Choose a topic to read

• What is Kyphosis?
• What are the symptoms of kyphosis?
• What causes kyphosis?
• How is kyphosis diagnosed?
• How is kyphosis treated?
• How can kyphosis be prevented?

What is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is when your upper back (around the thoracic region) bends forward due to the curving of your spine. Mild kyphosis may not cause health problems but may cause difficulty standing and, in severe cases, lead to pain and breathing issues. Treatment for kyphosis depends on factors such as age, severity, types of kyphosis, medical history, and breathing difficulties.

How many types of kyphosis are there?

Common types of kyphosis include:

• Postural kyphosis: This is the most common type, typically affecting adolescents. It results from poor posture, which stretches the ligaments and muscles holding your vertebrae in place. However, this type of kyphosis doesn't cause pain.
• Scheuermanns kyphosis: Occurs in children, where the vertebrae assume a wedge shape instead of a rectangular one. However, the cause of this type is still unknown. The wedge-shaped vertebrae cause the spinal column to curve forward, leading to a hunched back. Scheuermanns kyphosis can be painful, particularly when standing or sitting for a long time.
• Congenital kyphosis: Present at birth, this type of kyphosis occurs when the spine doesnt develop appropriately in the uterus and can become more severe as you age. The curvature of the spine due to congenital kyphosis can be corrected with surgery, which prevents the condition from worsening.
• Cervical kyphosis occurs when the upper end of the spine, or the part of the spine at the bottom of the skull, curves forward instead of backward.
• Hyper-kyphosis: It is when the spinal column curves more than 50 degrees. This type is common for those who are 40 and older.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: This is a disease of spondyloarthropathy or spondyloarthritis. The majority of patients with this disease present with chronic back pain or hip pain.

What causes kyphosis?

Kyphosis happens when the vertebrae become more wedge-shaped. Factors that cause the shape of the vertebrae to be abnormal include:

• Fractures: A curved spine can be due to broken vertebrae, such as a compression fracture, the most common type.
• Osteoporosis: Weakened vertebrae, as a result of osteoporosis, can cause the spine to curve, especially if vertebrae develop compression fractures.
• Disk degeneration: Vertebral disks are cushions between spinal vertebrae. Kyphosis may worsen as these disks degenerate.
• Other problems: Kyphosis in children may be associated with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In addition, genetics can also play a role in some cases of congenital kyphosis.

What are the symptoms of kyphosis?

The common symptoms of kyphosis are:

• Hunched upper back
• Forward head posture
• Rounded shoulders
• Tight hamstrings

The following symptoms can arise from severe kyphosis:

• Balance problem
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Extreme fatigue
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Stiffness or pain in the shoulders and back

Complications of kyphosis?

• Difficulty performing daily tasks: Kyphosis is associated with weakened back muscles and difficulty performing daily tasks such as getting out of chairs or walking. It also causes difficulty driving and turning up the face.
• Digestive problems: Problems such as acid reflux and swallowing difficulty can occur when severe kyphosis compresses the digestive tract.
• Body image problems: A hunched back may cause affected people to be self-conscious and develop poor body image.

Can kyphosis turn into scoliosis?

Kyphosis does not transform into scoliosis. Although both conditions affect the spine, kyphosis is when the spine curves abnormally from front to back, while scoliosis occurs when the spine curves sideways.

How is kyphosis diagnosed?

A doctor may order the following tests:

• X-rays or CT scans: The test can detect vertebral deformities and determine the degree of the curved spine.
• MRI: MRIs utilize radio waves and a magnetic field to detect infection or a tumor in the spine.
• Nerve conduction tests: For those experiencing numbness or muscle weakness, doctors may order a nerve conduction test to determine if there is a pinched nerve.
• Bone density tests: X-ray to check bone strength to predict fracture risk.

How is kyphosis treated?

Treatment for kyphosis varies according to the cause, severity, and types of kyphosis and the age and health condition of patients. Treatment modalities for the condition include:

• Medications: Pain relievers and osteoporosis medications can help manage kyphosis. Bone-strengthening medications can help prevent more spinal fractures, which can worsen kyphosis.
• Exercises: Exercises focusing on stretching and strengthening back muscles may help improve spine flexibility and alleviate back pain.
• Bracing: In actively growing children with over 65-degree curved spine, bracing can correct or prevent the worsening of kyphosis.
• Surgery: Surgery can reduce the curvature of the spine. The most common surgical method for kyphosis is spinal fusion surgery. However, candidates for surgery for kyphosis must have congenital kyphosis, or Scheuermann;s kyphosis with a curve of more than 75 degrees, or severe back pain despite trying nonsurgical treatment.

How can kyphosis be prevented?

Certain types of kyphosis are not preventable. However, the following steps can help you prevent postural kyphosis:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Maintain good posture.
• Strengthen abdominal and back muscles.
• For school children, carry schoolbooks and supplies in a sturdy backpack or roller bag.

When to see a doctor?

If you feel your or your child's posture is affected by noticeable abnormal curvature of your or your child's spine, it is advisable to consult a doctor. In addition, visit the emergency department if difficulty breathing develops.

A note from MedPark's doctor

Mild kyphosis that does not interfere with daily activities or cause other health problems can be treated and cured. However, it is wise to undergo an examination and seek early treatment before the symptoms worsen. Kyphosis can be treated non-surgically, yet if these methods are ineffective, surgery may be an option. Even after undergoing treatment, it is advisable to adhere to preventive measures to prevent kyphosis from reoccurring.