Treatment of lordosis in children and adults

When it comes to lordosis, it is necessary to understand that this term can be defined as a normal, physiological curvature of the spine, which performs a number of important functions and is necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the spine. Providing movement. But there are also cases of pathological lordosis. In which the spine is deformed, subject to curvature. Therefore, it is quite natural that treatment of lordosis is not always required. In this regard, correct diagnostics, aimed primarily at distinguishing pathological lordosis from the normal variant, acquires special significance.

How to treat lordosis at home?

The main method of treating lordosis, especially at home, is physical activity. A doctor or exercise therapy instructor can always tell you how to treat lordosis with exercise. But preliminary diagnostics are extremely important for this. It is better to visit an orthopedist who will conduct diagnostics. Then you are given a referral to exercise therapy, where the doctor will select individual exercises, show you everything, tell you everything, and monitor the correctness of the exercises. After that, you can safely do the exercises at home, on your own.

Today, in the Internet era, the possibilities of treating lordosis at home are expanding many times. So, today on the Internet, on sale you can find many videos, disks with a set of special exercises, including for the treatment of lordosis. Video training is conducted, detailed instructions are given on how to perform exercises, conduct a lesson. You can get an online consultation, become a participant in an online training or consultation, which are organized by specialists from different parts of the world for their patients.

It is the treatment through physical exercises that is really effective in restoring the spine. No other means can compare with physical exercises.

Traditionally, the main means is considered to be special therapeutic physical training (LFK), namely a set of exercises for restoring the spine and correcting its pathologies. But today there are a number of other means, for example, yoga therapy. Yoga therapy even includes a special section - yoga of the spine, aimed at treating various pathologies of the spine.

In addition, yoga itself is represented by a large number of exercises for the spine. Almost no classical hatha yoga training can do without them, since it is believed that a healthy spine is the key to our health. According to Vedic ideas, it contains the main life force of a person. It is a source of powerful energy (Kundalini), which supports the entire body. There is also a separate type of yoga - Kundalini yoga. This direction contains a set of exercises designed to target the spine, allows you to activate vital energy.

Qigong, Chinese health practices, numerous breathing exercises, which are also aimed primarily at the spine, have proven themselves well. There are exercises for cleansing and complex development of the spine, paravertebral muscles located along the spinal column and intervertebral discs, correction of lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, intervertebral hernias and inflammatory processes.

[ 1 ]

Treatment of lordosis of the spine in adults

If pathological lordosis of the spine develops, especially in adults, it requires mandatory treatment. The main method of treatment is physical exercise, since the cause is often an insufficient level of load, or its incorrect distribution along the spine. An orthopedist, surgeon, doctor or instructor of therapeutic exercise, yoga therapist, master or instructor of qigong, health practices will tell you how to choose the right exercises.

In addition to exercise therapy, treatment with positioning, rhythmic and isometric gymnastics, static and dynamic, breathing, and meditative exercises are used. Special corsets and bandages are prescribed. Special exercises aimed at working on the intervertebral discs, muscles located between the vertebrae and along the spine itself also have a positive effect. Massage and self-massage, physiotherapeutic treatment methods, including ultrasound treatment, microcurrents, waves of various lengths, electrophoresis, cryotherapy, thermal procedures, and electrical procedures are also used for this purpose. Enormous success can be achieved thanks to segmental reflex massage, reflexology, acupuncture, point massage (shiatsu), and vertebral impact.

Hydrotherapy procedures have a positive effect, allowing the spine to relax and reduce the load. For this, mainly medicinal baths are used, which relax the muscles, relieve spasms and pain. Cold ones are also used. Hot, contrast compresses, applications to the lordosis area, wraps, dousing, steam baths, baths and saunas. Procedures with hot water are especially helpful, since it effectively relaxes and normalizes blood circulation. Hot water is applied both to the lordosis itself and to the corresponding segments of the body, biologically active points. For example, the method of wrapping the legs "in a spiral" is used. Walking in water is used, walking is especially effective, since it affects the vital centers of the foot. It is useful to walk in natural reservoirs, on special paths in pools, in special hydromassage baths with an uneven bottom. Today, along with hydrotherapy, fish therapy is widely used, the essence of which is that in addition to water, the body is also affected by algae, sea stones and special fish that eat the keratinized skin on the legs, feet, thereby stimulating biologically active points. The Scottish shower, Charcot shower, fan shower, jacuzzi, and hydromassage baths have found wide application in practice. In extreme cases, even regular rubbing with a damp sponge, dousing, and a damp bandage can help. Today, specially organized swimming classes and aqua aerobics are a fashionable method of treatment.

