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Kyphosis & Back Pain

Kyphosis is a term used to describe a hunching posture. The hunchback posture is a spinal deformity that usually involves the thoracic or cervical vertebrae. Kyphosis occurs at any age and can be caused by degenerative diseases, developmental problems or back trauma. Kyphosis symptoms include a hunched appearance, back pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing and stiffness in the back.

  1. Postural Kyphosis

    • Bad posture or continual slouching causes postural kyphosis. This type of kyphosis usually appears in the teen years and affects females more than males. This is due to the natural physical changes that a girl goes through at this stage of her life. Good posture is important for training back muscles. The habit of slouching can become permanent and postural kyphosis can cause a permanent curve in the spine. In adults, postural kyphosis can trigger severe headaches, backaches and joint pain.

    Congenital Kyphosis

    • Congenital kyphosis strikes infants whose spine never fully develops. As the baby grows the bones in the back do not form correctly. This causes a hunch to develop that gets worse as the child grows. Congenital kyphosis is often apparent in children with spina bifida.

    Scheuermann's Kyphosis

    • Scheuermann's Kyphosis is where three or more vertebrae are irregular shaped and become fussed at a five degree angle each. This type of kyphosis becomes obvious in the teen years of development. It affects males more than females and is not painful at the beginning. It is considered more of a cosmetic deformity at this stage. As Scheuermann's Kyphosis progresses it becomes painful and causes neurological symptoms.

    Compression Fracture

    • Compression fracture is the collapse of vertebrae in the upper back caused by osteoporosis, tumor or infection. This type of kyphosis damages the soft tissue surrounding the spine. This is very painful and is associated with neurological deficits.

    Treatments

    • Postural kyphosis can be treated through strength training of the back and abdominal muscles. The stability of the back relies on strong abdominal muscles. Congenital kyphosis is treated medically or surgically by the time a child reaches 5 years old. Scheuermann's kyphosis is treated by bracing the back. Keeping osteoporosis at bay with calcium supplements and other medications that fortify bone mass can prevent a spinal compression fracture. Surgery may also be an option once the fracture occurs.

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