Kyphosis
Kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature of the upper spine that can cause a rounded or hunched appearance. Some cases are mild and cause few symptoms, while more pronounced curvature may lead to back pain, stiffness, postural changes and difficulty with daily activity.
What Is Kyphosis?
The spine naturally contains gentle curves that help distribute weight, maintain balance and absorb stress during movement. Kyphosis occurs when the thoracic or, less commonly, other portions of the spine develop an excessive forward curve.
Not Every Rounded Back Is the Same
Kyphosis can develop from posture, differences in vertebral growth, congenital abnormalities, fractures or other spinal conditions. Determining the type and severity helps guide whether observation, therapy, bracing or additional treatment is appropriate.
Three Common Forms of Kyphosis
The cause, flexibility and progression of the spinal curve can vary considerably depending on the type of kyphosis.
Postural Kyphosis
Postural kyphosis commonly develops during adolescence and is associated with slouching or poor posture. The spinal curve is usually flexible and may improve when the patient consciously corrects posture. Exercise and postural training are often helpful.
Scheuermann's Kyphosis
Scheuermann's kyphosis is a structural form of kyphosis in which several vertebrae develop a wedge-shaped appearance. The curve is generally more rigid than postural kyphosis and may cause pain, stiffness or a more noticeable forward rounding of the back.
Congenital Kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis develops when one or more vertebrae do not form normally before birth. Because the abnormality is structural, the curve may progress as a child grows and typically requires ongoing evaluation by a spine specialist.
How Kyphosis May Affect the Body
Mild kyphosis may cause little or no discomfort, while larger or more rigid curves can affect posture, movement and quality of life.
Symptoms May Include:
How Kyphosis Is Diagnosed
Evaluation focuses on determining the degree of curvature, whether the spine remains flexible and whether there is an underlying structural problem.
Your provider may ask about pain, posture changes, growth, previous injury and the progression of the spinal curve.
The spine may be evaluated while standing and moving to assess posture, tenderness and flexibility.
Bending forward can make spinal curvature more visible and help distinguish structural deformity from flexible postural changes.
X-rays are commonly used to measure the spinal curve and examine vertebral shape. MRI or CT may be appropriate when additional evaluation is needed.
Treating Kyphosis
Treatment depends on the type of kyphosis, the severity and progression of the curve, the patient's age and whether symptoms are interfering with normal activity.
Physical Therapy
Exercises may help improve posture, strengthen the muscles that support the spine and maintain flexibility and function.
Bracing
A brace may be recommended in selected growing patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis to help limit progression of the curve.
Pain Management
Medication and other conservative treatments may be used when appropriate to control pain associated with spinal stiffness or mechanical strain.
Surgical Evaluation
Surgery may be considered for severe or progressive deformity, significant pain that does not respond to conservative care, neurological problems or other serious complications.
Not Every Spinal Curve Requires Treatment — But Progression Matters.
Mild kyphosis may simply require monitoring, exercise and attention to posture. A curve that appears to be increasing, causes persistent pain or stiffness, affects daily function or is associated with weakness, numbness or breathing difficulty should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine whether additional treatment is appropriate.
Concerned About Spinal Curvature or Persistent Back Pain?
Schedule an evaluation to determine the type and severity of kyphosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.