Lumbar kyphosis

Normally, such a phenomenon as lumbar kyphosis is not observed. This is a pathology of the lumbar spine, in which the curvature of the spine is directed not backwards, but forwards.

In foreign literature, this disease is referred to as lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK), which is a subgroup of flat back syndrome. Lumbar degenerative kyphosis can be considered as a subgroup of PDSI (“primary degenerative sagittal imbalance”) associated with agricultural occupation. Lumbar degenerative kyphosis, a sagittal plane disease, was first described by Takemitsu et al. [ 1 ]

Normally, there should be a lordosis in the lumbar region. It is formed during infancy and arose due to upright walking. Lordosis is designed to reduce the load on the spine, act as a shock absorber, reduce vibrations and oscillations, and protect the spinal cord.

Epidemiology

According to statistics, lumbar kyphosis, as a full-fledged diagnosis, is given to approximately 8-10% of the world's population. It has a prevalence of 20% to 40% and is more common in the geriatric population. [ 2 ] At the same time, in approximately 3% it is expressed quite strongly, and entails numerous concomitant pathologies of the spinal column and nearby organs. In approximately 4-5% of people, kyphosis is expressed moderately, does not cause significant discomfort, only sometimes complicates walking, complicates movement, and forms painful sensations. In the remaining 1-3% of people, kyphosis is weakly expressed. It is practically not noticeable to the naked eye and upon palpation, however, it is well visualized using an X-ray. In the remaining people, approximately 25% of the world's population, kyphosis is not diagnosed, however, in some cases, a slight kyphotic bend may form.

Causes lumbar kyphosis

A decrease in lumbar lordosis and an increase in thoracic kyphosis are hallmarks of the aging human spine. [ 3 ] The loss of lordosis causes an irregular distribution of weight on the spine. This results in increased energy expenditure to maintain an upright posture, increasing back pain.

The main reason for the development of lumbar kyphosis is that a person remains in an incorrect position for a long time. Another reason may be the incorrect position of the child during sleep, rest, even in infancy. The reason may be excessive or insufficient load on the lumbar region, early onset of walking. A child should normally start walking no earlier than 7 months, otherwise various deformations of the spine may form. In infancy, the spine is extremely mobile, extremely flexible, can take any shape and outline, and is represented mainly by cartilage. Therefore, it is important to use orthopedic mattresses and pillows from early childhood.

The cause may also be incorrect posture at a desk at school, incorrect weight distribution during physical education classes, or when doing household and everyday chores. In adulthood, kyphosis usually develops against the background of certain diseases of the spine and bones, for example, with osteoporosis, when the bones become soft and brittle, easily deformed. The cause may be hyperkinesia of the spine (excessive mobility), as well as a deficiency of certain substances, such as mineral components, calcium salts, phosphorus, which leads to excessive flexibility of the bones, a tendency to deformations and displacements.

Trauma may also be the cause. Therefore, it is important to first make sure that you have not recently received any trauma to the back or lumbar region. Sometimes the cause of lumbar kyphosis is the formation of a scar after an injury, the formation of a growth, or the deposition of salts in the lumbar region. Kyphosis may be a growth on the spine (tumor), or it may form as a result of a pinched nerve, muscle, or the formation of an extensive hematoma.

If trauma is excluded, an inflammatory process or a pinched nerve can be assumed. In a pinched nerve, metabolic and trophic processes are disrupted, which entails inflammation and pain, leads to the development of edema, hematoma, which gradually transform into kyphosis, especially if they become chronic or recurrent. Kyphosis can also occur as a result of displacement of one or more vertebrae.

Cases of congenital kyphosis of the lumbar spine have been described. [ 4 ]

Risk factors

The main risk factors are increased flexibility, elasticity and mobility of bones and the spine itself. Therefore, the risk group primarily includes people with genetic abnormalities and acquired pathologies associated with increased flexibility and mobility of the spine, patients with hyperkinesia. Risk factors also include all congenital and acquired diseases of the musculoskeletal system in people, primarily diseases of the spine, paravertebral muscles, radiculitis, various injuries of the vertebrae and intervertebral space, hernias, osteoporosis, arthritis, osteoarthritis. All people with a history of chronic and recurrent diseases of the spine, lower back, back, belong to the risk group.

The risk group also includes people with professions that require increased flexibility and mobility, such as equilibrists, circus actors, dancers, and gymnasts. Due to the loads and special exercises, they experience an intensive transformation of the spine.