Treatment of cervical lordosis

As practice shows, only physical exercise is the only truly effective method of treating lordosis, including cervical lordosis. It is recommended to exercise regularly, do exercises daily, and sometimes even several times a day - in the morning and in the evening. Simpler exercises are performed in the morning (mostly relaxing, stretching). In the evening, toning, strength exercises, twists are performed. It is also recommended to exercise with a physical therapy instructor approximately 1-2 times a week (he will check how correctly the exercises are performed, adjust the training regimen if necessary). The fact is that improper exercise performance may not only not bring benefits, but also worsen the condition. The exercises should also be selected by a physical therapy doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the patient, the severity of the disease, and how it responds to therapy.

The main principle is to use a comprehensive approach, that is, to select exercises and build a workout in such a way. So that all muscle groups are involved, not just the spine. In addition, it is necessary to alternate relaxation and tension techniques, be sure to include relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises. The load should be increased gradually. Particular attention should be paid to the latissimus dorsi, pectoral muscles, since they maintain body symmetry and ensure correct posture.

Exercises

Let's look at a short set of exercises that can be performed during the day to treat cervical lordosis. The exercises are convenient because they do not require a lot of space. They can be performed at any free time, anywhere. You don't even have to get up to do them. To achieve maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to perform at least 10-15 approaches per day.

• Exercise No. 1.

Sit up straight. Try to straighten your spine as straight as possible, so that your lower back, shoulder blades, and neck are in one line. At the back, try to bring your shoulder blades together as much as possible, and then lower them down. To check the straightness of your back, lean against the wall. Try to relax as much as possible, sit in this position for at least 5-10 minutes. It is better to close your eyes. Also try to distance yourself from the outside world as much as possible, do not think about anything.

• Exercise No. 2.

Try to clasp your hands behind your back (behind your back). Raise them up as high as possible without releasing the clasp. You can lean forward slightly.

• Exercise No. 3.

Make a lock at the back, behind the head, placing your crossed fingers on the neck. Try to straighten the neck as much as possible, while moving the shoulders and shoulder blades back. Try to move the chest forward as much as possible. Hold this position for at least 5 minutes.

• Exercise No. 5.

Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Place your hands in a way that is comfortable for you. If you are sitting, place them on your knees. If you are standing, it will be comfortable to hold them along your hips. Slowly lower your neck forward so that your chin touches your neck and chest. Then move your head back as far as possible. Straighten it straight, take 2-3 full breaths. Lower your head as far down as possible to your left shoulder, then to your right. This is one cycle. Repeat 10-15 cycles.

• Exercise No. 5.

Make circular movements with your head first in one direction, then in the other. Perform the exercises as slowly as possible.

[ 2 ]

Treatment of lumbar lordosis

For the treatment of lumbar lordosis, a combined effect of massage and physical activity is recommended. The spectrum of physical activity is extremely diverse. Traditionally, therapeutic exercise is used - LFK, since it is a proven, standardized and reliable method recognized by medicine. Previously, qigong, yoga and yoga therapy were considered non-traditional, auxiliary methods. But today they are already considered medical, traditional, tested and proven by medical practice. Non-traditional, however, highly effective methods include fitness, callanetics, aerobics, shaping, body flex. Especially effective will be those exercises that are aimed at working out the lower back, the latissimus dorsi, the muscles located along the spine and between the vertebrae.

It is recommended to finish any training with relaxation, breathing exercises, light massage, active-passive gymnastics. Approximately 20-30 minutes after training, it is recommended to have a massage session (manual therapy). The average duration of the massage should be 30-40 minutes. It is important to work on the areas along the spine, the areas between each vertebra. When massaging, warming massage oils or special compositions for the spine should be used.

Exercises

To treat lordosis, it is not necessary to do a lot of exercises. The main thing is to do the right exercises. Let's look at three basic exercises, without which it is almost impossible to cure lordosis.

• Exercise No. 1.

Performed in a supine position. First, you need to lie down and relax as much as possible. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Bend your knees. Put your arms apart, to the sides. Press your shoulder blades to the floor as much as possible. Then lower both legs first to the left, then to the right. In doing so, you need to carefully ensure that neither your arms nor your shoulder blades come off the floor. Repeat the exercises 15 times on each side.

• Exercise No. 2.

