Things you need to know about Spine Curvature Disorders

Our spine, or 'back', is not a straight rod. When you look at it from the side, it has several natural curves. These natural curves help the body withstand the stress that comes from walking, running, and lifting weights. But when viewed from behind, the spine should be straight from the middle down. Sometimes, if this natural curve of the spine increases due to certain reasons, or if the spine is pulled to one side, it can be a medical condition. That's what we're talking about today.

What are the main types of curvature of the spine?

Simply put, there are three main types of spinal curvature conditions. These are Lordosis, Kyphosis, and Scoliosis. Let's understand these with a table.

Why does the spine curve like this? What are the causes?

There is no single cause for these conditions. They can be caused by a variety of health problems.

Causes of Lordosis

• Achondroplasia : A congenital condition in which some people have abnormal bone development.
• Spondylolisthesis: A forward slippage of a vertebra (bone) in the lower back.
• Osteoporosis: A condition in which bones become thin, brittle, and break easily due to age or other causes.
• Obesity: Increased pressure on the spine due to increased body weight .
• Discitis: An infection of the cartilage disc between two vertebrae.
• A harmless, temporary condition of lordosis that occurs in some children.

Causes of Kyphosis

• Congenital kyphosis : A condition in which the vertebrae of a child's spine do not develop properly in the womb.
• Postural kyphosis: Constantly leaning forward and hunching over. This often goes away with proper posture.
• Scheuermann's disease: This is a deformity of the spine.
• Diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis .
• Spina bifida: A birth defect of the spine.
• Spinal infections or cancer.

Causes of Scoliosis

Doctors don't know the exact cause of scoliosis in young children, but it does seem to run in families. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth defect.

What are the symptoms of these diseases?

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the disease.

Lordosis symptoms

• When looking outwards, the buttocks appear to protrude abnormally backwards.
• When lying face up on a hard surface, there is a large gap between your lower back and the floor.
• Back pain and discomfort.
• Difficulty bending or turning in certain directions.

Symptoms of Kyphosis

• The head is bent forward more than the rest of the body.
• A distinct bulge or curve in the upper back.
• Feeling tired in the back or legs.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

• Shoulders not being level (one higher than the other).
• Waist or hips not being at the same level.
• The body appears to be weighted to one side.

How is this treated?

In general, whether you need treatment, and if so, what treatment, will depend on the type of condition and the extent of the curve. Some mild cases (such as kyphosis caused by posture) may not require any treatment. However, more severe cases may require a special back brace or surgery.

• Treatment for Lordosis: Pain medication, physical therapy to strengthen muscles, spinal braces, weight loss, and sometimes surgery.
• Treatment for Kyphosis: Pain medication, back braces, surgery in severe cases, and exercises to strengthen muscles.
• Treatment for Scoliosis:
• Observation: If the curve is mild, the doctor will check it every 4-6 months to see if the curve is getting worse.
• Bracing: These are prescribed for children who are still growing to stop the curve from increasing.
• Surgery: If the curve is very severe and continues to worsen, surgery may be necessary.
• Body casting: If it is suspected that the curves of young children will increase as they grow, a special plaster is applied from the shoulders to the torso under anesthesia. This is changed every few months until they are about 3 years old.

If you do have surgeries, what kind do you do?

There are different types of surgeries to correct spinal curvature. Some of the main ones are:

• Spinal instrumentation: Devices such as metal rods, wires, and hooks are inserted into the spine to straighten and hold the spine in place.
• Artificial disc replacement: The damaged discs between the vertebrae are removed and replaced with artificial discs.
• Kyphoplasty: A balloon-like device is inserted into the damaged vertebra in the spine, inflated to straighten the bone, and then stabilized with a special type of cement.

How do I know if I have this condition?

Only your doctor can tell you for sure if you have this condition. He or she will ask about your medical history and whether anyone in your family has had this condition. Then, they will perform a physical examination and look at the curvature of your spine.

If you, your child, or anyone in your family notices an unusual curve in their spine that you think may be more than just a posture problem, please don't waste time and see a qualified doctor. Getting a diagnosis early will go a long way in helping you start treatment right away.