Sometimes you may feel that your upper back is slightly bent forward, looking like a hunchback. Maybe your child is hunched over when sitting or standing? This is what we call in medical terms Kyphosis. Many of us simply call it a "hunchback." Most of the time, this is not a serious health problem, but for some people, it can make them feel a little uncomfortable about their appearance. Let's take a look at what it really is and whether it's something to be worried about.
Simply put, what is Kyphosis?
If you look at our spine, it's not completely straight. It naturally has a few small curves. These curves are what help us stand up straight and keep our body balanced. But in a condition called Kyphosis, our upper back, which is the part of the spine between the neck and the ribs (thoracic region) , bends too far backward. When the spine bends too far backward, it looks like a hump.
Most of the time, this condition does not cause major health problems and does not require treatment. However, in some severe cases, it can cause back pain or difficulty breathing. In such severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
What are the main types of kyphosis?
There are several types of kyphosis. Let's see which are the most common types. To make this information easier to understand, I will present it in a table like this.
| Kyphosis type | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Postural Kyphosis (kyphosis caused by poor posture) | This is the most common type. It is most common in young people, especially between the ages of 13 and 16. Poor posture, such as sitting incorrectly and walking with a forward bend, can cause the muscles and ligaments in the back to stretch. This causes the spine to bend forward. This is usually more common in girls. Most of the time, there is no pain. |
| Scheuermann's Kyphosis | In this type, there is a change in the shape of the spine (vertebrae). These bones, which should normally be square, take on a wedge shape. This causes the spine to curve forward. This is more common in boys. Pain may occur during exercise, standing or sitting for long periods of time. This spine does not straighten even when changing posture. |
| Congenital Kyphosis | This is a congenital condition. It occurs when the baby's spine does not develop properly in the mother's womb. This condition can worsen as the baby grows. Therefore, surgery is performed at a young age to correct this. Sometimes, this condition can also be seen with birth defects of the heart or kidneys. |
| Hyperkyphosis | This is a severe condition where the curve of the spine is more than 50 degrees. This is usually seen in adults after the age of 40. As we age, our spine loses flexibility, which can cause the spine to lean forward. |
What are the symptoms of Kyphosis?
The main symptom of kyphosis is a protruding hump, but there may be other symptoms as well.
Commonly seen symptoms
- Rounded shoulders.
- The appearance of a lump or swelling in the upper back.
- Feeling of tightness in the hamstrings.
Symptoms that may be seen if the condition is severe
- Pain or stiffness in the back and shoulders.
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling sensation in the legs.
- Feeling tired quickly (Extreme fatigue).
- Difficulty maintaining balance.
- Inability to control urine or stool (incontinence).
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Very important: If you have difficulty breathing, it could be a serious condition. So go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
What are the causes of kyphosis?
The causes of kyphosis vary depending on the type. In general, these are the main causes:
- Poor posture: Sitting and walking with a hunched forward posture, especially in youth.
- Structural problems of the spine: Changes in the shape of the spine, such as in Scheuermann's kyphosis.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine due to an accident.
- Aging: The flexibility of the spine decreases with age.
Is Kyphosis the same as Scoliosis?
No. This is where many people get confused. Kyphosis and Scoliosis are two conditions that occur in the spine. Sometimes both can occur together, but one does not cause the other.
- Kyphosis is an abnormal forward and backward curvature of the spine. (Kyphosis)
- Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, like the letter 'S'.
How does a doctor find this?
If you suspect that you or your child has Kyphosis, you should see a doctor. He or she will first examine you physically.
A common test is the bending test . In this test, your doctor will ask you to bend forward with your legs together, knees straight, and arms hanging freely at your sides. When you bend forward, the curve in your back will be clearly visible when you look at it from the side.
Then, they will order an X-ray of the spine to measure exactly how severe the curve is.
- It is normal for our upper back to have a curve between 20 and 45 degrees.
- But if this curve is more than 50 degrees, it is diagnosed as Kyphosis.
Sometimes, the doctor may also recommend a pulmonary function test to see if the condition has affected the lungs or an MRI scan to see if there is any nerve compression.
What are the treatments for Kyphosis?
Treatment for kyphosis is determined by considering many factors, such as your age, the severity of the condition, and the symptoms it causes.
1. Physical Therapy: This is the main treatment method. Here, you will be taught exercises to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, as well as stretching exercises to stretch tight muscles. These will help reduce pain and correct posture.
2. Painkillers: If you have back pain, your doctor will prescribe medication to reduce the pain.
3. