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What Are the Causes of Cervical Kyphosis?

The normal curve of the spine in the back of the neck (cervical spine) is inward. If the cervical spine becomes outwardly curved, it's called cervical kyphosis.

  1. Medical Treatment

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the most common cause of cervical kyphosis is iatrogenic, meaning that it is caused by a medical treatment, such as surgery. Kyphosis after laminectomy surgery (removal of a small bone on the vertebrae to create more space for the nerves) is common.

    Degenerative Disc Disease

    • Another cause of cervical kyphosis is degenerative disc disease. As spinal discs wear down and become thinner, the head begins to tilt forward and the back of the neck curves outward.

    Injury

    • Traumatic injury to the cervical spine, such as a compression fracture of the vertebrae or injury to the ligaments in the back of the cervical spine, can cause an imbalance that leads to cervical kyphosis.

    Congenital

    • Some people are born with congenital cervical kyphosis.

    Other Causes

    • According to the Texas Spine and Joint Hospital, less common causes of cervical kyphosis include spine infections or tumors, whole body diseases that affect the spine such as ankylosing spondylitis, and radiation therapy for cancer in the neck.

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