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Kyphosis in Adults

Kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease and postural kyphosis, is an abnormal curving of the spine commonly seen in adults. This forward rounding or bowing of the back can lead to slouching posture or a hunchback. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Some rounding is normal, but the term 'kyphosis' usually refers to an exaggerated rounding, more than 50 degrees." With kyphosis, you may develop a hump or your spine may look normal. The treatments are varied and depend on your age and its causes.

  1. Causes

    • One of the things that can cause kyphosis is spina bifida, which is a birth defect where the spine doesn't completely form. Spina bifida also causes defects of the vertebrae and spinal cord.

      The disorder can also be caused by osteoporosis, particularly in older adults. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes thinning of the bones and is associated with fractures of the vertebrae. These fractures can cause the spine to become compressed, and contribute to kyphosis. Another cause of kyphosis is connective tissue disorders. An example of this is Marfan syndrome, where the connective tissue is unable to hold the joints together in the proper position.

    Symptoms

    • Some of the symptoms of kyphosis are having trouble or difficulty breathing, as well as stiffness and tenderness of the spine. You may also experience fatigue and mild back pain, in addition to a rounded back appearance. Mild cases of kyphosis, however, may not produce any noticeable symptoms.

    Treatments

    • Treatment for kyphosis is dependent upon its cause. For less serious cases, such as postural kyphosis, back strengthening exercises may be used to correct posture, as well as sleeping on on a firm bed. Pain killers may also be taken to relieve some of the pain. For more serious cases of kyphosis, surgery may be required. Instances in which your doctor may recommend surgery include when you are experiencing debilitating pain that is not responding to medication, or when the kyphosis is related to an infection or tumor. Additionally, surgery may be required if the kyphosis results in neurological problems, such as paralysis.

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