How to fix chest kyphosis?

Thoracic kyphosis is a fairly common pathology that progresses rapidly if timely measures are not taken. What should be done if this problem is suspected? The first is to see a doctor. Diagnosing and prescribing treatment for thoracic kyphosis is the work of a number of specialists, such as a neuropathologist, vertebrologist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, orthopedist, and under certain indications may require the help of a traumatologist, rheumatologist, chiropractor.

Not many people manage to cope with the problem of thoracic kyphosis on their own - theoretically this is possible only at the initial stages of pathology. But even in this case, treatment is recommended under the supervision of a medical specialist: the spine is a very important and vulnerable structure, and any incorrect exercises and influences can harm.

The doctor will be able to recommend not only appropriate exercises, but also prescribe massage and physiotherapy procedures.

Physiotherapy

In addition to exercise therapy, massage procedures and corsets for breast kyphosis, physiotherapy is actively used. With the help of physiotherapy, it is possible to significantly improve metabolic processes and the quality of blood circulation, redistribute muscle tone.

What procedures are we talking about, let's take a closer look.

• Charcot's douche - provides a massage effect, as the water jet is supplied under a certain pressure. In breast kyphosis, it is directed to bending the back, precisely controlling the flow of water, since excessive pressure can aggravate pain.
• Electromyostimulation is a procedure to relieve muscle spasms and relieve the functionality of the spinal nerves. Electromyostimulation is prescribed not only with curvature, but also with osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia.
• Electrophoresis - has anti-inflammatory and analgesic ability. Medicines administered by electrophoresis do not cause toxic effects, therefore the procedure is effective and safe.
• Phonophoresis is the use of ultrasound waves as electrophoresis. This treatment quickly relieves pain and promotes speedy recovery.
• Heat therapy - involves the use of thermal artificial or natural sources. It can be warm baths, showers, therapeutic clay or mud, warming compresses, dry heat. Thanks to such procedures, blood circulation is improved, metabolism is improved, tissue regeneration is accelerated.
• Magnetotherapy is a safe and effective method of accelerating the recovery of damaged tissues.
• UHF-therapy is a procedure involving an ultra-high frequency electric field. During the session, the conversion of electrical energy into heat. As a result, the muscle groups in the affected area relax, inflammatory phenomena affecting soft tissues are eliminated.

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Exercises in breast kyphosis

It is possible to improve the position of the spine in the thoracic kyphosis with the help of special exercises that strengthen the muscles not only of the back, but also of the arms, neck and abdominals.

The complex of exercises in breast kyphosis is as follows:

• They lie down on the stomach, raise the head and shoulder girdle (hands are locked in a “lock” on the back of the head, elbows are separated to the sides).
• They lie on the stomach, arms apart. Raise straight legs, trying not to tear the pelvis from the floor.
• Placed on his back, arms stretch along the body. Raise straight legs (one at a time and together).
• They lie on their backs, then sit down smoothly, trying to hold their back straight. Repeat several times.
• Stacked on the right side. The right arm is pulled out in front of it, the left one is placed along the body. Raise and lower the left leg. This exercise is repeated on the opposite side.
• They lie on the right side, their right arm is pulled out in front of them, and they rest on the floor with their left palm. Smoothly raise and lower straight legs. The exercise is repeated on the opposite side.
• They stand with their backs to the wall, lean against it tightly. The back should be straight, with a slight dilution of the shoulders to the sides. Fixing the correct position of the back, take a couple of steps forward, crouch and stand, controlling the posture. Repeat the exercise.
• Lie on your back, legs together, hands are placed along the body. Raise the head and shoulder girdle, stand for a few seconds and smoothly return to the starting position.

Charging for kyphosis of the thoracic spine is performed daily, at least once a day (two times - in the morning and evening).

Additionally, you can hold a special morning gymnastics. Systematic exercises will allow you to quickly solve the problem and correct the disturbed position of the spine.

[2], [3]

Gymnastics with chest kyphosis

Special gymnastic exercises should be done in the morning - on the floor, or right in bed.

