Kyphosis is a condition which leads to forward rounding of the back. When viewed from the side, the spine forms an S-shaped curve. The official medical term for abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine is hyperkyphosis. It can affect at any age but is very common among older people, especially older females due to osteoporosis.
Types of Kyphosis
1. Postural Kyphosis: The most common type of kyphosis. Occurs more frequently in girls than in boys and usually develops during adolescence. Caused by poor posture (slouching) and weakening of the back muscles and ligaments. 2. Scheuermann's Kyphosis (Scheuermann's Disease): Appears during adolescence. The outcome of a structural deformity of the vertebral column. Commonly associated with scoliosis (kyphoscoliosis). 3. Congenital Kyphosis: A rare type caused by abnormal development of the vertebral column during fetal development prior to birth. Can lead to several vertebrae fusing in kyphosis.
Symptoms of Kyphosis
• Forward bending of the head as compared to the rest of the body • A curve or hump in the upper back • Fatigue / Tiredness in back or legs • Poor Posture • Stiffness in the back • Abnormality in walking • In severe cases: breathing difficulty and compression of spinal cord
Causes of Kyphosis
• Poor posture (slouching and weak paraspinal muscles) • Developmental issues during growth • Older age (osteoporosis causing vertebral compression fractures) • Abnormal vertebrae shape (Scheuermann's disease) • Congenital anomalies (hemivertebrae)
How Is Kyphosis Diagnosed?
• Physical examination of the spine • X-rays: To see the curve and measure its severity • MRI: To check if something else might be causing the problem such as an infection or tumour • Pulmonary Function Test: In case kyphosis affects breathing
Non-Surgical Kyphosis Treatment
• Physical Therapy: To strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, relieve pressure on the spine, improve posture and reduce discomfort. Recommended for postural and Scheuermann's kyphosis. • Braces: A brace jacket worn to stop the curve from getting worse. Effective in the growing spine. Does not straighten the curve but prevents further progression. • Observation: Regular checkups to ensure the rounding is not causing problems. Progression usually stops when children stop growing.
Surgical Kyphosis Treatment
Patients suffering from congenital kyphosis or severe kyphosis, and very few cases of postural or Scheuermann's kyphosis who have not responded to treatment, may be recommended for surgery. Spinal fusion is the most common surgical treatment — welding several vertebrae together to form a single segment of bone. Other procedures involve inserting rods, metal screws, and plates into the spine to stabilize and maintain position, increasing the rate of bone fusion and reducing the curvature.