Kyphosis Treatment

Kyphosis treatment is rarely necessary, since this condition is not usually symptomatic. Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature that most commonly affects the thoracic spine. This condition is sometimes referred to as hunchback, round back or humpback. The condition is not inherently painful or dangerous. Many people have an excessive kyphotic curvature and do not suffer any symptoms at all.

kyphosis

The normal thoracic spine has a kyphotic curve. This helps to balance the spine and act as a shock absorber. Sometimes, this normal curve becomes exaggerated. This condition is known as excessive kyphotic curvature or hyperkyphosis.

Causes of Kyphotic Curvature

* Bad Posture. Rounding the shoulders forward (slumping) or letting the head hang down are contributing postural characteristics.

* Congenital condition.

* Osteoporosis.

* Side effect of excessive lumbar lordosis.

Varieties of Kyphotic Curve

* Gibbus Deformity is an exaggerated kyphotic curve that is very sharp and angular. It will cause a spinal protrusion that is noticeable, especially when bending forward.

* Hyperkyphosis is another name for an exaggerated kyphotic curve, especially used to describe the condition in older adults. This name is usually associated with osteoporosis.

* Scheuermann's Disease is a condition that is mostly diagnosed in the early teens. It is characterized by a prominent forward projection of the head.

Diagnosis of Kyphotic Curvature

Diagnosis will be made by a physical exam. X-rays and/or MRI will be taken to determine the extent of curvature and any neurological consequences. The angle of curvature will be measured using the diagnostic films and this will help to determine the proper kyphosis therapy, if any are indicated at all.

Kyphosis Treatment Options

Most cases of abnormal kyphotic curvature are not painful or symptomatic. In rare instances of severe curvature, moderate to severe symptoms might be experienced. In these circumstances, treatment should be administered by a specialist in spinal curvature.

Conservative Treatment Modalities:

* Pain management drugs

* Physical Therapy

* Back Brace

Surgical Kyphosis Treatment

Surgery might be necessary if the curvature is severe or if there are serious neurological impairments, such as verified pinched nerves. There are several procedures used to correct abnormal kyphotic curvature. The proper procedure will depend on the root cause of the curvature. The most commonly used correction is spinal fusion.

Recommendation for Kyphosis Treatment

Most people with an abnormal kyphotic curvature do not experience ANY symptoms. If you have this condition, and have been pain free, relax. Most likely, you will remain pain free. Do not let a doctor scare you into experiencing pain. It is all too common for a healthy and pain-free person to start experiencing symptoms, after a diagnosis of kyphosis. This is yet another example of the nocebo effect�

Kyphosis Treatment to Back Pain Home 7/14/06 Revised 9/23/08