• Take turns attracting your knees to your chest (the toe should be pulled "towards you").
• Twist the "bike" with two legs, and each in turn (with a toe on itself).
• Lying on your back, they lift the body, trying to get the tips of the fingers on their feet with their fingers.
• Lying on your back, bend your knees. Raise the pelvis, resting on the elbows and occipital region. In the raised position, hold for a few seconds.
• Do the exercise, as described above, but at the time of lifting the pelvis, additionally and legroom as far as possible. Then the knees are reduced and the pelvis is lowered.
• They get on all fours, stretch their backs like a cat, caving in the lower back.
• They get on all fours. Straighten and lift the right leg simultaneously with the left hand. Repeat several times, after which they do the same with their left foot and right hand.

A person suffering from thoracic kyphosis should constantly monitor his gait and posture, while sitting. Periodically, you can approach the wall and control the straightness of the back. All recommended exercises should be carried out symmetrically, with the distribution of the load on the two halves of the body.

Yoga for kyphosis of the thoracic spine

Many experts recommend practicing yoga in breast kyphosis: special asanas help muscles to relax, and the spine to recover. Immediately it should be noted that there are some contraindications to the practice of this kind:

• a period of acute back pain;
• neck pain;
• pregnancy period (for pregnant women there is a separate list of recommended asanas).

Yoga should be done without effort: you should move smoothly, with a gradual muscle stretch. Pain in the classroom should not be.

It is necessary to increase the load gradually, in no case abruptly. It is better to perform some exercises for stretching and warming up the muscles.

Classes are best done in the afternoon, as they are relaxing. It is recommended to practice the following postures:

• They are placed on the stomach, their hands behind their backs are locked in a “lock”, they lift the body up and hold it as far as possible. Then you can try not to lift the body, and legs (hands while holding along the torso).
• In a standing position, hold the back straight, strain the knee muscles, pulling the muscles up. Slowly raise your hands through the sides up, connect the palms. Slowly lower their hands in Namaste.
• They stand upright, raise their hands and join their palms, lift one leg and place the second leg on the thigh. Close your eyes.
• Make a "lunge": one leg is bent at the knee at a right angle, and the other - straight. Hands raised through the sides up, connect the palms, linger.

There are many other asanas that are recommended for eliminating kyphosis, but they should be started with an experienced trainer in order not to harm their health. We must not forget that yoga only complements, but does not replace traditional treatment. Therefore, it is impossible to ignore a doctor's prescription.

Exercise therapy in breast kyphosis

In breast kyphosis, it is very important that physiotherapy exercises are chosen correctly. Sometimes only this is enough to stop the development of pathology at an early stage - for example, if treatment is prescribed to a child whose vertebral column still continues to form and grow.

However, adults can significantly improve their health with exercise therapy. The main thing is persistence and regularity in training. As a result, after several courses of such therapy, not only the back muscles will strengthen, but also the blood circulation will stabilize and the functional ability of the internal organs will improve.

We have already mentioned some important gymnastic exercises. Additional classes may be appointed by the doctor individually, depending on the degree of pathology, the age of the patient, the general state of health. In addition, as far as possible, it is desirable to neutralize the cause of the development of thoracic kyphosis.

Breast kyphosis massage

Massage is another important therapeutic measure that can significantly alleviate the condition of the patient with kyphosis of the breast. But it should be understood that massage will not replace the complex of physical therapy, but only effectively complement it.

It is better if the massage procedures will be carried out by a specialist. When there is no such possibility, it is allowed to conduct sessions and close people at home. The main thing is that the massage technique is strictly observed, since it is very easy to harm with improper movements and manipulations.

Listen to the following important rules for conducting massage in breast kyphosis:

• one should not make sharp and rough movements - they should be soft, consistent;
• it is necessary to provide the patient with a comfortable position, since it is impossible to relax the muscles of the back in an uncomfortable position;
• you can not press, try to adjust the curved area;
• massage should not be performed if the skin has visible damage (scratches, blisters, skin diseases);
• caution during the procedure is a basic rule that must not be forgotten.

If you have any doubts about the correctness of the massage, it is better to contact the specialist directly.

[4], [5]

Corset for breast kyphosis

Special corsets can be used to prevent the further progression of breast kyphosis - for example, in children and adolescents. With an already formed spine, the use of corsets is most often impractical.

The fact is that in childhood, the axis of the spine is still subject to change under external load, which a specially selected corset can provide.

When is it appropriate to use such a device:

• with the steady progression of the violation;
• when the kyphosis arc deviates to the level of 70´ or more;
• with the appearance of severe pain, not eliminated medicamentally;
• with Scheuermann Mau disease.

