Kyphosis Cure

Kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease (in adolescents) and hunchback, is a condition in which the spine displays an abnormal curve, causing a slouch or a hunchback. Able to occur at any age, kyphosis can be caused by a variety of factors, such as trauma, degenerative diseases and any number of developmental problems. Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, though typically involves either braces or surgery.

Causes and Symptoms

• A form of kyphosis found in adolescents is called Scheuermann's disease, a developmental condition caused when the back of the spine grows faster than the front, typically toward the top. The result is wedge-shaped vertebrae, which contributes to the curvature of the spine.

  The list of possible causes for kyphosis in adults is extensive. Common causes include osteoporosis-induced fractures and spondylolisthesis, which occurs when one vertebrae slides on top of another. Other possible causes include infection, polio, spina bifida, Paget's disease, neurofibromatosis and muscular dystrophy, among others. The most common cause, however, is poor posture. This is called postural kyphosis.

  The primary symptom associated with kyphosis is a curvature of the back. Other associated symptoms include fatigue, back pain, stiffness of the spine and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.

Braces

• Treatment of kyphosis is dependent on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Braces, designed to forcefully straighten the back and correct posture, are the standard method of treatment for Scheuermann's disease and when the bones are still growing. A brace helps to prevent progression of the condition and, when used in conjunction with careful monitoring and physical therapy, can often help repair it. Bracing in adults is typically used to control pain and can involve full body jackets. For severe kyphosis, surgery may be necessary.

Surgery

• Surgery is the most common method of treatment when the kyphosis is congenital (abnormal development in the womb), caused by a tumor, or if it causes pain, neurological symptoms or extreme deformities that cannot be treated through non-surgical methods such as braces or physical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed with Scheuermann's disease unless the condition is severe, as with a curve of approximately 60 degrees or higher, or if there is any pain or neurological symptoms present.

  Surgery done for the correction of kyphosis always employs fusion and instruments attached to the spine. This stabilizes the spine with no chance of recurrence while correcting the deformity. Fusion is accomplished by using a piece of the pelvic bone to connect two vertebrae together, which prevents the curvature from progressing. Rods, hooks, wires and screws are often used to stabilize the spine and hold the vertebrae in place while they fuse together, and are ultimately left in the body for added support.

  Complications arising from surgery on the spine are common and can include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, arthritis and disk degeneration. Should any of these occur, surgery is often necessary to correct them.

Medication

• In the event that the kyphosis is caused by a tumor, medications such as chemotherapy (cancer-killing drugs) may be utilized in addition to surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may be used as well to help control pain.