Performed in a sitting position. Cross your legs in front of you. Sit as straight as possible. Your head, neck, back and lower back should be in one line. It is better to perform the exercise against a wall. Press your entire spine against the wall as tightly as possible. Try not to strain yourself, relax your body as much as possible. Sit. Relax, listen to your breathing. Take a few deep breaths in and out, and as you exhale, raise your arms up. Your palms should face each other. Sit in this position for a few minutes, trying to relax as much as possible. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, lower yourself forward. Try to lower yourself as low as possible to the floor, while keeping your legs crossed. Try to lower your lower back. Press your lower back to the floor as much as possible. Stretch your spine forward, and stretch your arms forward with your palms. Palms inward, and face each other. As you inhale, rise up, sit down in the starting position.

• Exercise No. 3.

Performed in a standing position. Stand straight. The head, neck, back and buttocks should be at the same level. It is better to perform against a wall, pressing yourself as close to it as possible. Then slowly raise your arms up. Palms inward, facing each other. Stand in this position for some time (2-3 minutes). Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, lower your arms down. Try to go as low as possible, if possible, grab your heels with your hands. Lower your head, try to press it to your knees. As you inhale, slowly rise, sliding your hands down your legs. After you have risen, you must bend back to compensate for the condition.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Treatment of lordosis in a child

Treatment of any lordosis, in a child or an adult, requires mandatory physical activity. It is necessary to conduct regular training aimed at training the spine, working out the back muscles. Exercises in combination with massage and swimming are especially effective. A child has a very elastic and flexible spine. It is easily corrected by correcting the position. For this, special orthopedic pillows, mattresses for sleeping, static stands are used. The use of a corset is required only in extreme cases, it is better not to use it without necessity, since it significantly limits the child's mobility, limits the possibility of full growth and development.

It is worth noting that the method of treating lordosis in a child is no different from that in adults. The only thing is that a child quickly loses interest in monotonous exercises, so children's exercises are used for children, with elements of game techniques, with a high degree of mobility. Conventional breathing and meditative practices are replaced by plot and role-playing performances, games. You can use numerous auxiliary materials, didactics. It is important to involve various senses, change the environment, exercise to music, introduce a competitive component, and encourage successes at each stage.

During the massage, special children's massage techniques are also used, which are mastered by a massage therapist specializing in children's massage. The duration of a massage for children is on average 15-20 minutes.

Exercises

We recommend a set of 3 exercises for treating lordosis, which children of any age enjoy doing.

• Exercise #1. Beetle

Children are asked to lie on their backs. They are asked to depict a beetle that cannot turn over from its back onto its legs. We raise our arms and legs as high as possible, making spontaneous jerking movements. The spine should be pressed to the floor as much as possible. At the same time, the sound "Zh-Zh-Zh" is loudly pronounced.

• Exercise #2. Cat

The child is asked to depict a cat that has just woken up, stretching and arching its back.

On the count of 1-2-3-4-5 – the cat is sleeping, the children try to curl up as tightly as possible into a “ball”, like a cat.

On the count of 6-7-8, the cat wakes up and slowly gets on all fours.

On the count of 9-10, the kitty stretches. She tries to sit on her buttocks, lie with her chest on the floor, stretch forward as much as possible, stretching her arms forward. The children say "MUR".

On the count of 10-20 – the cat arches its back. We get on all fours, rounding the back as much as possible into a “hump”. The children say “MEOW”

We repeat the exercise several times.

• Exercise #3. Grasshopper

The child sits down (the starting position is a full squat). On the count of 1, the grasshopper hides in the grass. The children press themselves as close to the floor as possible, rounding their backs and pressing their necks into their shoulders.

On the count of 2 - the grasshopper jumps out of the grass - the children jump out sharply. Straightening up completely.

On the count of 3, the grasshopper hides in the grass again, and the children return to their starting position.

During the exercise, children imitate the sounds of a grasshopper, “tsvin-tsvin-tsvin.”

[ 5 ]

Treatment of flattened lumbar lordosis

Special corrective exercises play an important role, which are designed to normalize the condition of the spine, muscular-ligamentous apparatus. It is also important to periodically change the exercises so as not to cause addiction.

And one more mandatory condition is to adhere to the structure of the classes, the sequence.

