Kyphosisis a condition in which there is excessive curvature of the spine.
It is sometimes called “round back” or “hunchbacked.
It causes a reverse C-shaped curve toward the chest.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Kyphosis types includepostural kyphosis, congenital kyphosis, andScheuermann’s kyphosis.
All three types are manageable and treatable.
Goals of Kyphosis Treatment
Kyphosis is a treatable condition.
Treatment goals for the condition include the following:
What Causes Kyphosis Changes of the Spine?
Natural curvature of the spine is 20 to 45 degrees.Anything above this range is greater than the norm.
The greater the curvature, the more severe the condition.
Some rare causes include skeletal dysplasias,neuromuscular disorders, and abnormalities in vertebral development (congenital kyphosis).
The most common cause of adult kyphosis is osteoporosis.
That stretching puts the vertebrae out of place, causing a rounded shape of the back.
The curvature in postural kyphosis is round and smooth.It can often be corrected by maintaining a straight posture.
These wedge-shaped bones will curve the spine forward and cause it to appear rounded.
Congenital Kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis is a throw in of kyphosis a person is born with.
The most common types of skeletal dysplasias areachondroplasia,osteogenesis imperfecta,thanatophoric dysplasia, andpseudoachondroplasia.
Neuromuscular Disorders
Kyphosis is sometimes the result of neuromuscular disorders.Such conditions includecerebral palsyandParkinson’s disease.
While rare, kyphosis can result from a spinal or soft tissue tumor.
Kyphosis can also occur after a spinal surgery.
People with AS might also experience lesions on the spinal bones that can affect spinal alignment.
Spinal fractures that weaken the spine are another cause of kyphosis in people with AS.
Kyphosis vs. Scoliosis vs. Lordosis
Kyphosis, scoliosis, and lordosis are three types of spinal curvature.
Testing and Scans
A diagnosis of kyphosis can be made with a physical exam.
They may ask you to perform movements and stretches to examine your balance and motion.
But other conditions might be to blame if the spine is still curved.
Imaging can look at the spine’s structure.
Symptoms of mild kyphosis include:
Nonsurgical Treatment for Mild Kyphosis
Mild kyphosis is treated nonsurgically.
The curvature might lead to significant spinal deformity and a visible back bump.
Spinal fusion surgery is often used to correct curvature in people with severe kyphosis.
With this procedure, the surgeon will line up the spinal bones and fuse them to restrict movement.
You may be advised to wear a brace, but bracing is not always necessary.
Like any surgery, spinal surgery comes with arisk for complications.
This could include ongoing pain, function impairment, a flat-back deformity, orpseudoarthrosis.
Managing Progressive Kyphosis
Bracing has been found to slow down kyphosis progression.
A back brace can push the spine backward and reduce the rounded posture.
Research on bracing andphysical therapyshows it can effectively halt kyphosis progress.
Considerposture correctors and accessoriesto further improve back health and keep posture in check.
Posture correctors can help pull the shoulders back and align the spine properly.
Other devices include braces, posture corrector sensors, and apparel (shirts and bras).
Summary
Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine that sometimes causes the back to appear rounded.
Excessive kyphosis curvature is anything over 45 degrees.
The condition is classified as mild or severe.
Kyphosis types are sometimes classified by their causes, including postural, Scheuermann’s, and congenital.
Causes include bad posture, aging, genetics, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
A healthcare provider can diagnose kyphosis with a physical exam, family and medical history, and imaging.
The condition can be treated nonsurgically with physical therapy, bracing, pain relievers, and spinal manipulation.
In severe cases, kyphosis can be treated with spinal fusion surgery.
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