The risk group includes patients who have undergone various surgeries and invasive interventions in the lumbar region. In addition, the risk group includes people who, due to their profession or other circumstances, are forced to stay in one position for a long time (welders, factory workers, accountants). The risk group also includes people who are often in unnatural positions (stuntmen, equilibrists, rescuers, emergency workers, firefighters, female farmers). The risk group also includes people who are often overcooled, are in drafts, open winds, spend a lot of time in damp rooms, on the street.

Pregnancy is considered one of the risk factors, since at this time the load on the spine and lower back increases sharply, an unnatural bend of the spine occurs, often forward. Incorrect upbringing of the child during the first year of life, in particular, its incorrect physical development, can also be considered as a risk factor. Kyphosis can develop if the child sleeps in an incorrect and uncomfortable position, if an orthopedic mattress is not used, if the child is not given massage and active-passive gymnastics. Also at risk are children who began to walk and stand early.

Pathogenesis

Patients with lumbar kyphosis typically exhibit extensive degenerative changes of the lower lumbosacral discs and facet joints from L2 to S1 levels, as well as atrophy and fatty changes of the lumbar extensor muscles.[ 5 ] LDK has been the subject of numerous publications in Korea and Japan; however, significant progress in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease has been limited.[ 6 ]

The pathogenesis is quite simple: kyphosis is an incorrect, excessive, pathological curvature of the spine in the lumbar region, in which the curvature is directed in the opposite direction, backwards. Kyphosis is an incorrect curvature, a deformation of the spinal column itself, which is clearly felt during palpation and visualized on an X-ray. Changes in the lumbar region, as a rule, entail multiple concomitant disorders, for example, pressure on the surrounding muscles, their displacement, clamps. Incorrect position also negatively affects the health of not only the musculoskeletal system, but also the entire body as a whole. Normally, each person has lumbar lordosis, but not kyphosis. We are talking about natural physiological curves of the spinal column. They maintain the optimal position of the spine when walking. If there is no curvature, or it is formed incorrectly, directed in the opposite direction, spinal disorders and diseases occur. The spine experiences increased load, the vertebrae wear out, protrusion and pinching develop. Following diseases of the spine, other diseases arise. For example, lumbar kyphosis entails a violation of the muscular frame. The entire figure is gradually distorted, in particular, the condition of the back muscles and pelvic region is disturbed. This entails deformation of the nearby parts of the spine: the thoracic region, the sacrum. Numerous changes are undergone by the pelvic region, hips, buttocks. All this is reflected in the condition of adjacent organs: the spleen, liver, kidneys, gall bladder, gastrointestinal tract, urinary and reproductive systems.

Blood circulation is also impaired, in particular, one of the main veins, the vena cava, can be pinched. Accordingly, the entire hemostasis system is impaired: less oxygen enters the blood, less of it is transported to the internal organs, hypoxia or hypercapnia develops. Disruption of blood supply to the reproductive organs is noteworthy, which entails various problems of an intimate nature, sexual weakness and infertility. Pinching of a nerve, intervertebral disc, or spinal nerve root in the lumbar region is often observed, which further disrupts blood circulation. The risk of blood clots, vascular disorders, hypertension, and renal failure increases sharply. Any pathology of the spine, including kyphosis, poses a risk to the spinal cord, which is located in the spinal canal.

Symptoms lumbar kyphosis

Kyphosis is understood as a curvature of the spinal column in an incorrect (reverse) position, or a tendency to its development, a violation of posture. Some specialists understand kyphosis in the lumbar region as any violation of lordosis (its flattening, alignment, reverse development in the opposite direction). Normally, there should be lordosis in the lumbar region, which performs a number of important functions, and is necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the spine, to ensure movement, and to maintain the lumbar region in an upright position.

In an abnormal case, the following symptoms appear: the lower back bends strongly backwards, the abdomen changes greatly (it seems to go backwards, becomes sunken). The normal position of not only the lumbar, but also other vertebrae is disrupted. In addition, quite often the entire spine is deformed, subject to curvature. Pain and movement disorders, coordination are not always a symptom of pathology, since the pain threshold and individual sensitivity are different for each person. So, in some cases, pain occurs, and is quite long-lasting and intense. In other cases, on the contrary, a person does not feel any pain or discomfort. Sometimes there is a feeling of pain when moving and turning the lower back, stiffness, decreased sensitivity, or, conversely, hypersensitivity.

The first signs indicating the development of kyphosis are the appearance of an abnormal curvature, which develops in the opposite direction, that is, not forward, but on the contrary, backward. Normally, a slight curvature of the spine appears in the lumbar region, directed forward. In addition to the incorrect curvature, there is often a displacement of the abdomen: it flattens, or, on the contrary, falls in, becomes drawn inward. Sometimes there are painful sensations, discomfort during movements, and stiffness of movements.

Lumbar kyphosis in a child

Children should normally develop lumbar lordosis. Thus, it is formed when they begin to stand and walk. It helps to keep the body in an upright position. Before this, the spine of children is straight, since it does not experience loads. However, it is necessary to ensure that lordosis is formed correctly, and there are no pathologies in the physical development of the spine. At this time, the spine is mobile and flexible, so any increased load on it, prolonged stay in the wrong position, leads to the fact that pathological development of the spine occurs. For example, with an incorrect position in the crib, the child develops lumbar kyphosis. It is a bend of the spine in the wrong direction (not forward, but backward).

It should be taken into account that in early childhood, the spine is easily transformed, so it is easy to form incorrect curves. However, it is at this age that they are also easily corrected, so you should not delay diagnosis and treatment. When the first signs appear, and even suspicions of the development of kyphosis, you must consult a doctor. In addition, children of the first year of life, early preschool age, are regularly examined by specialists, including an orthopedist, surgeon. This is the basis for the timely detection of pathologies, and preventive examinations should not be neglected under any circumstances. When the first signs of pathology are detected, treatment should be started as early as possible. In the early stages, it is most effective, and often does not require special costs. In the early stages of correction, special passive gymnastics, massage are carried out, and infant swimming is prescribed.

In older children, from 3 to 12 years old, treatment requires more time and effort. At this time, more intense physical activity is used, adaptive sports are used.

It is more difficult to perform spinal correction for children over 12 years old, since their spine is already less flexible and changeable. However, correction at this age is very effective and allows you to completely restore the normal structure of the spine. Treatment of lordosis at any stage requires mandatory physical activity. It is necessary to conduct regular training aimed at training the spine, working out the muscles and vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Complex, combined treatment is often prescribed. Exercises in combination with massage and swimming are especially effective. Auxiliary means are used. In children, lumbar kyphosis is easily corrected by position: special orthopedic pillows, mattresses for sleeping and resting are used.

Lumbar kyphosis in infants

The development of lumbar kyphosis in an infant is an unfavorable pathological phenomenon, however, if the necessary measures are taken in a timely manner, it can be easily corrected. First of all, you need to buy a special orthopedic mattress for the child and use it always: during sleep, on a walk. As soon as possible, you need to consult with an orthopedist and surgeon, they will select the appropriate treatment. All recommendations must be strictly followed.

First of all, the child is prescribed a special massage. It is characterized by soft, gentle movements, focused on working out the lower back and spine, massaging the paravertebral muscles located along the spine. The entire back, pelvic area, and buttocks are also massaged. First, light stroking is performed in the kyphosis area, then circular squeezing movements are used, during which the spine is gently and easily, but persistently, given the correct position, and it is fixed in this position by working out the surrounding muscles. Then the kyphosis area is intensively rubbed, which allows it to be activated, improve blood circulation and trophism. After this, kneading (light, soft movements) and vibration are performed. It is useful to include active-passive movements, stretching the vertebra (in no case should you do such procedures yourself). Such procedures can only be performed by a doctor who has the appropriate qualifications and permission to work with children. This is due to the fact that the child's spine is very delicate and fragile, and is made up of cartilage, so it can be easily damaged by the slightest incorrect movement.

After the massage, active-passive gymnastics is recommended. After this, the child is given time to rest (approximately 15-20 minutes), and electrophoresis or other physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed by the doctor are performed. Infant swimming, baby yoga, and fitball gymnastics have a positive effect. Children's fitballs allow you to easily correct spinal deformities, relax tense areas, tone weakened areas, since the fitball allows you to give the child the desired position, takes the shape of the body, corrects position and movements, helps train balance and coordination.

Stages

There are different variants of lumbar kyphosis formation. As a rule, in infants and children of the first year of life it is formed immediately, in one stage. The curvature of the spine simply develops, not in the right direction, but in the opposite direction. If normally in the lumbar region the spine should bend forward, then in children a backward bend is formed.

