Kyphosis

Kyphosis

The spine has natural curves and these curves support posture.  Excessive curvature can alter the body alignment and make standing difficult. 

Kyphosis is a medical condition characterized by an excessive forward curvature of the spine, particularly in the upper back, which can create a hunched or slouched appearance. It is sometimes called “hunchback” or “roundback”.  It can result from various factors, including poor posture, structural abnormalities, or age-related changes in the spine. Kyphosis usually does not cause health problems but can make people self-conscious about appearance.  In severe cases Kyphosis may cause breathing problems and pain requiring surgery. 

Symptoms

• Rounded shoulders
• Curve or hump in the upper back
• Tight hamstring muscles in the back of the thighs

Sever kyphosis has the following symptoms

• Pain
• Stiffness in shoulders and back
• Numb weak or tingling in the legs
• Balance problems
• Fatigue
• Bladder and/or bowel incontinence
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath

Causes

The cause of Kyphosis varies depending on the type but may include

• Age
• Poor posture
• Bone growth abnormalities in the shape of the bone
• Injury to the spine
• Structural abnormalities in the bones of the spine

There are several types of kyphosis and include:

• Postural Kyphosis - This type usually happens during teenage years and is the most common type of kyphosis. It affects more girls than boys and may be caused by slouching or poor posture which stretches the vertebrae out of the normal position.
• Scheuermann’s kyphosis - This type occurs when vertebrae have a wedged shape rather than the usual rectangular shape and aren’t flexible as a result. These wedge-shaped bones curve forward making the spine look rounded.  It affects boys more than girls and can be painful when standing or sitting for a long time or during activity.
• Congenital Kyphosis - Congenital Kyphosis occurs when the spine doesn’t develop completely in the womb and is a condition present at birth. It increases in severity with growth and development.  Surgery can correct spine curvature during childhood. 
• Cervical Kyphosis - This occurs when the cervical spine (from the bottom of the head to the upper back) curves to the front instead of its natural curve to the back.
• Hyperkyphosis - common after age 40 and is a severe forward curvature of the spine

Diagnosis

Kyphosis is diagnosed by a history and physical examination and diagnostic tests.

History and physical to determine

• Age
• Medical History,
• General Health and Wellbeing
• Kyphosis Type
• Curve Severity and Difficulty Breathing
• A bending test may also be performed to evaluate the curvature of the spine.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include

• Spine Xray to measure curvature of the spine
• Pulmonary function test to measure lung capacity
• MRI to determine if the spine curve causes pressure on the spinal nerves

Treatment

Treatment for Kyphosis depends on the type of Kyphosis diagnosed and the severity of symptoms but can include the following:

• Physical Therapy - exercises to strengthen abdominal and back muscles to improve posture and relieve pain.
• Pain medications - Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve back pain
• Back Braces
• Surgery - may be recommended to reduce the curvature of the spine.

Spinal Fusion Surgery is the most performed surgery to reduce spine curvature. This procedure lines up the vertebrae in a straighter position and fuses them together by using small pieces of bone to fill the spaces between the vertebrae.

Prevention

The following steps help prevent postural kyphosis:

• Maintain a healthy or ideal weight
• Exercises to strengthen muscles
• Exercises to maintain or increase flexibility
• Maintain good posture
• Exercises to strengthen abdominal and back muscles
• Carry heavy items in a roller bag