “round back” picture. This is believed to play an important causal role in the psychological problems that often arise in these patients. With a pronounced kyphotic angle, the hump protrudes from behind and can be painful (Fig. 240). This creates a pressure point leading to the formation of bedsores, especially in patients on bed rest. A characteristic consequence of the deformity is also pain in the neck and lower back, resulting from increased lordosis in these areas.

As with scoliosis, severe deformation of the thoracic region can lead to respiratory failure. A manifestation of spinal cord compression can be spastic paralysis, which is another complication of significant deformation. Although paralysis is much more common with kyphosis than with scoliosis, this complication is nevertheless rare in general.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine - diagnosis

As mentioned above, diagnosis is made based on history and physical examination. A radiological sign of kyphosis is a wedge-shaped vertebral body in the middle or lower part of the thoracic region with a dorsal kyphosis of over 40°. However, specific radiographic characteristics vary widely and depend on the cause of the deformity, such as tuberculosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or previous fracture. A relatively specific radiological picture is characterized by adolescent kyphosis, represented by three or more wedge-shaped thoracic vertebrae, narrowed by at least 5° each. In addition, there are damage to the endplates and slight protrusion of discs into the vertebral body, which are detected radiographically as calcification occurs (Schmorl's nodes). Ultimately, the intervertebral spaces narrow.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine - urgent measures and referral to a specialist

Whenever possible, the goal is to cure the underlying process, such as infection, osteoporosis, or malignancy. The optimal approach may require collaboration between multiple physicians, especially when dealing with a treatable condition. Unfortunately, as with scoliosis, a significant number of young patients are “observed” by family doctors, who miss the period when the maximum result can be achieved from adequate management and treatment.

Treatment for significant deformities usually includes analgesics, bed rest and exercises, and various braces or casts. The vast majority of patients benefit from conservative therapy.

Surgical intervention is necessary only in a small number of cases and only for specific indications.

Axiom: just as with scoliosis, all patients with pathological kyphosis of the thoracic spine should be referred for consultation to a specialist immediately after diagnosis.

The concept of kyphosis comes from the Greek word “hump” or “bent,” which defines the type of organ pathology.

Neck kyphosis is a pathological curvature of the spine that develops in this area, which is classified as a rare disease.

Deformation of the neck makes the spine arched and bent backward.

Features of pathology in the cervical spine

The spine serves as the support of the human body. Thanks to the existing natural kinks, it provides shock-absorbing properties to the skeleton. If the back bends forward in the lumbar and neck area, then we are talking about a disease called lordosis.

The protrusion of its thoracic and sacral region is diagnosed as kyphosis. If the natural deflection of the cervical spine gradually straightens, becoming flat, then this indicates the development of neck pathology.

Backward curvature of the vertebral section of the neck is a rare occurrence. In this case, blood circulation is disrupted as a result of the spine changing its shape, which compresses its structural elements.

The brain lacks oxygen and blood supply. Blood pressure is disturbed, hands go numb, and a hump forms in the neck.

Causes and risk factors

The disease can manifest itself in people of different age groups - from infants to elderly people.

At birth, the cause is recognized as the presence of a weak muscle corset or diseases of bone tissue that make them fragile.

In older age, kyphosis of the cervical spine develops due to neck injuries and concomitant diseases.

There are several main reasons for the development of pathology.

Congenital pathology

It occurs due to underdeveloped elements of the spine, most often the vertebral body itself or the intervertebral disc. A hereditary factor influences when several generations have abnormal development of the vertebrae.

The congenital cause of the disease is considered to be rickets in children (lack of vitamin D in the body) in the 1st year of life, which provokes the development of kyphosis due to weakening of the ligaments and skeletal muscles.

The risk for the development of the disease is also anomalies of the fetus inside the womb and its postpartum injuries.

Acquired pathology

The causes of this disease are:

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

Occurs in older people due to impaired muscle tone in the neck. As people age, their cervical vertebrae become deformed under the influence of daily stress and diseases.

Classification and degrees of pathology

There are two types of cervical kyphosis - angular, manifested by a pronounced angle at the highest point of spinal curvature, and arched.

Based on its origin, such deformation is divided into pathological and physiological.

Depending on age, the disease occurs:

infantile (rachitic);
children's;
teenage or youthful.

Childhood kyphosis manifests itself in bone or muscle form. Bone deformity occurs due to damage to the vertebral body or systemic disease.

The muscular form of the disease occurs as a result of poor physical development and severe illness.

The degrees of development of the disease are divided as follows:

minimum 1st degree with a curvature angle not exceeding 30°;
average 2nd degree with a curvature angle of 30-60°;
severe 3rd degree curvature at an angle of more than 60°.

Symptoms of the disease

The main and obvious symptom is a disorder in the cervical region and spine.

The first sign of the disease is the appearance of a headache in the neck area, which occurs due to the fact that many nerves and blood vessels pass through the openings of the spinal cord.

In addition to pain, dizziness, surges in blood pressure, and auditory and visual disturbances are noted. Decreased motor activity in the neck, muscle spasms, numbness in the hands, tingling in the lower jaw and back of the head also create a general feeling of discomfort.

In addition to these signs of the disease, there is stooping and the formation of a nuchal hump due to protruding spinous processes.

Due to the unnatural position of the cervical vertebrae, pain is noted not only at the site of the curvature, but also in other areas of the body.

The patient experiences numbness in certain parts of the neck and shoulders, and pain appears. Due to compression of the nerve roots in the spinal cord, problems with urination may begin and peripheral paralysis may occur.

Establishing diagnosis

An experienced specialist only needs to look at the patient to determine the curvature. Such a patient has a hunched back, shoulders slumped forward and down, and a round back. But a final diagnosis to determine the extent of the disease can only be made after research:

radiography in 2 projections, frontal and lateral (to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of development of the pathology);
magnetic resonance and computed tomography (for a detailed examination of pinched nerves);
X-rays of the spine.

Treatment methods

Kyphotic neck deformity appears for various reasons, so treatment is prescribed after diagnosis individually for each patient.

The characteristics of the human body, its general condition, and the severity of the disease are taken into account.

Treatment usually lasts a long time and requires a lot of effort on the part of the patient; only scrupulous adherence to the doctor’s recommendations provides a complete cure for cervical kyphosis.

Treatment consists of measures in the following sequence:

In certain cases, acupuncture, massage, and reflexology give good results.

Treatment is carried out by a doctor using his hands on the damaged parts of the spine and surrounding tissues.

The result of such manipulations is the following changes in the body:

occipital and back pain stops;
vertebrae, joints, intervertebral discs are placed in their natural place;
blood pressure returns to normal due to improved blood supply, dizziness disappears;
the muscles become less tense, and the muscle corset gains strength.

Only qualified vertebrologists have the right to perform manual treatment. The number of procedures is prescribed by the attending physician (usually every other day). Depends on the general condition of the patient and his concomitant diseases.

Like all diseases of the spine, cervical kyphosis is treated with physical exercises, because only they can return the curved area to its previous state.

Therapeutic gymnastics allows you to strengthen the ligaments and muscles that support the spine, which allows you to improve blood circulation in it, and also restores flexibility to the joints. The course of exercises is selected by the doctor individually for each patient.

An equally important condition for recovery is correct posture, which must be maintained constantly. One of the exercises for this is to touch the wall with four points of the body.

In severe cases, surgical treatment or prosthetics are prescribed using metal plates, which are installed in the area of pathology on adjacent vertebrae and removed after a certain time.

This treatment ends with physiotherapy, gymnastics, and swimming.

Complications and consequences

Kyphosis of the neck is actually not a disease of the spine; it is rather a symptom of it, the beginning of serious pathologies in the body.

If you ignore these kyphotic manifestations, you can get problems and complications.

What can happen:

The most serious complication is deformity due to deformation of the cervical spine or the onset of complete paralysis.

It's easier to prevent than to treat

Regular exercise, an active lifestyle, swimming, aerobics, yoga are excellent prevention of pathology.

Equally important is maintaining the correct body position when walking, sitting, and standing.

To avoid cervical kyphosis, it is necessary to perform a certain set of preventive gymnastics, which is recommended by doctors.

Exercises performed for this pathology are carried out when the pain syndrome is eliminated. They are a good preventive measure for many diseases.

The disease responds well to conservative treatment at an early stage of development. The main thing is not to forget that every disease must be examined at its first signs by qualified doctors in order to avoid the development of pathological processes.

Curvature of the cervical spine is no exception to the rule.

Treatment of compression fracture of the lumbar spine

Various situations, be it sports training, a fall from a height or an unsuccessful jump into water, can often lead to unpleasant sensations in the back. And if they do not go away for a long time, then we can assume that a compression fracture of the spine has occurred there. This condition is fraught with certain complications, so you need to know how to correctly identify it at the initial stage and what methods can be treated.

- Types of compression fractures
Diagnostics
Signs and symptoms of vertebral compression fracture
Treatment
Conservative treatment
Surgery
- Complications
Conclusion

Features of a compression fracture

Many people are susceptible to this injury, and it occurs due to simultaneous pressure and flexion of the spinal column. When experiencing compression, the vertebra is compressed, deformed and cracks appear. In most cases, a compression fracture must be diagnosed in the lumbar and lower thoracic regions.

Compression fracture of the thoracic region. The highest level of pressure is felt in the area of the 11th and 12th vertebrae, which receive the maximum damage with this type of fracture.
Compression fracture of the lumbar spine. In this area, compression fractures affect the first vertebra, and this leads to compression of the nerve roots.

Less common are situations where compression fractures occur in the cervical spine. This can be caused by car accidents, unsuccessful jumps from heights, or strong blows to the head.

Types of compression fractures

Depending on the degree of damage to the spine, there are several types of compression fractures:

1st degree. The vertebra loses in height no more than half of its original size.
2 degrees. With this type of damage, the height of the vertebra decreases by 2 times.
3 degrees. In such a situation, the vertebra loses more than half of its original height.

Also, depending on the presence or absence of complications, compression fractures are divided into the following types:

Diagnostics

The appearance of pain in the back does not allow us to state with high accuracy that we are talking about a compression fracture. This symptom can also be observed in other pathologies.

To differentiate this disease from other dangerous ailments and timely initiation of treatment, the patient will have to undergo a comprehensive examination, which involves the following procedures:

X-ray of the spine. Based on its results, it is possible to obtain data on the presence of damage, its location, the degree of fracture of the lumbar spine and the presence of complications.
CT scan. Doctors resort to this diagnostic method after performing x-rays. Using this procedure, you can obtain more detailed information about the damaged area.
Myelography. A diagnostic method aimed at a thorough examination of the spinal cord, allowing to determine its condition after a compression fracture.
Neurological examination. Allows you to determine the condition of the spinal cord, nerve roots and peripheral nerves.
MRI. This diagnostic method is used only when there is a suspicion of damage to the structures of the spinal column.
Densitometry. This procedure is prescribed by specialists at their personal discretion; it can be used to differentiate a compression fracture from osteoporosis.

Based on the results of these diagnostic procedures, a specialist can make the correct diagnosis, as well as determine the danger of a compression fracture, as well as the degree of its effect on the spinal cord, and select the most effective treatment method.

Signs and symptoms of vertebral compression fracture

Unfortunately, a compression fracture of the lumbar spine occurs in a large number of patients, and most often it is found in people with an underdeveloped spinal column, who often suffer from musculoskeletal diseases. Common causes of vertebral injury are sudden movements, mechanical damage, and heavy lifting.

If the diagnosis is carried out by an experienced doctor, then based on the existing symptoms of the fracture, as well as the results of the examination, he can make an accurate diagnosis and select effective treatment.

Experts identify a number of symptoms that are observed with a compression fracture of the lumbar spine:

Pain that has different locations. They can be found in the back, legs and arms. It is from the pain that one can assume the presence of a fracture of the lumbar spine; at the initial stage it manifests itself weakly, but gradually begins to intensify.

General malaise. With a fracture of the lumbar spine, the patient often experiences dizziness, fatigue and weakness.

High compression of the spinal cord. This symptom is most typical for a severe fracture of the lumbar spine, and subsequently the patient complains of acute pain in the back.