In adults, lumbar kyphosis in most cases develops in several stages. In the first stage, in due time, still in infancy, a small curved arc forward is formed from a straight spinal column, lordosis is formed. Normally, this is the end of the stage of bend formation. If we consider a pathological case in which kyphosis begins to form, two more stages appear. In the second stage, the bend can begin to straighten sharply, up to the formation of a straight back (regression of lumbar lordosis). In this case, lordosis completely disappears. Then comes the third stage, in which the bend continues to develop, already in the opposite direction, forward. It develops until a bend similar to the norm is formed, only in the opposite direction.

Types of "lumbar degenerative kyphosis" according to Takemitsu et al.

Type	Lumbar spine	Thoracic spine
1	Small lumbar lordosis	Loss of thoracic kyphosis was noted.
2	Mild lumbar kyphosis	Mild lordosis in the thoracic region
3	Increased lumbar kyphosis	Varying degrees of thoracic lordosis
4	Lumbar kyphosis	Increased thoracic kyphosis

Forms

Normally, lumbar kyphosis does not exist. A person develops thoracic kyphosis - the only type of kyphosis. Lordoses should form in the lumbar and neck area, so if we are talking about lumbar kyphosis, we automatically assume that a pathological variant is formed.

Speaking about pathological kyphosis, we distinguish between mild, moderate and severe kyphosis. Severe lumbar kyphosis is quite pronounced and entails numerous concomitant pathologies of the spinal column and nearby organs. As a rule, it makes walking difficult and causes painful sensations. As complications, hernias and protrusions of the vertebrae, pinched nerves and even the spinal cord develop, and blood circulation is sharply disrupted. If the kyphosis is moderate, it does not cause significant discomfort, only sometimes makes walking difficult, complicates movement, and causes painful sensations. A person cannot walk long distances, cannot stay in one position for a long time, and cannot lift weights. If the kyphosis is weakly expressed, it is practically not noticeable to the naked eye and is easily visible on palpation, however, it is clearly visualized using an X-ray.

Depending on whether there is concomitant pathology and complications, complicated or uncomplicated kyphosis is distinguished. Depending on the presence or absence of pain, painless kyphosis is distinguished.

Depending on age, there are childhood, adult and senile kyphosis, which are formed respectively at different stages of a person’s life.

Kyphosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine

Normally, there is thoracic kyphosis. For the lumbar region, kyphosis is a pathology, since normally lumbar lordosis should be formed. However, such a phenomenon occurs and is quite amenable to correction. The main thing is to correctly select the optimal means and methods of corrective action, as well as develop a comprehensive program that will maintain the normal state of the spine and prevent complications. In this case, it is necessary to develop and maintain kyphosis in the sternum, which is the norm, and eliminate kyphosis in the lumbar region. Therefore, the program should be focused on the spine as a whole, and take into account the specifics of each of its sections. In this case, the best option is to select special physical exercises aimed at the spine, as well as perform segmental reflex massage, which will consolidate the result obtained, work out the spine. It can be alternated with vertebral massage aimed at working out the spinal column and vertebrae directly. Additional means and methods of spine correction are also used, for example, a bandage, corsets, taping. Swimming can be used, which has a positive effect on the spine and back.

Sacral kyphosis

The sacrum is a special section of the spine. It is formed by individual vertebrae that are firmly fused together. The coccyx is attached to the sacrum. The vertebrae form a fixed base that is the basis for strengthening the pelvis and femurs, and also fixes the spine in its lower section. The main nerve and blood vessels are located there, which form numerous plexuses.

There is no separate diagnosis of "sacral kyphosis". However, sometimes in the literature one can come across such a concept. In this case, it is rather about an abnormal, excessive backward curvature of the sacral spine. Sacral kyphosis (SK) is defined as the angle between the line connecting the midpoint of the upper and lower borders of S1 and the line connecting the lower borders of S2 and S4. [ 7 ] Sacral kyphosis is a fixed anatomical parameter and a reflection of the pelvic morphology.

If this condition does not cause discomfort, you can do nothing. Usually, morning exercises, training 1-2 times a week are enough to maintain the normal functioning of this section of the spine. If pain, discomfort, difficulty moving, a consultation with an orthopedist, surgeon or vertebrologist is required. In the early stages of the pathology, as a rule, a comprehensive program is sufficient, which will include physical exercises, massage. In more severe cases, the use of additional means is required, for example, special physiotherapy procedures, manual intervention. [ 8 ]

Complications and consequences

Any incorrectly formed curve in the spine, lumbar region, be it pathological lordosis, straight back, or kyphosis, can have adverse effects and complications. Thus, lumbar kyphosis significantly increases the load on the spine. In this form, it cannot act as a shock-absorbing factor, but on the contrary, it aggravates movements, resulting in the development of various diseases of the spine. First of all, its mechanical deformation, displacement of the vertebrae occurs, the function of the spinal cord, spinal roots is impaired. Disorders in the lumbar region can lead to impaired blood circulation, innervation of the corresponding sections. First of all, the reproductive and urinary systems, kidneys, spleen, gastrointestinal tract suffer. The organs do not receive the proper level of oxygen, metabolites are not excreted. As a result, hypoxia develops, trophic processes are disrupted, sometimes autointoxication with one's own metabolites develops.

