The spine is the fulcrum of a person’s skeletal structure. The spine runs from the brain down the back and provides the structure that the torso needs. The spine is very interesting because it’s both solid from the chain of bones, but very flexible because of the discs between the spine and the ligaments within.
While the spine is incredible, it’s also very fragile. It’s very possible for a spine to become damaged or deformed. There are many different medical conditions that can cause this deformity to occur. Take this opportunity to learn more about the various conditions that can cause issues with a person’s spine.
This disease that can affect the spine and skeleton of the body tends to occuyr in young children between 6 months and 3 years old. Their growing bodies are a risk for rickets. Rickets is caused by not getting enough vitamins and minerals in their diet. Specifically, people who don’t get enough vitamin D, phosphate or calcium. Thankfully, Rickets is far less likely in the United States, as many foods intended for babies and children have added vitamin D. Rickets can affect many of the bones of the body, but does target the spine. It is very common for the spine to take on a deeply curved shape.
Contrary to what some people think, the spine is not a straight line. People’s spines naturally have a curve at the top of a person’s shoulder, and have a curve in the lower back area. Unfortunately, for some people, scoliosis can cause incorrect curvature and give spines a C or S curvature shape. There are several different types of scoliosis and they are broken down into age groups including Infant, Juvenile, Adolescent and Adult. Unfortunately, around 80% of scoliosis cases occur without an obvious reason. People who suffer from it may need braces to help keep it from getting worse, or spinal fusion surgery to try to get a permanent fix.
This spinal deformity is often called by its colloquial name, “hunchback”. With kyphosis, the upper back suffers from a severe curvature instead of the natural small curve that a spin usually has in the neck and upper back. Many people who suffer from this condition feel a lot of stress and pressure on their spine, which can be painful and lead to trouble breathing as well. Many appear to have a visible hump. Others look like they are slouching continually and have strongly rounded shoulders.
Sometimes for people, the vertebrate in the spine can collapse together. This is what’s known as a compression fracture and is an incredibly painful issue that can occur in the spine. A compression fracture can be caused by many different things. People who suffer from a physical accident or trauma may end up with one. Diseases like osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta can cause a compression fracture. Tumors in the area of the spine can also cause a compression fracture. There are many treatments that can be used. These include: rest, medications, physical therapy, supplements, surgery or a back brace.
Arthritis can affect the body in any number of joints and areas. The most common form of arthritis that affects the spine is ankylosing spondylitis. This spinal condition will cause inflammation within the vertebrae of the spine. The most severe cases don’t just cause inflammation, but can cause new bone to be created. This can cause the spine to become deformed, and excessive pain when trying to shape oneself normally. Treating this condition requires a variety of lifestyle options like exercise, therapy and stretching. This is typically combined with medication. Surgery can be required for severe cases.
