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Lumbar scoliosis is the lateral deviation of the spine that occurs at the end of the back, in the lumbar region. There are two main types of lumbar scoliosis:
- Thoraco-lumbar scoliosis: when the beginning of the curve is between the vertebrae of T12 and S1;
- Lumbar: when the beginning of the curve is between the L1 and S1 vertebrae.
Lumbar scoliosis can also be classified according to the side to which the spine curves, which can be on the right or on the left. Thus, lumbar scoliosis can be called: left or right convexity, and even dextroconvex.
In most cases, the cause of lumbar scoliosis cannot be found, which is why it is considered idiopathic, but in other cases, scoliosis can arise due to improper backpack use, poor posture or sport, for example.
Main signs and symptoms
In addition to the curvature of the spine, other signs and symptoms that may arise in cases of lumbar scoliosis are:
- Back pain, especially in the final part of the spine;
- Hip tilt;
- Spine stiffness;
- Legs with different length.
The diagnosis of lumbar scoliosis can be made by the doctor or physiotherapist when observing the person's posture and is confirmed by the X-ray exam, where the degree of Risser, the height difference between the legs, the degree of lateral inclination and the most rounded vertebra.
In milder cases, there is usually no need for further tests, but MRI can be indicated when there is suspicion of sciatic nerve compression, for example.
How the treatment is done
There is not always a need for specific scoliosis treatment, especially when it is mild scoliosis and the person has no signs or symptoms. However, if there is back pain and discomfort, sciatic nerve compression or if there is a large deviation, treatment may be indicated.
Normally, scoliosis curves with more than 50 degrees of deviation are severe and tend to increase throughout life, which is why surgery is necessary to correct them, but curves with 30 degrees or more also tend to increase from 0.5 to 2 degrees a year and, therefore, it is recommended to perform physical therapy with exercises to correct it, in order to prevent it from getting worse.
Scoliosis curves below 30 degrees usually do not worsen over time, and the need for treatment is dependent on whether the person is in pain or not or whether there are other associated complications.
What exercises for lumbar scoliosis
The exercises recommended to treat lumbar scoliosis are those that strengthen the abdominal muscles, the back muscles, and also the RPG exercises, specific to stretch the muscles that are shortened, in order to promote harmony between the muscular forces.
In many physiotherapy clinics mirrors are used to help improve the person's own awareness of their posture while exercising. Although it is possible to perform the exercises at home, there are better results when they are performed together with the physical therapist, who can constantly correct the exercises.
Check out some exercises that can be indicated:
Sports such as basketball can be recommended for teenagers while wearing an orthopedic vest.