It is also necessary to take into account that kyphotization of lordosis in the lumbar region can lead to the creation of pressure, mechanical impact on the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs. The function of the thyroid gland, vocal cords, salivary sex glands, ovaries in women, and prostate gland in men is impaired. As a result, there is a violation of the structural and functional characteristics of the glands, which entails a violation of the hormonal background as a whole, the development of a number of endocrine pathologies, gynecological and urological diseases, up to infertility, pregnancy pathologies.

Diagnostics lumbar kyphosis

In order to diagnose lumbar kyphosis, a consultation with an orthopedist or surgeon is required. These specialists will conduct a general examination, palpation of the back and lower back, feel the spine for deformities, pain, neoplasms, displacement of vertebrae, clamps. To clarify the clinical picture and determine the stage of pathology, limitations of capabilities, a person can perform some exercises by which the necessary parameters are assessed. As a rule, such exercises are called functional tests. They have certain reference values, normal indicators. They are used to judge the state of lordosis or kyphosis, the spine as a whole. Sometimes additional diagnostics are used using special equipment, such as X-ray, tomography (CT, MRI), ultrasound. If additional specialist consultation is required, the doctor will give a referral. [ 9 ]

How to identify kyphosis?

Patients often ask the question: "How to determine kyphosis?" It is quite easy to determine, since it is a curvature of the spine that is visible to the naked eye. When palpating the lower back, you can feel an unnatural bend that is directed not forward, as it should be normally, but backward. The bend is similar to the one located in the sternum area, the spine seems to bend in the opposite direction, and looks extremely unnatural. The easiest way to determine kyphosis is to stand up straight, press your back against a flat wall. Normally, a hand should pass between the wall and the lower back. There should be a forward bend. But with kyphosis, as a rule, a person cannot even stand up straight and lean against the wall. This is due to the fact that in the lumbar region, the spine bends in the opposite direction, touching the wall.

Instrumental diagnostics

The main method of diagnosis in diagnosing lumbar kyphosis is instrumental diagnostics. The most common and frequently used methods are X-ray examination, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging. The high frequency of their use is due to the fact that these methods allow you to visualize the picture of the pathology, examine both the spine as a whole and its individual sections. In addition, when using CT and MRI, it is possible to study the adjacent tissues in detail, assess the nature of changes in them. It is also possible to assess whether there is damage to the surrounding tissues, whether there is an inflammatory process, whether there is a pinching of nerves, blood vessels, or the spinal cord. CT and MRI are the most informative methods, but the frequency of their use is often limited, since these are expensive methods, and they also have certain contraindications.

Therefore, the main method for diagnosing lumbar kyphosis remains an X-ray examination. It provides an X-ray contrast image of the desired area. The method allows you to get detailed information, precise characteristics of the lumbar region, the kyphosis itself. It is possible to conduct an X-ray examination, with the help of which an image of either the spine as a whole or only a separate fragment can be obtained. Most often, the X-ray is used to assess the angle of deviation, the size of the kyphosis, its features and precise localization.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics is perhaps the main stage of diagnosis of spinal diseases. This is a very important stage, which allows you to accurately determine the disease, the cause of its occurrence. The tactics of the chosen treatment and its effectiveness depend on how accurately the diagnosis is made. Differential diagnostics is the differentiation of various types of pathology. Often, diseases that are completely different in etiology and pathogenesis have the same symptoms and clinical picture. In this case, different treatments are prescribed, so it is important to clearly distinguish between them.

In the course of differential diagnosis of lumbar kyphosis, mainly instrumental research methods are used, the main one of which is X-ray.

