Kyphosis – Curvature of the Spine

Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine is an ailment, which causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal. The spine has a series of curves which can be seen when viewed from the side. Though some degree of curvature is normal, a curve which is more than 60 degrees is considered to be a sign of kyphosis.

At times, kyphosis does not have any symptoms besides the back appearing abnormally curved or hunched and in some cases the condition may cause back pain and stiffness with tenderness of the spine accompanied with tiredness.

In adults with kyphosis, back pain can be a problem since the body has to compensate for the spinal abnormality. A person suffering from severe kyphosis may tend to get worse over a period of time and may also experience difficulty in breathing and eating.

In kyphosis, the middle portion of vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae, tends to curve out of position and there are a number of reasons for the cause of this ailment. 

Results – Poor Posture/Spinal Injury/Abnormally Shaped

It could be due to poor posture known as postural kyphosis, like leaning back in chairs, and carrying of heavy loads which may stretch supporting ligaments and muscles and can be the result of pulling the thoracic vertebrae out of its normal position.

It could also be the result of abnormally shaped vertebrae known as Scheuermann’s kyphosis and if the vertebrae are not developed rightly, it may result in being out of position.

Abnormal development of the spine at the time of birth, congenital kyphosis, is when something disrupts the spine’s normal development; a couple or more vertebrae at times may fuse together. Besides, it may also be the result of a spinal injury.

Symptoms – Back Pain/Muscle Fatigue/Stiffness

Common symptoms for people with abnormal kyphosis are the appearance of poor posture with a hump appearance or a hunchback.

Kyphosis patient may experience back pain, muscle fatigue with stiffness in the back and in most cases, these symptoms may remain constant and may not get worse. In severe cases the person may experience these symptom which tends to get worse over a period of time wherein the kyphosis progresses resulting in a more exaggerated hunchback.

 In other rare cases, it may lead to compression of the spinal cord with neurologic symptoms which include weakness, with loss of sensation or even loss of bowel and bladder control.

Cases of severe thoracic kyphosis may also limit the amount of space in chest causing cardiac and pulmonary issues leading to shortness of breath or chest pain which may lead to pulmonary or heart failure.

Treatment Depending on Extent of Curvature

Treatment will depend on the extent of curvature of the spine and whether there are any additional symptoms like back pain or any other underlying ailments.

Children suffering from mild kyphosis may not be treated since they tend to grow out of this condition as they grow and mature though there is a possibility of correcting the spine with the use of non-surgical treatment known as bracing.

The condition of kyphosis rarely needs surgical treatment and is only essential in severe cases to correct the curvature of the spine.