What are the common causes of spinal deformities?

Spinal deformity is a common bone problem, mainly including scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis. Common causes include genetic factors, poor posture, trauma, disease effects, etc. Treatments include physical therapy, brace correction and surgical intervention.

1. Genetic factors

Spinal deformity may be related to genetics, and people with a family history of spinal deformity are at higher risk. Certain gene mutations may lead to abnormal spinal development, such as Marfan syndrome or neurofibromatosis. For people with a family history, regular spinal examinations are recommended for early detection and intervention.

2. Bad posture

Maintaining a bad posture for a long time is a common cause of spinal deformity. For example, looking down at your phone for a long time, sitting in an incorrect posture, or carrying heavy objects may cause uneven force on the spine and gradually form deformities. Improving posture is the key to prevention and treatment, which can be corrected by adjusting the height of desks and chairs, using ergonomic equipment, and strengthening core muscle exercises.

3. Trauma

External impact or damage to the spine may cause deformity. For example, a car accident, fall, or sports injury may damage the structure of the spine and affect its normal development. For spinal deformity caused by trauma, it is necessary to seek medical attention in time, assess the extent of the injury through imaging examinations, and choose conservative treatment or surgical repair according to the situation.

4. Impact of diseases

Certain diseases may cause spinal deformities, such as osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or spinal tumors. Osteoporosis can cause vertebral compression fractures, which in turn cause kyphosis; ankylosing spondylitis may cause spinal stiffness and deformity. For deformities caused by diseases, the underlying disease needs to be treated, combined with physical therapy or surgical correction.

5. Treatment methods

Treatment for spinal deformity depends on the type and severity of the deformity. Mild deformities can be corrected with physical therapy and bracing, such as wearing a spinal brace or doing exercises such as yoga or Pilates. Moderate to severe deformities may require surgical intervention, such as spinal fusion or vertebroplasty. Supplementing your diet with calcium and vitamin D can help support bone health.

The prevention and treatment of spinal deformities require comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. By improving lifestyle habits, increasing exercise, and seeking medical treatment in a timely manner, the risk of disease can be effectively reduced and symptoms can be improved. For people who have already developed deformities, early intervention and scientific treatment are key.