In these situations, the corset must be worn necessarily, otherwise any other treatment will not have the necessary positive effect.

What types of corsets are most often used in pathology:

• Corset with a strong fixation, equipped with metal straps and stiffeners.
• Corset, fixing the movement and preventing movement of the spine to the side.
• Corset with reinforced clips and 4 ribs.
• Corset-fixation of the shoulder girdle, limiting the mobility of the shoulders and the thoracic vertebral part.
• The clavicle locking corset.
• Corset-locking blades (the so-called soft bandage).
• Adjustable treatment and preventive corset.

Any of the proposed devices exerts some pressure on the back area, so at first to wear it quite uncomfortable. However, sometimes it is impossible to do without such a corset, and for several weeks of systematically wearing discomfort disappears.

Taping for kyphosis of the thoracic spine

Taping, as a method of applying a special adhesive tape to the affected part of the back, can be used to alleviate the condition in breast kyphosis.

Standardly impose an X-shaped application using "kinesio-teyp cotton 5 cm / 5 m."

Taping is performed in stages:

• the skin on the back is wiped with an alcohol solution;
• measure and cut the required length of the tape (about 40 cm);
• fold the tape in half with the paper up, cut in the middle of the ends, without cutting to the end of 2.5 cm, straighten (should get an X-shape);
• the patient brings the scapula to approximately the middle position;
• glue the central part of the teip in the center of the thoracic vertebral part, press it well;
• the patient reduces the shoulder blades;
• glue the right side first, then the left side of the tape, withstanding a tension of about 50%;
• rub the tape to improve the quality of the adhesive layer.

If in the process of gluing an error was made, then you can not peel off the tape in order to glue it again: you must replace the tape with a new one.

How to sleep with kyphosis of the thoracic spine?

In severe thoracic kyphosis, it is better to sleep on the side, while the neck should be parallel to the bed line. To do this, it is important to choose the right pillow. It should not be high, but sleep without a pillow is also not welcome, otherwise pain in the neck will also be added to pain in the thoracic region.

Optimal purchase special orthopedic pillow with a special anatomical surface. However, the usual is also suitable if it is of medium size, not too hard or soft.

In breast kyphosis, it is not recommended to rest on the abdomen, because the head is always turned to the side, which impairs circulation in the spinal vessels.

With a small degree of curvature, you can try to sleep on your back, using a small pillow (you shouldn’t do without it, it can lead to pain). A large, pronounced thoracic kyphosis in the vast majority of cases does not allow you to rest on your back: it will be extremely uncomfortable for the patient, and he is unlikely to be able to sleep.

[6], [7], [8], [9]

Surgical treatment of breast kyphosis

Surgeon's assistance is an extreme measure, which is resorted to if medical treatment does not lead to the desired result. In general, the following indications are considered indications for surgery for kyphosis curvature:

• marked progression of pathology;
• significant curvature (third degree);
• severe pain caused by infringement of nerve endings and not eliminated by medicines;
• increased danger of squeezing the spinal cord;
• spinal instability, limited movement;
• the appearance of complications;
• atrophic processes in the muscles.

If there is evidence, then there are also contraindications for the operation:

• old age;
• severe concomitant diseases (for example, severe diabetes, hypertension, decompensated conditions, severe cardiac arrhythmias);
• malignant processes.

Before referring a patient with a thoracic kyphosis to the operation, the doctor must weigh the pros and cons, since the surgery carries a number of risks for the patient. Infection, nerve damage, bleeding, blood clot formation can occur.

Surgery for breast kyphosis can be performed in several ways. Most often practiced two types of intervention:

• An osteotomy operation (dissection and plastic of the bone to correct the shape of the spine) is performed with anterior, posterior or combined access: the necessary vertebrae are cut, corrected and fixed, and the lesions are filled with donor or artificial tissue, biomass. Additionally, they normalize the stability of the spinal column using special screws, plates, etc. This type of intervention is especially recommended for patients with advanced chest kyphosis.
• A kyphoplasty operation is a minimally invasive intervention that is performed using small incisions and special endoscopic equipment. An encapsulated agent is introduced into the impaired vertebra, capable of increasing in size and repeating the shape of the defect. Next, the cavity of the capsule is filled with a special hardening substance. This method allows you to restore the shape of the vertebra and prevent its further destruction. It is recommended to use kyphoplasty to correct small defects, or to correct the spine after recent injuries.

[10], [11]