Osteochondrosis

Often, such diseases as osteochondrosis and lumbar kyphosis have the same external manifestations. Therefore, in most cases, they require differential diagnosis. The main method that allows you to accurately differentiate this diagnosis is X-ray. CT and MRI can also be used, less often - ultrasound of the lumbar region. Osteochondrosis and kyphosis in the lumbar region can be very similar in appearance, but with in-depth diagnostics, a fundamental difference is found, which is the basis for making a differential diagnosis. Thus, when analyzing an X-ray or tomography results, you can see that with osteochondrosis, deposits form on the spine. Whereas with kyphosis there are no deposits, nevertheless, the spinal column itself is subject to numerous deformations, mainly in the lumbar region. This is due to the fact that osteochondrosis occurs as a result of salt and mineral deposits in the spine. Therefore, when visualized by contrast methods, it looks like a growth on the spine. Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature, a deformation of the spinal column itself, which is also clearly visible on an X-ray.

Lumbar lordosis

Normally, lumbar lordosis exists in every person. When we talk about lumbar lordosis, we are talking about natural physiological curves of the spinal column. They perform numerous functions: they maintain the optimal position of the spine when walking, act as shock absorbers, cushion and soften movements, ease jolts and vibrations during walking. The absence of a curve or its incorrect development, for example, a curve in the opposite direction is a pathological condition. Spinal disorders and diseases occur, since in this case the spine experiences increased stress, movements pinch and wear out the vertebrae.

Lumbar lordosis can also be pathological. Thus, excessive curvature of the spine in the lumbar region also negatively affects the health of the spine. Curvature of the spine entails a violation of other elements of the musculoskeletal system, as well as adjacent organs and systems. Such violations of lumbar lordosis, such as its complete straightening, or excessive curvature, lead to the fact that blood circulation is disrupted, a nerve, intervertebral disc, spinal nerve in the lumbar region is pinched. Hence - radiculitis, lumbago, intervertebral hernias.

Some people may experience kyphotization of the lumbar lordosis - a condition that can be characterized as the reverse development of lordosis, its growth in the opposite direction. Instead of lordosis, kyphosis is formed.

Hump in the lumbar region

Sometimes patients develop a kind of hump in the lumbar region. Of course, in medicine there is no such diagnosis as a hump. In this case, diagnostics and examination are required to determine what the hump is and what are the causes and mechanisms of its appearance and development. In essence, differential diagnostics is used. Further treatment depends on how correctly the diagnosis is made.

There can be quite a few reasons that lead to the development of a hump in the back. These can be pathological processes affecting the spine, lower back, and surrounding tissues. A hump can indicate the development of an inflammatory process or traumatic injury to the spine, paravertebral muscles, or intervertebral muscles. It can also be a pinched nerve, vertebra, or damage to an intervertebral disc. A hump can be a benign or malignant neoplasm in the spine, a compaction, or a deposit of salts and mineral components. It can be a hematoma, an overgrowth of blood vessels (angioma). A hump can also occur as a result of the displacement of one or more vertebrae. Often, a vertebra, when displaced, leads to a shift in other vertebrae, pinching of muscles, nerves, and intervertebral discs (this is how intervertebral hernias occur). As a rule, they are accompanied by edema, inflammation, compaction, and maceration (swelling) of tissues, resulting in the formation of something resembling a hump.

Schmorl's node of the lumbar spine

Against the background of kyphosis of the lumbar spine, many patients develop a Schmorl's hernia. The hernia is formed due to the fact that the vertebrae are displaced and undergo changes. They can pinch the intervertebral discs, which leads to the development of a hernia. As a rule, the condition is painful, accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Patients often experience difficulty in moving, and need to use special painkillers. Patients with such a diagnosis require periodic courses of massage, manual therapy, osteopathy sessions. The use of special medications and physiotherapy procedures may be required.

Treatment lumbar kyphosis

The main method of treating kyphosis is physical activity. Traditionally, therapeutic exercise (PE) is used. Read more about treatment methods in this article.

Prevention

Prevention is based on periodic medical examinations, during which it is possible to promptly identify pathology and take the necessary measures. An effective preventive measure is a rational motor regime, physical activity. It is important to sit and sleep in the correct position, for this purpose special orthopedic mattresses and pillows should be used. Regular walks, proper nutrition, vitaminization and mineralization of the body are important conditions for prevention.

Forecast

Usually, lumbar kyphosis is quite easy to treat and correct. However, recovery is only possible if you lead an active lifestyle, follow all the doctor's recommendations, and strictly adhere to his instructions. In the treatment of kyphosis, the patient himself plays an important role: he is an active participant in the treatment and prevention process. It is the patient who must regularly engage in physical exercise, breathing, relaxation, and meditation practices. Timely diagnosis is also important, since the sooner the treatment is prescribed, the more effective it will be.