Treatment

The very fact of pain is sufficient reason to make an appointment with a doctor and begin treatment of the damaged area of the spine. taking into account the degree of damage, the presence or absence of complications, doctors decide whether to treat using conservative methods or through surgery.

Conservative treatment

This option is most often chosen by specialists to treat the consequences of a compression fracture. It is a very effective method of therapy and involves taking medications, as well as limiting physical activity. As part of this treatment, specialists prescribe kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

Conservative treatment is a time-consuming process and takes approximately 3 months. During this course, the patient must be constantly monitored by a doctor, undergoing examination, so that one can understand how successfully the healing of the damaged area is progressing.

Treatment of pain syndrome. To relieve back pain, patients are prescribed medications. They are expected to help relieve pain.

Limiting activity. To fuse the joints, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the attending physician, which include limiting physical activity, reducing the time spent in a sitting and standing position, and refusing to perform actions that lead to an increase in the load on the spine. Patients in the older age group, 50 years and older, must adhere to strict bed rest, since at this age bones take longer to heal. Limiting activity increases the likelihood of a speedy cure, and violation of this recommendation is fraught with unpleasant neurological complications, one of which is paralysis.

Fixation. Fixing the spine in one position helps to cure the disease faster. To do this, you have to use a fixing orthopedic corset. Using this device, you can give the body the correct position, as well as remove part of the axial load from the spine. Only a custom-made corset is allowed to be used, as it must precisely fit the shape of the body.

Minimally invasive methods. Several decades ago, two new treatments for compression fractures became available to doctors. We are talking about kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

The main task of vertebroplasty is to restore the integrity of the spine and eliminate damage. This is one of the popular methods of treating compression fractures, which is used in European clinics.

This treatment involves creating a small puncture in the skin, which is used to insert a metal rod into the vertebral body. Through it, a special solution is injected into the cavity of the affected vertebra, which helps increase the strength of the structure of the affected part. This procedure requires the use of local anesthesia and lasts approximately one hour. During the procedure, X-ray control is required.

Practice shows that when this procedure is carried out in European clinics, a positive effect is achieved in 90% of cases. Patients require a minimum of rehabilitation time to return to their normal lifestyle. When treated with vertebroplasty, the rehabilitation period takes only 2 hours, during which the patient must maintain strict bed rest. Over the next 24 hours, he is required to limit his physical activity. But sometimes the doctor has to decide on prescribing pain medications.

The goal of kyphoplasty is to fully or partially restore the height of the vertebra, as well as change its position, if necessary. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia. Its essence is to create two small incisions in the skin, which are used to insert a balloon that is placed in the vertebral body. To give the vertebra its previous height, the balloon is inflated to the required size, after which bone cement is injected into it, which ensures reliable fixation of the position and size of the vertebra.

None of these considered procedures allows the damaged vertebra to become whole again, but they require something else - to remove pain and discomfort, and also to help the person return to a normal lifestyle.

Surgery

Not in all cases, conservative methods are quite effective. Sometimes there is a danger of neurological complications, and therefore the doctor has to make an unpopular decision - to perform an operation. During the surgical procedure, the specialist has to resect parts of the vertebra that have a destructive effect on the nerve roots of the spinal cord, and after removing them, metal implants are placed there.

Complications

The high level of development of modern medicine, combined with the experience of specialists, does not allow us to completely minimize the risk to the spine, since during the operation there is a risk associated with the close location of the spinal cord and nerve roots. This method of treating vertebral compression fractures can lead to complications such as segmental instability, neurological disorders, and kyphotic deformity.

Kyphotic deformity is dangerous because it can provoke the appearance of a pointed or hollow hump in the thoracic spine. A similar phenomenon is often observed in older people who are clearly overweight. Favorable development of this disease is a compression fracture of the spine and osteoporosis. Kyphosis is often accompanied by acute pain, and there are often disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, lungs and stomach. Patients with a similar diagnosis have chronic fatigue, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dysfunction of the digestive system.

