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