Kyphosis is a condition in which the spine at the upper back develops excessive curvature. A slight curve in the neck, upper back, and lower back are normal, but when the curvature becomes more, it starts to cause problems with the normal functioning of the spine. The natural curves present are known to help support the weight of the head and absorb shock. So, in simpler words, kyphosis can be defined as the condition where the enlargement of the curve present normally in the spine occurs.
Kyphosis results in the changing of body posture and is generally characterized by rounding of shoulders. Besides this, kyphosis may also result in breathing problems due to pressure on the lungs. For its treatment, surgery with the use of Spinal Implants or without them may be indicated, but the primary focus of the doctor always remains on the non-operative treatment.
What are the Causes of Kyphosis?
Unlike other conditions like lumbar spinal stenosis, kyphosis can affect people of any age group. While the condition is known to be rare in newborns as poor posture is one of the main causes for this condition. Other causes of kyphosis may be:
- Aging
- The weakness of muscles in the upper back
- Scheuermann’s disease
- Bone degeneration-related diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Spine injury
- Slipped discs
- Scoliosis
Symptoms
Symptoms in case of mild kyphosis are generally none, but in some cases, people may experience curved spine and back pain.
Diagnosis of Kyphosis
Just like other conditions, kyphosis is also diagnosed first by conducting a physical examination where the doctor will ask you to bend down from the waist to check the curvature of the spine. Besides this, a neurological examination may also be performed to check muscle strength and reflexes.
After a proper evaluation of signs and symptoms during the physical examination, the diagnosis will move to the next step. Here, the doctor will suggest an X-ray and/or CT scan to see how much curvature is there in the spine. In certain cases, the doctor may also suggest MRI, bone density test, or nerve tests, to clear any confusion there is.
The Treatment
The treatment could be operative or nonoperative and this will depend upon the severity of the condition. In most cases, non-operative treatment is preferred whereas operation is only indicated in severe cases and when non-surgical treatment does not provide positive results.
Non-operative treatment
When kyphosis is diagnosed, the doctor always tries to treat the condition with medication. Analgesics along with osteoporosis medicines are prescribed to stabilize the condition and prevent it from becoming worse.
Along with the medication, the doctor may also suggest physical therapy that includes stretching exercises to relieve back pain and improve spinal flexibility. For children with Scheuermann's disease, the use of a body brace may also be prescribed.
Surgical treatment
Surgery is the only option left for severe cases and the conditions when non-operative measures fail to deliver expected results. During surgery, different types of spinal implants may be used and it could also be done without the use of implants.
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Spinal fusion is one of the most common surgical procedures indicated for the treatment of kyphosis. For this, the surgeon may apply bone screws and metal rods to reduce the curvature of the spine. After surgery, consumption of calcium and vitamin D-rich diet is indicated.
