Kyphosis of the cervical spine: what it is, how to correct, exercises

A backward curvature of the cervical spine is called cervical kyphosis, while if the convexity is directed forward, it is called cervical lordosis. The first deformation is extremely rare, the second is much more common. These pathologies can be detected even in infants, although they develop over a long period of time and become clearly noticeable at a later age.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, about 10% of the world's population has kyphosis, especially children and adolescents are susceptible to it, while cervical kyphosis is rare.

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Causes cervical kyphosis

Why does this happen to the spine? The causes that contribute to the development of cervical kyphosis are divided into congenital and acquired. Congenital ones include:

• pathologies of intrauterine development;
• birth injuries;
• rickets;
• muscle paralysis, for example, in cerebral palsy;
• congenital anomalies, including non-fusion of the vertebrae.

Acquired ones arise as a result of:

• injuries to the spine or muscles, ligaments;
• tumor formation;
• lack or excessive physical activity;
• Scheuermann-Mau disease;
• inflammatory processes in the cervical vertebrae;
• systemic diseases of the skeletal system (tuberculosis, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, radiculitis, Bechterew's disease);
• herniated intervertebral discs, changes in their structure.

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Risk factors

The following factors can contribute to curvature of the cervical spine:

• an incorrect static posture in which a person is forced to remain for a long time;
• excess weight;
• accelerated growth of the spinal column during adolescence;
• old age.

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Pathogenesis

Each type of kyphosis has its own pathogenesis, but the manifestations are the same - a change in the anatomical structure of the cervical spine, which can harm overall health.

All vertebrae are connected to each other by intervertebral discs - a kind of cartilaginous pad for cushioning physical stress, ligaments made of elastic tissue and tendons for attaching muscles to the bones that support the spinal column.

Under unfavorable conditions, the vertebral ligaments stretch, the muscles weaken, and stop performing their function, allowing the vertebrae to take on other shapes and bend.

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Symptoms cervical kyphosis

The first signs of cervical kyphosis are manifested in the deterioration of the mobility of the cervical spine, pain when turning the head. Other signs of the disease include:

• numbness in the hands;
• rapid fatigue;
• the appearance of a stoop, sometimes a hump;
• headaches;
• dizziness and tinnitus;
• tingling in the back of the head and jaw;
• deterioration of visual acuity and hearing;
• blood pressure surges.

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Stages

Depending on such indicators as the angle of inclination and the kyphosis coefficient, the stage of the pathology is determined:

• I - light, spine curved up to 30º;
• II - moderate (from 30º to 60º);
• III - severe (over 60º).

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Forms

Cervical kyphosis is divided into:

• pathological cervical;
• cervicothoracic - arched, continuing the line of the physiological thoracic;
• angular - angular, forming an angle at the apex of the kyphosis.

Complications and consequences

Long-term development of the pathology without treatment leads to the involvement of the thoracic region in the pathological process, which is fraught with disruption of the respiratory system: shortness of breath, frequent bronchitis, pneumonia, and the heart also suffers.

Compression of the spinal cord nerve roots threatens paralysis, and compression of the vertebral artery leads to disruptions in the blood supply to the brain and neurological complications.

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Diagnostics cervical kyphosis

Cervical kyphosis is visible to the naked eye, as it is a mound or hump. However, more detailed diagnostics are carried out to identify the cause of the disease. The most informative is instrumental, including radiography in several projections, possibly of the entire spine. In the images, soft tissues are colored gray, hollow organs are black, and bones are white.

Myelography may be performed - a picture taken after the introduction of a contrast agent to highlight the vascular network and nerves in color. This helps to identify intervertebral hernias, narrowing of the spinal canal, and pinched nerves.

Additional studies include CT and MRI. In the future, their results will make it possible to make various versions of the spine structure model.

The task of differential diagnostics is to identify the true cause from all possible ones and direct therapy towards it.

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Treatment cervical kyphosis

The disease requires long-term conservative treatment. First of all, it is aimed at relieving pain and relaxing muscles. For this purpose, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs for the treatment of vascular tone disorders, muscle relaxants, vitamin and mineral complexes, and vitamin D for rickets are prescribed.

Wearing a special neck brace and physiotherapy are essential and give good results.

Physiotherapy treatment

In case of cervical kyphosis, manual therapy, massage, water procedures are used, among which swimming is the most effective. Also, a set of exercises is developed individually for each patient, strengthening the neck muscles, aligning the posture.

It is also possible to use electrophoresis, ultrasound, and acupuncture to relieve pain, activate blood circulation, metabolic processes, and eliminate congestion in the cervical vertebrae.

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Exercises for cervical kyphosis

Exercises that help overcome pathology are performed in a sitting position:

• shoulders and chin down, body relaxed, make movements trying to stretch the neck up;
• try to reach your chin towards your chest as far as possible;
• alternate tilting your head forward and slightly backward;
• alternately to the left and right shoulder;
• bring your palm to your temple, cushioning the force of tilting your head to the same side;
• do the same with the other palm in the opposite direction.

Each of them is done 3-5 times, gradually increasing the number of repetitions. Do not forget about daily gymnastics, only consistency and duration will give results.

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Surgical treatment

In severe cases of cervical kyphosis, surgical treatment is indicated. At the present stage, there are methods that allow not to perform open interventions, but to use minimally invasive operations. After them, they also resort to therapeutic exercise and physiotherapy.

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Prevention

The following preventive measures will help to avoid the development and progression of the disease:

• watch your posture;
• sleep on a hard surface using an orthopedic mattress;
• choose a low, comfortable pillow;
• do not freeze in one static pose for a long time;
• do not carry heavy objects;
• lead an active lifestyle;
• ensure that parents comply with these recommendations as they relate to their children.

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Forecast

As with any other type of kyphosis, the prognosis is favorable if it is detected and treated early. More severe degrees worsen the quality of life and are more difficult to correct. The results of surgical treatment are not always satisfactory.