Description

Kyphosis is an excessive forward rounding of the upper back.

In older people, the kyphosis is often due to weakness in the bones of the spine that causes it to compress or crack. Other types of kyphosis can appear in infants or teens. These types are due to the malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal bones over time.

Mild kyphosis causes few problems. Serious kyphosis can cause pain and be disfiguring. Treatment for kyphosis depends on your age and the cause and severity of the curvature.

Symptoms

Mild kyphosis may not have any noticeable symptoms. In fact, the upper part of the back, of course, has a little bit of kyphosis. People who have excessive curl can experience back pain and stiffness.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your health care professional if you notice an increase in the curve in the upper part of the back or in the spine of the child.

Causes

The bones that make up a healthy spine to see as cylinders stacked in a column. These bones are called vertebrae. Kyphosis occurs when the vertebrae in the back become more wedge-shaped.

The shape of the vertebrae can be changed by:

  • Fractures. Fractures in the vertebrae can result in curvature of the spine. Compression fractures, which can happen in weakened bone, are the most common. Mild compression fractures may not produce obvious symptoms.
  • Osteoporosis. The weakness of the bones can cause the curvature of the spine, especially if the weakened vertebrae develop compression fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in older women and the people who have taken corticosteroids for long periods of time.
  • Disk degeneration. Soft, circular disks that act as cushions between the spinal vertebrae. With age, these discs are groomed and shrink, which often worsens the kyphosis.
  • The disease Scheuermann. Also called Scheuermann's kyphosis, this disease usually becomes evident during adolescence.
  • Other problems. The bones of the spine do not develop properly before birth can cause kyphosis. The kyphosis in children may also be associated with certain health conditions.

Risk factors

The risk of development of kyphosis as an adult increases with age, as the bone density decreases and the spine, the discs degenerate. In children, some of genetics and metabolic diseases, can put you at greater risk for kyphosis, including osteogenesis imperfecta, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

Complications

In addition to causing back pain, kyphosis can cause:

  • Limited physical functions. Kyphosis is associated with weakness of the muscles of the back, and difficulty performing tasks such as walking and getting up from the chairs. The curvature of the spine can also make it difficult to look up, or drive, and can cause pain when you lie down.
  • The digestive problems. Serious kyphosis can compress the digestive tract, causing problems such as acid reflux and difficulty swallowing.
  • Back pain. Some patients with severe kyphosis of the experience of back pain.
  • Body image problems. People with kyphosis, especially teenagers, may have a poor body image having a rounded back.

Diagnosis

Your health professional will usually conduct a thorough physical examination. You may be asked to bend forward from the waist to allow your health care professional to see his column on the side. You may also undergo a neurological exam to check your reflexes and muscle strength.

Tests that may be ordered are:

  • The X-ray or ct scan. X-rays can determine the degree of curvature and detect deformities of the vertebrae. A ct scan may be recommended if your health care professional you need more detailed the image.
  • The magnetic resonance imaging. The use of a strong magnetic field, mri can detect a recent fracture in his spine.
  • Nerve tests. If you experience numbness or muscle weakness, you may need tests to determine how well the nerve impulses that travel between your spine and the extremities.
  • Bone density tests. Low bone density can increase the risk of compression fractures and, often, can be improved with drugs.

Treatment

Kyphosis treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition.

Medications

Kyphosis treatment may include:

  • Pain relievers. If the medicines available without a prescription — such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) — is not sufficient, stronger pain relievers are available with a prescription.
  • Osteoporosis medications. Certain medications can help to strengthen your vertebrae and prevent fractures of the spine, which could worsen their kyphosis.

Therapy

Certain types of kyphosis can be helped by:

  • Exercises. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve the flexibility of the spine and alleviate back pain.
  • Bracing. Children who have the disease Scheuermann may be able to slow down the progression of the kyphosis with the use of a key of the spine, while they are in rapid growth.

Surgical and other procedures

Severe kyphosis can result in symptoms. Rarely, severe kyphosis can compress the spinal cord or nerves. This is more common with kyphosis congenital or kyphosis that can occur after previous surgeries.

To correct the kyphosis surgery may be needed. The most common procedure is spinal fusion. In this procedure, the surgeon uses metal rods and screws to hold the bones of the spine together in the correct position.

Compression fractures are typically treated without surgery.

Preparing for your appointment

You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the spine.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, such as the restriction of the diet.
  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Make a list of the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.
  • Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life.
  • Write down questions to ask your health care team.
  • Ask a relative or friend with you to help you remember the information they give you.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What tests do I need? Is there any special preparation for them?
  • I need treatment? What are my options, and what are the benefits and risks of each one of them?
  • I have other health problems. How can I best manage these conditions?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your care team, do not hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask a series of questions. Be prepared to respond to them can stop the time to go through other points in greater detail. You may ask:

  • When did you begin experiencing symptoms? How serious are they?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve or worsen your symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of Kyphosis