Segmental instability. The most susceptible to this disease are people whose vertebrae, as a result of degenerative influences, have lost more than a third of their original height. In normal condition, the spinal column successfully copes with its basic functions - it helps to correctly distribute the axial load, provides the necessary support and allows you to perform all the necessary movements. The occurrence of a compression fracture leads to irreversible disorders, which, in addition to spinal dysfunction, are complemented by pain that the patient feels in any condition - both during movement and at rest. Instability is a factor that provokes the occurrence of degenerative processes in the spine.

Neurological complications. The risk of their occurrence is highest if the fracture results in bone fragments. Because of them, the spinal cord and nerve roots are subject to high compression. This condition requires careful attention from specialists because neurological complications can appear immediately after injury or after a while. The presence of disorders associated with neurology can be determined by the presence of pain that occurs during exercise and at rest, and numbness of the limbs.

Conclusion

A compression fracture of the spine is one of those dangerous conditions that cannot be determined solely by the clinical picture. An accurate diagnosis can only be made based on the diagnostic results, so it is wrong to assume that back pain is not serious. If treatment is delayed, there is a possibility that conservative treatment methods will be ineffective, and then surgery will have to be considered. Naturally, this method is not popular, since it can seriously injure the spine. Therefore, it is best not to bring yourself to such a state.

Each person has several curves in the spine that act as shock absorbers. In cases where the deflection in the cervical spine straightens, the doctor diagnoses kyphosis of the cervical spine. This deviation is a pathological curvature of the vertebrae; it is quite rare.

Initially, kyphosis is considered to be a backward bending of the neck. Such a condition cannot be ignored, since it can lead to disruption of the functioning of a large number of vital organs, such as the brain, which experiences oxygen starvation during the development of pathological kyphosis of the cervical spine. Kyphosis can develop in a person of any gender and age. How to correct the pathology?

Kyphosis is divided into several types:

Paralytic is diagnosed when muscles are unable to contract due to damage to the brain. Children suffering from cerebral palsy are susceptible to paralytic kyphosis.
Degenerative-dystrophic occurs in case of disruption of blood flow to the vertebra, as well as biochemical metabolic processes.
Rachitic is observed due to a lack of D-vitamin in the body at the stage of bone structure formation.
An infectious type of kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine can be a consequence of spondylitis or tuberculosis.
The senile type of kyphosis is more common in the elderly, since there is involution of the spinal column.

Kyphosis is also classified depending on its origin:

Pathological cervical kyphosis;
Physiological.

The following types of disease are determined by the age of the patients:

Childhood cervical kyphosis manifests itself in muscle or bone form. Muscular form is a consequence of a serious illness or defective physical development. The bone form is the result of damage to the vertebral bodies, a systemic disease.

Degrees of the disease

There are 3 degrees of neck kyphosis, regardless of type:

Minimum – the angle of curvature is 30 degrees maximum;
The second is 30-60 degrees;
The third is 60 degrees.

Causes

People of all age groups (from infants to the elderly) may experience cervical kyphosis in the form of muscle weakness, inability to maintain the spine in the desired shape, and bone diseases. It is for this reason that the disease can be either congenital or acquired.

Congenital causes of the disease:

A congenital or hereditary disease is characterized by genotypic transmission of the properties of dominant inheritance. This means that several generations have anomalies in the development of the anterior vertebral sections.
Anomalies of infant intrauterine development, injuries of the newborn after childbirth. Rickets at an early age leads to kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine.
Weakening of the ligaments and muscles of the skeleton, excessive softness of the vertebral bodies.

Acquired causes of the disease:

Changes in the structure of intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies due to age;
Advanced forms of spinal disease (spondylosis, osteoporosis, osteochondrosis);
Damage to the spinal ligaments, muscles or spine due to injury;
Scoliosis and uneven physical activity (insufficient or excessive exercise);
Infectious diseases or inflammatory processes in the strongest manifestation;
Tuberculosis;
Tumors in the soft tissue or spine area.

