SPINAL DEFORMITIES

SCOLIOSIS

DEFINITION

A lateral curvature of the spine is termed as a scoliosis.

TYPES

Two types: Postural scoliosis and Structural scoliosis

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT

Correcting  faulty posture by passive and active movements.

Deep breathing exercises

Balancing exercises

Active ROM exercises to spine

Strengthening exercises to abdominal muscles and spinal muscles

Passive stretching exercises

ORTHOTIC TREATMENT

Milwaukee or boston brace is recommended for patients with structure scoliosis with curves less than 40⁰

LORDOSIS

DEFINITION

It is the exaggeration of the anterior curve of the spine. Common site for lordosis is cervical and lumbar

CLINICAL FEATURES

Forward tilting of the pelvis produces compensatory exaggerated lumbar lordosis. This leads to lengthening of abdominal muscles and anterior spinal ligaments. There is reciprocal shortening of posterior ligaments and muscles. It may be associated with glutei and lengthening of hamstrings.

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT

Mobilization of lumbar spine

Anterior stretching to lumbar spine by concentrating on exercises to achieve posterior tilt

Strengthening of abdominals hamstrics glutei

KYPHOSIS

DEFINITION

Kyphosis or round back is exaggeration of posterior spine and is generally localized to dorsal spine.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Pectoral muscles becomes short and restricted chest expansion

Longitudinal back muscles, rhomboids, middle trapezius stretched and weakened with loss of tone

Posterior ligaments are lengthened

Wedging of vertebral body during adolescent age

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT

Relaxation of body especially upper limb

Repeated stretching of shortened anterior structures

Maintaining posture of head, neck and shoulder

Mobilization of whole spine especially neck, shoulder and scapula

Diaphrammatic and costal breathing exercises

Isometrics and resistive exercises

Milwaukee brace is prescribed