WHAT DO WE CALL SCOLIOSIS ?
Scoliosis is defined as the complex, 3D, rotational deformity of the spine and trunk that occurs in healthy children and can develop in relation to many factors during child’s development or later in his life.
Scoliosis is classified based on age into:
- Congenital Scoliosis (congenital)
- Infantile Scoliosis (0-3 yearsold)
- Scoliosis in Children (3-10 years old)
- Adolescent Scoliosis (10-18 years old)
- Adult Scoliosis > 18 years old
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis, about 80% of the total, with a higher frequency in girls (7:1), in the maximum development phase of the child. It is of unknown etiology. In the case of exacerbation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, this fact is attributed to the asymmetric development of the anterior part of the vertebrae by a mechanical process called torsion during the phase of maximum development in adolescence.
WHAT IS SCHEUERMANN TYPE KYPHOSIS (ADOLESCENT KYPHOSIS)?
Scheuermann disease was first described by Holger Scheuermann in 1920, stating that it is a condition that could clinically and radiologically separate kyphosis into functional (due to poor posture) and organic or Scheuermann-type. In Scheuermann-type kyphosis, a developmental deformity of the vertebrae is observed, in which the anterior surface of the vertebral body is developing less than the posterior. Thus, vertebrae are acquiring a wedge-shaped shape. Scheuermann kyphosis is the most common type of kyphosis, and is the second most common spinal condition, after Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. It occurs at a rate of 0.4 – 8.3%, mainly in the ages between 12 and 15 years, where is the period of rapid bone growth, with a slightly higher ratio in boys (2:1).
The treatment of kyphosis is mostly conservative, with the use of a corset and special exercises for kyphosis.
Physiotherapeutic SCOLIOSIS SPECIFIC Exercises (PSSE)
According to the guidelines of the SOSORT scientific community (2011),
- PSSE is the first step in the treatment of scoliosis, with the aim of limiting the development of scoliosis and the use of the corset.
- Exercises should be based on 3D self-correction, maintaining correction in daily activities and muscular stabilization of the corrected posture through patient education.
- The exercise program is designed exclusively by PSSE certified physiotherapists and is individualized according to the patient’s needs, the type of curvature and the phase of treatment.
- The cooperation of a treatment team is highly recommended (physician, orthopedic technician, specialized physiotherapist).
- Treatment with the corset must always be accompanied by special exercises for scoliosis.
- Sports activities arenot recommended as an alternative treatment for scoliosis. Nevertheless, participation in sports is encouraged, for the general benefits of physical activities.
