Some late sequelae of scoliosis diagnosed at school age

Anna Kowalczyk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Iwona Gęgotek

Anna Kowalczyk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Iwona Gęgotek – Some late sequelae of scoliosis diagnosed at school age. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(4); 418-424

Abstract
Background. Body posture changes throughout life and is influenced by a number of external and internal factors. Scoliosis may develop at any point in a child’s development. It is not only a cosmetic defect, but also one disturbing the normal function of many systems and organs in the body. Marked abnormal curvatures may progress in adult life, mainly because of repeated non-ergonomic body positions. After age 20, spinal pain, limitation of movement, and even distinct abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs may develop. The aim of this study was to determine current angles of scoliotic curvatures in adults as compared to school age records. Some late sequelae of the scoliosis were also identified. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 20 people (aged 18-30 years) who had attended corrective gymnastic classes to correct their scoliosis while at school. Present body posture, in free and corrected standing, was evaluated photogrammetrically. Results were compared with corresponding data obtained at school age. On this basis, changes that had appeared over several years were determined.Results. Half of the subjects were found to have increased curvature angles by about 5°. Following completion of their corrective gymnastics courses, few of the subjects regularly took part in various forms of exercise. More than 90% of the group reported spinal pain, especially in the lumbar spine. Conclusions. Scoliosis diagnosed at school age progresses only slightly after the body growth period but may be associated with spinal pain in adult life.
Key words:
scoliosis, adults, late sequelae, non-ergonomic body positions
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