Symptoms

Signs of kyphosis are represented by the following symptoms:

Decreased neck mobility;
Crepitation of the vertebrae of the neck when turning the head;
Headaches concentrated in the occipital region (pinched vertebral artery);
Decreased hearing and visual ability, impaired coordination (damaged vestibular apparatus);
Painful sensations resemble electric shock (Lhermitte phenomenon);
Disappearance of the flexion-extension reflex in the elbow joint;
Decreased sensitivity of the facial skin (damage to the ternary nerve);
Frequent dizziness, fainting and darkening of the eyes;
Impaired memory, thinking, attention and cognitive processes;
Changes in blood pressure;
Numbness of the hands and feeling of cold, nervous tics of the fascia, general muscle weakness;
Peripheral or central paralysis, urination disorder;
Formation of a cervical hump and the appearance of stoop;
Problems with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Diagnostics

It is especially difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stages. Only modern methods can confirm the diagnosis:

Myelography with contrast;
Two-projection radiography of the SHOP.

In addition to these methods, you should also:

Treatment

Any treatment for kyphosis of the cervical spine must be based on combating the cause that provoked the problem:

Thus, the main methods of treating kyphosis are physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, and physical therapy. Surgery may be required only if the disease progresses and there are no alternatives to eliminate negative symptoms using conservative methods.

Complications and consequences

Pathological kyphosis of the cervical spine occurs as a symptom that precedes serious problems.

Ignoring the manifestations of the disease entails complications. The consequences are:

Displacement of the ribs and, as a result, discomfort when bending and moving;
Pulmonary failure;
Constant numbness of the limbs, problems in the work of the arms and legs.

Also deformity and complete paralysis are the most serious complications caused by neck deformation.

Prevention

To prevent the disease, the following treatment and prophylactic methods are used:

This exercise should be performed sitting or standing, paying special attention to correct posture. Shoulders should be turned back, back straight, hands on the belt. This is followed by pulling the head forward. Make sure your chin moves parallel to the floor, thereby stretching your neck muscles. Then we take a deep breath, and as we exhale we move the neck back, trying to “press” the head into the neck. It must be taken into account that the neck should not be bent during the exercise. Number of repetitions: 5-8.
Turns the head left and right. When making turns, you need to exhale slowly, holding your breath as you exhale. In this case, you need to pull your head towards your shoulders, without lowering your chin down, keeping it horizontal. Exhaling, we turn our head to the starting position. Repeat the turn in the other direction while inhaling. Number of repetitions: 5-8.
As you inhale, tilt your head forward. You should try to lower your chin as low as possible, closer to your chest. Then we return our head to the starting position and, as we exhale, slowly change the tilt of our head back. It is necessary to perform the exercise carefully and slowly, without causing pain. Number of repetitions: 5-8.
We perform head turns, slowly, to the sides, with inhalation. It is important to try to “examine your back” with your head slightly tilted down. The exercise should be performed slowly, without straining, stretching the muscles. Number of repetitions: 5-8.
The head should drop back and down 45 degrees, while the shoulders and back should remain level. Then we make turns in different directions, “looking at the sky.” Number of repetitions: 5-8.
We tilt our head to the side, at the end we freeze for a while and begin to stretch the top of our head slightly up and to the side. The head should not be pressed against the shoulder. As you exhale, turn your head to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Number of repetitions: 5-8.
We press the head towards the neck, turn to the side, stretch the neck, move the chin along the horizon in the opposite direction, pull the chin back into the neck and turn to the starting position. Number of repetitions: 5-8 times in each direction.
This exercise must be performed slowly and smoothly. Circular movements of the head with fixation in 4 intermediate positions at each shoulder, back and forth. During each fixation, you need to stretch your neck and stretch its muscles. After a full circle, we change the direction of movement.

These exercises are performed within 10-15 minutes and are quite simple. Over time, the number of repetitions and their duration can be increased. When performed, the neck muscles are stretched. These exercises help after just a month of daily repetitions.

Kyphosis is a backward concavity present in the cervical region in the form of a pathological curvature of the vertebral arch. Straightening the natural lordosis in the neck and turning it into kyphosis is a serious pathology that leads to the most negative consequences.

Cervical kyphosis is a pathological curvature of the vertebral arch, uncharacteristic of its physiological state. Such curves in the thoracic and sacral regions are normal. The impact of negative factors of various etiologies, from congenital developmental anomalies to destructive external causes, leads to the appearance of excess curvature in the spine. A process that does not have characteristic age-related features can, as it progresses, lead to disruption of the structural structure of the spine and compression of individual segments.

