First Signs of Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a condition in which the spinal curve is abnormally curved, resulting in a hunchbacked appearance. Kyphosis can be either structural, meaning that the kyphosis is uncontrollable and sometimes even genetic, or postural, meaning that the kyphosis is a result of posture and can be corrected. Kyphosis is different from scoliosis, which involves abnormal spinal rotation. Kyphosis can be present at birth, but usually goes undiagnosed until adolescence, or sometimes even later in life. Treatment options range from regular physical therapy in minor cases to surgery when the curve is more than 75 degrees.

Shoulder Abnormalities

• One sign of kyphosis is shoulder abnormality. Often, patients with kyphosis have shoulders that are either uneven in height or position. Intense shoulder pain, particularly early in life, may also indicate the presence of kyphosis.

Head Positioning

• The head of someone with kyphosis will often seem to stick out abnormally further than the body. This is a result of the spinal curve, which often causes the back to collapse and the shoulders to slouch, resulting in an apparently bent head.

Back and Neck Pain

• Pain in the back and neck sometimes accompany kyphosis. The curvature in the spine can increase pressure on the lower back, neck and shoulder, which results in a dull, throbbing pain, particularly after sitting for long periods of time. However, patients with kyphosis often do not experience any pain at all.

Hunched Back

• The most obvious and common sign of kyphosis is a hunched back, although this symptom is often the last to develop.