• Warm-up. First there should be an introductory part with warm-up exercises. It is advisable to include here all exercises aimed at warming up (turns, bends, jumps, mobile exercises).
• Main part. Includes basic exercises aimed at intensive spine training, developing strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, that is, developing all the necessary qualities. Twisting exercises and developing correct posture are important. Both statics and dynamics are applied equally.
• The final part. Includes mainly relaxing, meditative exercises, breathing practices, you can try isometric gymnastics, the essence of which is the sequential tension and relaxation of different parts of the body. Such gymnastics will help relieve stress, relax muscles.

Special corrective exercises, as well as stretching, relaxation, active and passive exercises are also appropriate here.

Consolidation of the effect. It is recommended to finish the training with special exercises related to the meditative-contemplative block. The central place in it is given to breathing exercises.

Exercises

The "Diamond Rod" complex from the classical hatha yoga and yoga therapy system has proven itself quite well. The complex was developed specifically for the treatment and restoration of the spine (author - Lobanov A.M.). - Rector of the Academy of Traditional Systems of Health and Human Development, author of many treatment and rehabilitation methods, doctor, yoga therapist, chief physician of the yoga therapy and qigong therapy clinic (Nizhny Novgorod). Author of the author's Yoga LAM system (yoga of Lobanov Andrey Mikhailovich). The complex is presented by 6 exercises.

• Exercise No. 1.

You need to sit in the lotus position, or any other accessible position with your legs crossed in front. Place your hands in front of you in Namaste (palms joined at heart level, fingers pointing up). Close your eyes, relax, and focus on your spine. Mentally scan your entire spine, starting from the crown of your head and ending with your tailbone. Try to relax as much as possible.

• Exercise No. 2.

We put our hands behind our backs and clasp them together. Slowly, vertebra by vertebra, we go down. At the same time, we try to relax as much as possible, we try to touch the floor with the top of our head. The back is rounded.

• Exercise No. 3.

Place your hands on your knees. Close your eyes, move your chest forward as much as possible, and try to move your lower back and buttocks back as much as possible. At the same time, a deflection is formed in the lower back. Make sure that the muscles do not tense up. The whole body should be relaxed.

• Exercise No. 4.

Sit in the starting position - with legs crossed, hands on knees. Hands in Namaste. Then raise one hand straight up. Throw it over your head, bend to the left side. Try to bend down as much as possible, touching the floor with your upper hand (if possible). Return to the starting position. Take a few breaths in and out, repeat the same exercise on the other side.

• Exercise No. 5.

We sit in a cross-legged position, place our hands crosswise: the right hand on the left knee, the left hand on the right knee. Raise one hand up, hold it straight in front of us. Cross - turn towards this hand, clockwise. Try to keep your shoulders straight, on one line. Return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise in the other direction in the same way.

• Exercise No. 6.

Legs are crossed, the spine is straight. The head is straight. Hands are raised up, palms are facing each other, elbows are straight. We sit in this position for some time. We try to scan the spine as consciously as possible, to catch all the sensations, changes that have occurred in the body. Then we slowly lower our hands in Namaste in front of us.

[ 6 ]

Treatment of thoracic lordosis

The main method of treating thoracic lordosis is specially selected physical exercises, correctly distributed physical load on the spine. Swimming and hydromassage procedures are widely used for treatment. In addition to exercise therapy, positional treatment is used. Physiotherapeutic treatment methods (ultrasound, microcurrents, waves of different lengths, electrophoresis, cryoprocedures, thermal procedures, electrical procedures) are widely used.

A special corset may be recommended, aimed at maintaining the optimal condition of the spine and muscle frame. A bandage is used, which is aimed at unloading the spine.

Exercises

To treat thoracic lordosis, it is recommended to perform asanas (special exercises from the hatha yoga complex). The following asanas are intended for the thoracic region:

• Bhunjangasana is known in two variations, the “Snake Raises Head” position and the actual asana – the Snake Pose.
• Trikonasana
• Matsyasana
• Tadasana
• Padahastasana
• Ardha Chakrasana
• Halasana
• Dhanurasana

It is recommended to finish the practice with Shavasana (Corpse Pose, a relaxing asana).

Corset for the treatment of lordosis

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe a corset for the treatment of lordosis. It is aimed at maintaining the optimal condition of the spine and muscle frame. But it should be taken into account that only a doctor can select a corset and prescribe it. Since there are many nuances here, and if you do not take into account all the parameters, you can harm instead of correcting the situation. Usually prescribed after diagnostics (X-ray), depending on what angle of curvature the X-ray shows. It should not be worn constantly, but in compliance with an individually selected treatment regimen. It is considered an auxiliary means, but without physical exercises it will not have the desired effect, and the treatment of lordosis will not bring results.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]