Spinal Curve and
Other Back Deformities
20CHAPTER
161
The backbone, or
‘spine’, is a chain of
bones called ‘vertebrae’
that connect the head to
the hipbone. Separating
each of the vertebrae is
a small cushion called
a ‘disk’. The backbone
holds the body and head
upright. It also encloses,
in its hollow center, the
‘spinal cord’ or trunk line
of nerves connecting the
brain to all parts of the
body (see p. 35).
vertebrae
disks
NORMAL SHAPE OF THE BACKBONE
neck
(7 bones)
upper back
(12 bones)
lower back
(5 bones)
straight
butt bones
4 curves:
(joined
together)
2 inward
2 outward
Normally, the backbone (and back) is straight
when seen from the back, and has 4 curves
when seen from the side.
Sideways curve
(scoliosis—
S-shaped curve)
May result
from unequal
paralysis of
back muscles
or from
a hip tilt
due to one
shorter leg.
Sometimes
the cause is
not known.
Rounded back
(kyphosis)
Swayback
(lordosis)
May result
from weak
back muscles
or from poor
posture
(bent over
swayback
position
when
standing
or sitting).
May result
from weak
stomach
muscles,
from hip
contractures,
or from the
way a child
walks to
make up for
a weak leg
or hip.
Sharp bend or
bump in spine
(tuberculosis of
the backbone)
Results from
destruction
of one
or more
vertebrae by
tuberculosis
infection
(see p. 165).
Of these different problems, scoliosis or a sideways curve is the most common
serious problem. Often, however, rounded and/or swayback are seen together with
scoliosis.
NON-FIXED AND FIXED SPINAL CURVES
With a non-fixed or ‘functional’ curve there is no
deformity of the vertebrae. This usually happens
when the body tries to stand straight even though the
hips tilt or there is other unevenness not in the spine.
Fixed or ‘structural’ curves
are deformities in the bones
of the back themselves.
For example,
a child with
a shorter leg
from polio will
stand with his
hips tilted. For
him to stand
straight, the
spine has to
curve.
A non-fixed curve
can usually be
straightened by
putting blocks
under the foot
or by holding
the child up
under the arms.
A fixed curve
cannot be
straightened
by positioning
or holding up
the child.
Note: In some cases, with time a non-fixed curve may gradually
become fixed.