Gintarė Gedvilaitė1, Alvita Steponavičiūtė1, Gintarė Adamonytė²
1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania
2Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics, Department of Family Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania
Abstract
Background. The prevalence of posture defects in children is increasing in Lithuania. There are a lot of possible damages such as serious damage to the spine, changes in the respiratory or circulatory systems, which worsen the quality of life if posture defects are not corrected.
Aim: to discuss possible types of posture defects in children, diagnostics and treatment.
Materials and methods. The research method is a literature review. Publications were searched on PubMed, Up To Date, Google Scholar databases, according to the following keywords: posture, children’s posture defects types and diagnostics, posture defects treatment, flat back, lordosis, kyphosis, forward head, asymmetrical posture, scoliosis.
Results. Flat back, forward head, asymmetrical posture, kyphosis, kyphosis and lordosis, lordosis and scoliosis are the types of children’s posture defects. Posture defects are diagnosed based on complaints, medical history, objective and radiological examination. The main treatment method of posture defects is physiotherapy (exercises and passive physiotherapy), which aims to strengthen the muscles and improve the general condition of the patient. There are specific exercises to strengthen targeted muscle groups for each type of posture disorder.
Conclusion. The method of treating posture defects is based on physiotherapy (exercises and passive physiotherapy). Each type of posture disorder has individual treatment tactics. In complicated cases surgical treatment may be necessary.
Keywords: posture defects in children, flat back, lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis.