The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, stability, and flexibility to our bodies. It is composed of a series of spinal bone segments called vertebrae, which are separated by intervertebral discs. Together they allow for movement and protecting the spinal cord.
A normal spine possesses a natural S-shaped curve (made out of multiple curves), but when these curves become exaggerated, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and potentially serious complications.
Below we will explore the different types of spinal curvatures, what causes an exaggerated curvature, symptoms, complications, and various treatment methods.
Understanding Normal Spinal Curvatures
The spine naturally possesses four main curvatures when viewed from the side. These curves help distribute the weight of the body evenly and maintain balance.
The cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) have a lordotic curvature, meaning they curve inward, while the thoracic spine (upper back) and sacral spine (base of the spine) have a kyphotic curvature, curving outward. These curves are vital for shock absorption and maintaining an upright posture.
Exaggerated Curvature Causes
Various factors can lead to an exaggerated curvature of the spine, resulting in conditions such as lordosis (excessive inward curvature), kyphosis (excessive outward curvature that causes a roundback), or scoliosis (sideways curve).
Each one of these curvature disorders tends to have sub-types and in some cases treatment needs to be targeted to the sub-type. For example, some scoliosis types include idiopathic scoliosis (that doesn’t have a known cause), degenerative scoliosis (which occurs due to aging), congenital scoliosis (due to genetic factors), and adult scoliosis.
Scoliosis curves can also range in intensity, ranging from mild scoliosis to severe scoliosis, where a curvature of over 45 degrees is considered to represent a severe case.
Some common causes include poor posture, muscle imbalances, congenital conditions, growth spurts during adolescence, osteoporosis, and degenerative conditions like arthritis.
In severe cases, injury, trauma, or certain medical conditions can also contribute to an abnormal curvature.
Symptoms and Complications
Individuals with an exaggerated curvature of the spine may experience a range of symptoms. These can include back pain, stiffness, muscle fatigue, reduced flexibility, and altered posture.
Depending on the severity of the curvature and its underlying cause, complications such as nerve compression, difficulty breathing, digestive issues, and decreased quality of life due to pain and limited mobility can arise.
Diagnosis and Treatment
An abnormal spine curvature is often diagnosed through an initial physical examination, followed by imaging tests that determine the degree of severity.
Following the diagnosis, treatment options for an exaggerated curvature of the spine depend on the type and severity of the condition.
Mild cases may improve with conservative measures such as physical therapy, exercises to strengthen core muscles, and posture correction techniques.
In more severe cases, braces or orthotic devices may be used to provide support and help correct the curvature, especially in growing adolescents.
Spinal surgery is typically reserved for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment or when complications are present.
Alternatively, for an all-natural solution with high rates of effectiveness, you can rely on the Backrack Spinal Decompression Device.
It is an innovative and non-invasive approach to alleviate back pain and correct bad posture. Its unique design gently decompresses the spine, releases muscle tension, and realigns the vertebrae, helping to restore the spine’s natural curves.
The Spinal Backrack provides relief from back pain by directly targeting the source of discomfort and tension. Additionally, the device helps improve posture and spinal alignment, reducing the strain on muscles and joints and enhancing overall mobility.
Backrack Spinal Decompression Device
Author: Spinal Backrack
