Scoliosis in children

Scoliosis is common in children and can be prevented by choosing the right desk and chair, sitting properly, and doing good exercises for the back and abdominal muscles.

Scoliosis in children is a condition in which the spine is abnormally curved, like a C or S shape, instead of naturally straight. MSc. Dr. Ta Ngoc Ha, Department of Spinal Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi , said that most cases are not detected until the child reaches puberty. Typical signs include tilted, uneven shoulders, one side is high, uneven hips, and uneven waist circumference.

Severe illness has signs such as changes in gait, reduced range of motion, back pain, difficulty breathing, and cardiovascular abnormalities. Many cases of children with scoliosis have no obvious signs and are only discovered during screening and routine health check-ups.

Inappropriate desk and chair height when studying can lead to scoliosis in children. Photo: Freepik

According to Dr. Ha, scoliosis can be caused by trauma, congenital, tumor pathology... Incorrect living posture is one of the preventable causes. Parents should train their children to exercise to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles; promote flexibility and strength of the musculoskeletal structure. Thereby preventing the formation and progression of scoliosis. Swimming and gymnastics are suitable sports .

A healthy diet, rich in protein, vitamins, calcium and other minerals also helps increase bone density. Children need to maintain a reasonable weight to avoid putting pressure on the spine.

In daily activities, it is necessary to practice correct posture when walking, standing, lying down, sitting, especially studying posture. Parents should equip a sturdy desk and chair suitable for the child's height, and the study area must have enough light.

Children sit upright, both feet on the floor, between the calves and thighs forming an angle of 75-105 degrees, back straight. Children can lean on the back of the chair, not leaning to the left or right; do not bow the head too low, head and neck slightly tilted forward, two hands placed neatly on the table. Do not let children sit and study for too long, rest after 35-45 minutes. Avoid carrying a school bag that is too heavy, should use a bag that is worn on both shoulders.

If not detected and treated promptly, scoliosis can become more severe during the child's growth period, leading to hip deviation, reduced height, back pain, leg pain, muscle weakness, and loss of mobility. Severe cases can affect heart and lung function.

Doctor Ha during a surgery to treat spinal disease. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Ha said that the treatment methods for scoliosis depend on the severity of the disease. In mild cases, scoliosis does not affect daily activities or is serious to physical health, no invasive procedures are needed. Patients can improve and recover gradually by doing sports, physical therapy as directed by the doctor or wearing a brace.

In severe cases, the child's spinal curve is greater than 40-45 degrees, and braces are ineffective. Surgery is needed to relieve pain and correct the condition. Surgery is performed to realign and fix the vertebrae to correct and prevent the curvature from progressing.

Phi Hong

Readers with questions about bone and joint diseases can send questions here for doctors to answer.

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/cong-veo-cot-song-o-tre-4644154.html