Has the shape of your spine changed? Learn about Spine Curvature Disorders

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Hmm... my back looks a little hunched?" Or have you ever noticed that your child's shoulders aren't level, and they seem to be leaning to one side? Sometimes these can simply be a posture issue. But sometimes, they can also be caused by a change in the natural curvature of our spine. Don't worry, today we'll talk about these hunches in a simple way.

What is a healthy spine?

First, let's look at what a healthy spine looks like. Our spine is like a strong pillar made up of a stack of tiny bones (we call these vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. Between these bones are jelly-like spaces called discs that help with movement.

When you look at it from the side, a healthy spine is not completely straight. It naturally has small curves. Like the 'shock absorbers' in a car, these curves protect the spine by absorbing the pressure that comes to our bodies when we walk, run, or lift weights. However, when you look at it from the back, a healthy spine should be straight down the middle.

So, if these natural curves become excessive, or if the spine curves to one side, we call those conditions Spine Curvature Disorders .

What are the main types of backbends?

We can mainly identify three types. Although their names are a bit strange, they are very easy to understand.

Why do situations like this occur?

There are several reasons for this, and the reasons vary depending on the situation.

Causes of Lordosis

• Achondroplasia : This is a genetic condition in which bones do not develop properly.
• Spondylolisthesis: A forward slippage of a vertebra in the lower back.
• Osteoporosis: Bones become weak and brittle as we age. This can lead to fractures.
• Obesity: Increased body weight increases the pressure on the spine.
• Discitis: Inflammation of the discs between the bones of the spine caused by infection.
• Benign juvenile lordosis: A harmless condition that occurs in young children.

Causes of Kyphosis

• Postural kyphosis : This is the most common cause. This condition can develop over time from constantly hunching forward and hunching over.
• Scheuermann's disease: In this condition, the bones of the spine develop incorrectly, forming a wedge shape instead of the normal square shape.
• Congenital kyphosis: A condition in which the baby's spine does not form properly in the womb.
• Other medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis , spinal infections, or cancer .
• Spina bifida: A complication of the spine that occurs at birth.

Causes of Scoliosis

In fact, the exact cause of scoliosis, which is most common in young children, has not yet been found . However, it does run in families, meaning it can be inherited. It can also be caused by a medical condition, an accident, an infection, or a birth defect.

What are the symptoms of these conditions?

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the disease. Let's look at this in a table to make it easier for you to understand.

How is this treated?

Treatment options depend on the type you have and how severe it is. Sometimes, a minor scoliosis caused by a posture problem may not require any treatment. However, if the scoliosis is severe, you may need to wear a special back brace or have surgery.

• For Lordosis: Painkillers, muscle-strengthening exercises and physical therapy, wearing special braces, weight loss, and surgery if necessary.
• For Kyphosis: Exercises and medication to reduce pain, wearing special braces, muscle-strengthening exercises, and surgery if the curvature is severe or a congenital condition.
• For scoliosis:
• Observation: If the curvature is only slight, the doctor will check it every 4-6 months to see if it is getting worse.
• Bracing: If a growing child's curvature exceeds a certain level, these special braces can help stop it from getting worse.
• Surgery: If the curvature is very severe and continues to increase, surgery may be necessary.
• Body casting: If there is a suspicion that the curvature of very young children will increase as they grow, a plaster cast is placed from the shoulder to the lower abdomen under anesthesia. This is changed every few months until about 3 years of age.

How do I know for sure if I have this condition?

It's very simple. If you or someone in your family feels like they have an abnormal curve in their spine, don't just ignore it, thinking, "It's just a posture problem," and see your doctor.

The doctor will first ask you questions and see if anyone in your family has had this condition. Then, during a physical examination, he will check your back curvature. To find out the exact condition, he will order an X-ray of your spine. The X-ray can measure exactly whether there are any changes in the bones of the spine and how much curvature there is (in degrees).

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