Chest curvature: types and methods of treatment

Curvature of the chest - a fairly rare pathology, poorly susceptible to conservative treatment. Deformation is acquired or congenital. The cause of the first can be chest injuries or the consequences of certain diseases (tuberculosis, rickets). The second is a genetic predisposition or a violation of intrauterine development.

Funnel-shaped curvature of the chest

This type of deformation is most common. It is characterized by the depression of the sternum inward and the formation of a specific funnel. The walls of the indentation are formed from the rib cartilages bent at right angles. The funnel can be symmetrical and asymmetric. Because of this anomaly, the chest widens, and often accompanying disorders of the spine.

The main cause of the development of the funnel-shaped curvature is the pathological formation of the cartilaginous ribs and diaphragm. In addition to a non-aesthetic appearance, such deformation compresses the internal organs, disrupting their normal functioning. And with age, pathology causes more serious side effects.

The keeled curvature of the thorax

In another way, this deformation is called a chicken breast. Kyle-shaped curvature is a kind of ribs forward. Pathology is almost always acquired. In contrast to the funnel-shaped, it causes less damage to the functions of the organs. However, it also negatively affects human health.

Symptoms and Degrees of Development

The curvature of the chest appears quite noticeably. In the first place, these are external signs - the westing of the arches of the ribs, the funnel-shaped "fossa", the enlargement of the depressions during inspiration. In addition, there are problems with breathing, cardiovascular system, and there is deformation of the spinal column.

There are several degrees of developed pathology: the first, the second and, respectively, the third. The first is characterized by a slight curvature (up to 2 cm), representing only a cosmetic defect. The second degree (up to 4 cm) is a more vivid defect, but in most cases not violating the functions of internal organs. The third degree (more than 4 cm) is the most insidious curvature, requiring surgical intervention.

Effects

Because of deformations of the chest, the work of the heart and lungs is disrupted. Patients often suffer from such diseases as bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, hypertension, angina and arrhythmia.

Among other things, such pathologies are the cause of psychological complexes. Progression of the disease coincides with the period of puberty, and, as is known, at this time people are particularly sensitive to their appearance.

Curvature of the chest: treatment

The main type of treatment is surgical intervention. The main indicator for the operation is a violation of the functions of the organs. This treatment consists in eliminating the defect and fixing a certain area with metal structures. After the operation, the volume of the pleural cavity increases , which leads to a regression of the disorders. However, in adults, surgical intervention has almost no effect on improving health, so surgery is recommended at an early age.

Conservative treatment has little effect on the curvature of the chest. Exercises, massage and physiotherapy are only able to stop the development of pathology. Earlier, vacuum equalization or mechanical pressure was used for treatment, but due to inefficiency and doubtfulness of these methods, they were abandoned. The most effective conservative treatment is LFK - a complex of elementary exercises such as "boat", "bicycle", exercises with a gymnastic stick, etc. Physical training strengthens the muscles of the chest, which allows the internal organs to function better, although the deformation itself does not become less .