Learn About Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back. This leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Scheuermann disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis; Neck pain - kyphosis
Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.
A type of kyphosis that occurs in young teens is known as Scheuermann disease. It is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of this condition is unknown. Kyphosis can also occur in young teens who have cerebral palsy.
In adults, kyphosis can be caused by:
- Degenerative diseases of the spine (such as arthritis or disk degeneration)
- Fractures caused by osteoporosis (osteoporotic compression fractures)
- Injury (trauma)
- Slipping of one vertebra forward on another (spondylolisthesis)
- Previous surgeries or fusion on the spine
Other causes of kyphosis include:
- Certain hormone (endocrine) diseases
- Connective tissue disorders
- Infection (such as tuberculosis)
- Muscular dystrophy (group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue)
- Neurofibromatosis (disorder in which nerve tissue tumors form)
- Paget disease (disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth)
- Polio
- Scoliosis (curving of the spine often looks like a C or S when viewed from behind)
- Spina bifida (birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal don't close before birth)
- Tumors of the spine or the area nearby
Pain in the middle or lower back is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include any of the following:
- Round back appearance
- Tenderness and stiffness in the spine
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:
- Congenital kyphosis needs corrective surgery at an early age.
- Scheuermann disease is treated with a brace and physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is needed for large (greater than 60 degrees), painful curves.
- Compression fractures from osteoporosis can be left alone if there are no nervous system problems or pain. But the osteoporosis needs to be treated to help prevent future fractures. For severe deformity or pain from osteoporosis, surgery is an option.
- Kyphosis caused by infection or tumor needs prompt treatment, often with surgery and medicines.
Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery is needed if nervous system symptoms or constant pain develop.
University Orthopedics Inc
Alan Daniels is an Orthopedics provider in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Daniels has been practicing medicine for over 17 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kyphosis. His top areas of expertise are Kyphosis, Fractured Spine, Lordosis, Spinal Fusion, and Osteotomy.
Neurosurgical Associates Ltd
Jay Turner is a Neurosurgery provider in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Turner has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kyphosis. His top areas of expertise are Kyphosis, Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Spondylosis, Spinal Fusion, and Laminectomy.
Proliance Surgeons
Jason Thompson, MD, is board certified and is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in the care of patients with simple or complex problems of the neck or back. As an expert in the care of the spine, he may prescribe treatments including physical therapy, spinal injections, medications or massage, or he may perform surgical procedures including decompression, disc replacement, scoliosis correction or spinal fusion. He has special interests in treating young adults with scoliosis and in using cutting-edge technology to reduce the "footprint" of spinal surgery.He serves as Medical Director of The Spine Center, which allows him to improve his patients' experience as they move through the office, hospital, and rehabilitation phases of treatment. Coordinating and collaborating with other experts, such as therapists, radiologists, and physiatrists, he utilizes the strengths of a team approach to help his patients reach their goals.Recognizing that each patient is unique, he helps each person develop an individualized treatment plan. Whether a patient comes to him with leg cramps from stenosis or a numb arm from a blown-out disc in the neck, his goal is helping people regain their maximum potential. He believes in the power and success of an accurate diagnosis, rapid, individualized treatment, and multi-modality rehabilitative care. Patients frequently refer their families and friends to Dr. Thompson, and he believes there is no greater compliment than a satisfied patient saying, "Thanks! I’ll send my family to you."A Florida native, he has embraced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, sailing and skiing. Dr. Thompson is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kyphosis. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Kyphosis, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.
Young teens with Scheuermann disease tend to do well, even if they need surgery. The disease stops once they stop growing. If the kyphosis is due to degenerative joint disease or multiple compression fractures, surgery is needed to correct the defect and improve pain.
Untreated kyphosis can cause any of the following:
- Decreased lung capacity
- Disabling back pain
- Nervous system symptoms, including leg weakness or paralysis
- Round back deformity
- Increased self-consciousness or body awareness
Treating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in older adults. Early diagnosis and bracing for Scheuermann disease can reduce the need for surgery, but there is no way to prevent the disease.
Summary: This observational, cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the reliability of the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) in patients with postural hyperkyphosis. The PHAS is designed to assess individuals' postural awareness and habits through four subscales. A total of 128 participants diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis will complete the PHAS and the Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Que...
Summary: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a pattern of muscle imbalance that leads to forward head posture, rounded shoulders, or excessive thoracic kyphosis, thereby affecting posture and cervical-shoulder function. Dynamic Taping is a taping technique aimed at enhancing movement control and muscle support through its elastic material and tension, influencing the skin and neuromuscular system. When applied...
Published Date: August 27, 2024
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Magee DJ, Manske RC. Thoracic (dorsal) spine. In: Magee DJ, Manske RC, eds. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 8.
McClincy MP, Olgun ZD, Dede O. Orthopedics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 22.
Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.