Kyphosis: Causes, Treatment, and Outlook
Overview: What is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward rounding of the back. It can occur at any age, although it is most frequent in women in their forties and fifties.
The most common cause of age-related kyphosis is a weakening in the spinal bones, which leads them to compress or crack. Other kinds of this condition can develop in newborns or teenagers as a result of spinal deformity or long-term wedging of the spinal bones.
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Kyphosis
Excessive outward curvature of the spine, such as Scheuermann’s syndrome (or juvenile kyphosis), is commonly found in pectus patients, as is kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine and rounded shoulders.
Mild kyphosis may show no signs or symptoms at all. However, in addition to an unnaturally bent spine, some patients have back discomfort and stiffness.
Other potential causes include:
aging, especially if you have poor posture
muscle weakness in the upper back
Scheuermann’s disease, which occurs in children and has no known cause, but runs in the family.
arthritis or other bone degeneration diseases
postural
congenital where doctors don’t know exactly why some kids are born with this
osteoporosis, or the loss of bone strength due to age
injury to the spine
slipped discs
scoliosis, or spinal curvature
When should one seek treatment for Kyphosis?
Much of our bodily movement depends on the health of the spine, including our flexibility, mobility, and activity. Seek treatment if the symptoms are accompanied by:
Pain
Breathing difficulties
Fatigue
The treatment for this condition will depend on its severity and underlying cause. The following treatments may help relieve the symptoms of kyphosis as listed by HealthLine:
Medication can relieve pain, if necessary.
Physical therapy can help build strength in the core and back muscles.
Yoga may increase body awareness and build strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Losing excess weight can relieve an extra burden on the spine.
Wearing braces may help, especially in children and teens.
Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Outlook if you have Kyphosis
Kyphosis does not create substantial health concerns in the majority of people. This is depending on the kyphosis’s etiology. If you have kyphosis as a result of bad posture, you may feel discomfort and breathing issues.
You can treat kyphosis early by:
strengthening the muscles of the back
seeing a physical therapist
Receiving therapy to help straighten your spine’s curvature may lower your chance of developing difficulties later in life, such as arthritis and back discomfort.
If you are experiencing kyphosis that is caused by pectus deformities, the Center of Excellence for Pectus is your best shot for high-quality treatment and service. With over 1000+ successful pectus surgeries completed and counting. Schedule an online consultation with us!