Kyphosis
Kyphosis: Symptoms & Treatment Options
In the large cluster of spinal deformities, kyphosis is regarded as the most common type—edging out even scoliosis 2:1. An abnormal, forward curvature of the thoracic spine distinguishes this condition from other spinal deformities. (Scoliosis, for example, involves an abnormal, lateral (or sideways) curvature in the thoracic and/or lumbar spine.) For this reason, people sometimes refer to this disorder as hunchback or hump back. And, while we do not use these terms in practice, kyphosis is most easily identified by the hunched over posture that it creates.
Specifically, your thoracic spine composes the portion of your backbone located between your neck and the lower back. From a functional perspective, your thoracic spine supports your rib cage and protects your vital organs—like the heart and lungs. Although genetically designed with a slight forward curvature, an exaggerated C-curve of the thoracic spine indicates kyphosis.
In addition, this condition affects older adults—especially older women—more frequently than other populations. Progressive, age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and osteoarthritis contribute to these spikes in prevalence. (Each of these conditions affects women disproportionately AND can result in spinal deformity.) However, kyphosis can occur at any time in life for a number of reasons. And, regardless of your age, a variety of troubling symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of Kyphosis
When kyphosis first sets in, you may not notice the external (and internal) side effects. Depending on the individual, further progression of the curve may halt naturally or through a variety of applied interventions. If the condition progresses, however, the C-curve of the spine will continue to exaggerate. Moreover, this will lead to an increased probability that concerning symptoms will arise.
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Types of Kyphosis
In addition, subtypes of kyphosis may include:
Postural: Caused by slouching or poor posture, this type of kyphosis emerges primarily in adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or desk workers. Weak muscles in the back combined with poor posture often causes this form of kyphosis. However, postural kyphosis does not typically leave lasting health problems. You can often remedy this condition through education about proper posture and strength-building exercises that tighten the back and core.
Degenerative: One of the main causes of kyphosis, degeneration of the spine leads to tissue breakdown, reduction of the space between vertebrae, and spinal deformities. An age-related condition, degenerative kyphosis correspondingly worsens with conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Scheuermann’s: The precise cause of Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is still under study and debate. Researchers believe that a genetic predisposition may lead to improper spinal growth during the adolescent and teenage years. Further, researchers speculate that this abnormal development leads to a rapid loss of cartilage, as well as wedge-shaped vertebrae. In combination, these factors contribute to the 45 to 70-degree curvature that defines this condition. Disputed causes include loss of blood flow to the cartilage (precipitating cartilage loss), mild osteoporosis, and muscle irregularities.
Post-Surgical: Not a particularly uncommon occurrence, spine surgery to fix other spine conditions can sometimes lead to post-surgical kyphosis. New areas of weakness and instability caused by subtractive surgeries, such as microdiscectomies, osteotomies, and foraminotomies, can cause this.
Congenital: Less common but no less severe, congenital kyphosis results from a genetic error that affects the development of the spine in utero. Of particular significance, this disorder leads to the most cases of kyphosis-related paralysis that did not result from a traumatic injury. In addition, researchers have determined that this condition often co-occurs with disorders of the urinary collection system, primarily the kidneys.