What is kyphosis?

It is the curvature of the spine that causes the upper back to appear rounder than normal. This curvature is present in everyone. The condition in which this curvature in the spine is greater than normal is characterized by the disease as a deformation of the spine. The vertebra in the middle part of the vertebral column is more curved than it should normally be. There are postural kyphosis due to poor posture, Scheuermann's kyphosis due to developmental malformation of the vertebrae, and congenital kyphosis due to abnormal development of the spine in the womb.

In addition, kyphosis may also occur due to age and spinal injuries. What are the symptoms of kyphosis? Apart from the visible curvature, tenderness in the spine, pain and stiffness in the back are evident in the early period. Although the symptoms are not noticeable in mild kyphosis, in case of advanced kyphosis, pain, difficulty in breathing and eating are observed. 

How is kyphosis treated?

For children with kyphosis, non-surgical methods such as corsets may be preferred. Rarely, surgery may be required. Posture exercises and kyphosis-specific physical therapy and rehabilitation practices are successfully carried out in our hospital. LORDOSIS What is lordosis? The two curves in the neck and lower back that extend towards the front of the body are known as lordosis. These curves, called lordosis, help the spine absorb shock, support the head and keep the body stable. As the lordosis curves in the lower back or neck become more pronounced, the system here is disrupted. The disease can be summarized as excessive inward curvature of the spine.

Posture, excess weight, some trauma and surgical operations, hip problems and neuromuscular conditions appear as causes and risk factors of the disease. What are the symptoms of lordosis? Depending on the course and condition of the disease, symptoms such as waist or neck pain, numbness and weakness may be observed. 

How is lordosis treated?

If the disease is not very severe, surgery is not required. The disease is usually supported by medication and physical therapy.

SCOLIOSIS What is Scoliosis?

In a normal and healthy spine, when the vertebrae are viewed from behind, there is a straight line from top to bottom in the neck, back and waist areas. Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees to the side when viewed from the front or back. In scoliosis, the vertebrae are displaced to the right or left and also rotate around their own axis. Therefore, it is defined as a three-dimensional deformity. Scoliosis is most commonly seen in the back and lumbar regions of the spine and may involve one or both of these regions. The most common form of curvature is the curvature on the right side of the chest. 

What are the causes of scoliosis?

Scoliosis can occur due to many different underlying diseases. Many factors can cause scoliosis, such as congenital disorders in the formation of the spinal bones, disorders in the rib cage bones, nerve and muscle diseases, spinal tumors, trauma, spinal infections, metabolic diseases, and surgeries in areas close to the spinal bones.

The most common form is scoliosis of unknown cause (idiopathic). Studies show that scoliosis is a genetic disease, and studies are still continuing to distinguish the genes that cause scoliosis.

"Carrying a heavy bag", as it is commonly known, is not a factor that causes scoliosis.

What are the physical changes that scoliosis may cause?

One shoulder is higher than the other. One shoulder blade (scapula) is more protruding. One hip is higher than the other.

One leg may appear longer. There is asymmetry in the waist, the waist holes are not equal. The trunk and ribcage are shifted to one side. The head is not centered between the hips. Dresses don't fit neatly and one side looks higher when the child bends down from the waist.

What are the Treatment Methods for Scoliosis?

Scoliosis can be treated with surgical or non-surgical methods depending on the size and severity of the curvature. Non-surgical methods include monitoring the progress of the curvature with physical therapy and exercises, using a corset, and using a cast. The decision for surgery varies depending on the stage of growth, location of the curvature and shape of the curvature. There are several different scenarios for curves between 25-40 degrees. If the curve has worsened but is still less than 40 degrees and growth is complete, the risk of such curves progressing into adulthood is low. If the curvature has worsened but surgery is not recommended and it still continues to grow, then close observation is required and the use of a corset may be considered.

If a curve reaches 40 degrees, surgery may be recommended even if growth is not complete. When the skeleton matures, curvatures less than 40-45 degrees in the back area tend to progress less, but lumbar curves have a lower threshold value of 35-40 degrees. Curvatures greater than 50 degrees when the skeleton matures have a risk of progressing throughout adulthood, but at a slower rate (about one to two degrees per year). Surgery is likely to be recommended. The aim of surgery in scoliosis is to prevent further progression of the deformity and to correct the spine in the safest way possible. Halting the progression will also prevent serious health problems that come with severe scoliosis later in life. Some of the problems that may occur with large curvatures include difficulty breathing, heart problems, muscle weakness and pain.

In short, a smooth and balanced trunk and spine are obtained with surgical treatment. The surgical procedure to be performed will be determined by the specialist physician depending on the type of scoliosis, the degree of curvature and its potential to increase, and the age of the patient. During surgery, the curvature is corrected to the greatest extent that a safe correction is possible. To do this, implants (usually rods, screws, wires) are attached to the vertebrae in the part of the spine where the curvature occurs.