This curvature is a physiological bend of the spinal column. The structure of the spine gives it stability in an upright position. The human spine has four physiological curves that balance and stabilize it in upright posture, for which there is no genetic predisposition.

Curvatures in the thoracic and sacral, lordoses in the cervical and lumbar, serve to regulate the loads placed on the spinal column. Any other curvatures indicate a violation of the natural state of the spine and pathological processes occurring in it. A bulge in the neck is one of the most serious disorders, dangerous due to its proximity to the brain and aggravated by the structural features and functional loads of the neck.

Kyphosis of the cervical spine always develops as a pathological condition, regardless of the reasons that cause it, and can transform into a more serious condition if there is no treatment. Such transformations include herniated intervertebral discs, disturbances in the activity of the visceral organs of the chest cavity, the formation of a specific hump, with concomitant bulging of the chest, and brain damage.

In the early stages, treatment of initial manifestations gives tangible results. However, in a neglected state there is very little reason for optimistic forecasts. A timely visit to an orthopedist will help maintain not only beautiful posture, but also normal motor activity.

Causes of cervical kyphosis

Kyphotic deformity in the cervical spine, regardless of the reasons for its occurrence, indicates serious disorders in the vertebral structures. It can lead not only to abnormalities in blood pressure and the appearance of a hump, but also to oxygen starvation of the brain, numbness of the limbs, visual and hearing impairment. Cervical kyphosis, which progresses without proper medical intervention, can lead to complete loss of mobility, disability and serious pathologies of internal organs.

In medicine, the causes of such deformation are divided into two conditional groups - congenital and acquired. Congenital defects include defects resulting from genetic predisposition, anomalies obtained during gestation and the birth process, weakness of muscles and skeletal ligaments, which caused the development of pathological curvature.

Acquired pathology manifests itself as a consequence of the influence of various negative factors:

injuries of the spine, its individual segments;
degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
tumors, neoplasms and metastases;
infectious and inflammatory processes;
age-related changes;
lack of motor activity and deformations arising from prolonged exposure of the body to an incorrect position;
muscle spasms and muscle paralysis resulting from illnesses;
vegetative-vascular disorders in the spine.

Treatment of deformity, regardless of the disorder that caused it, is impossible without an accurate diagnostic process, identifying a possible provocateur and, if possible, eliminating its destructive influence.

Pathological kyphosis is dangerous for a person not just because of high or low blood pressure, but also a significant deterioration in the functioning of the lungs and heart, destruction of the vertebral segments and disruption of the normal blood supply to the brain.

Classification of pathology

Neck convexity is classified according to several criteria. Cause-and-effect divide it into appeared:

as a result of metabolic failure (degenerative-dystrophic);
due to a lack of vitamins during the formation of the bone skeleton (rachitic);
when exposed to infectious or inflammatory processes (infectious);
as a result of age-related changes (senile);
due to muscle failure or inactivity (paralytic).

According to the configuration and localization of the acquired concavity at the back, the curvature is divided into angular and arched. With angular, there is an acute occipital angle in the area of deformation. Arched suggests an arched back. The degrees of development of neck disease are divided depending on the severity of the lesion into minimal, moderate and severe (degree 1, 2, 3). In this case, the degree of severity is set depending on the angle of its curvature.

Symptoms of the disease

Symptoms for this pathology may vary depending on its degree, the involvement of individual segments of the spine, muscles and fascia, damage to the vertebral arteries, and compression experienced by the nervous tissue and roots.

Treatment of pathological kyphosis begins only after determining the nature of its occurrence and studying the acquired deformities. Symptoms may include the formation of a hump, malfunction of the musculoskeletal and vestibular systems, malfunctions of the organs of vision and hearing, and even partial loss of mobility. Both diagnosis and treatment depend on the symptoms.

How to treat kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine?

Indications for surgical intervention exist only if the development of pathology poses a serious threat to life. Treatment is carried out using a complex method, including medications, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, orthotics, therapeutic massage, manual therapy, reflexology, and is aimed at eliminating pathologies that provoked the development of neck deformity.