What to know about kyphosis

Kyphosis is an abnormal rounding of the upper back. It is a relatively common condition that often develops in adolescence or young adulthood.

Having a small curve in the upper back is normal. Kyphosis is an excessive spinal curve that can cause discomfort and lasting issues throughout the body. Poor posture, abnormalities in the spine, or age-related weakness, can cause kyphosis.

This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and treatments for kyphosis. It also outlines some exercises to help treat the condition.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of kyphosis is an abnormal forward curve in the upper part of the spine. It causes the upper back to appear hunched over, with the shoulders rounded forward.

In mild cases, the spinal curve is not always noticeable. In other instances, a person may look as if they are bending forwards.

Kyphosis often occurs without any other symptoms. However, other symptoms can include:

• back pain
• stiffness in the upper back
• a rounded back
• tight hamstrings

Causes

The spine comprises bones called vertebrae that stack on top of each other. This structure is unique in the body and allows the spine to be supportive as well as flexible. It also means the spine is particularly vulnerable to damage.

Kyphosis occurs when the vertebrae in the upper part of the back, called the thoracic region, become wedge-shaped. This causes the spine to curve forward more than usual.

This can happen due to:

• poor posture
• developmental issues
• older age
• abnormal vertebrae shape

Who gets kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a fairly common condition that usually affects adolescents and adults. Some types of kyphosis can occur from birth, but this is rare.

Poor posture is a risk factor for developing some types of kyphosis. This means that kyphosis is more likely to occur in people who adopt a poor posture for long periods, such as frequently working at a computer.

Types of kyphosis

There are several types of kyphosis, including:

• Postural kyphosis. This is the most common form of kyphosis. It often occurs in adolescents, when the spine and surrounding muscles develop abnormally. This can be a result of poor posture.
• Scheuermann's kyphosis. This also tends to develop during adolescence, but it can become more severe than postural kyphosis. Doctors do not know what causes this form of kyphosis.
• Congenital kyphosis. This occurs when the spine does not develop properly in the womb, causing kyphosis at birth. It can rapidly worsen with age.

Complications

• Complications with kyphosis can occur in more severe cases. These include:
• an irreversible hunch in the back
• persistent back pain
• weakness or numbness in the arms and legs
• breathing difficulties
• loss of bladder control

Treatments

Treatment will focus on preventing the curve from worsening and restoring normal posture where possible.

Treatment for kyphosis depends on the type and severity of the curve. A doctor will perform physical exams and look at scans to work out the type and severity of a person's kyphosis to determine the best treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment

Treatment often includes physical therapy to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. This will relieve pressure on the spine, helping to improve posture and reduce discomfort.

Doctors usually recommend that people with postural and Scheuermann's kyphosis receive non-surgical forms of treatment.

In some cases of Scheuermann's kyphosis, a doctor may recommend a spinal brace. The brace will support the spine to grow into the correct posture. Braces are only useful if the spine is still growing.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce any discomfort with kyphosis.

Surgical treatment

People with congenital kyphosis or severe forms of postural or Scheuermann's kyphosis who have not responded to treatment may benefit from surgery.

The type of surgery varies from person to person. A common type of surgery for kyphosis is a spinal fusion. This involves welding several vertebrae together to form a single segment of bone.

Other surgical procedures for severe kyphosis involve inserting rods, metal screws, and plates into the spine. This helps to stabilize the spine and increase the rate of fusion of bone grafting. This can reduce curvature in the upper spine and correct posture.

Exercises for kyphosis

A physiotherapist can recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, such as:

Knee rolls

• Lie on the floor with the knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
• Move the knees slowly to one side until the back feels tense.
• Repeat at least five times on each side.

Source: Medical News Today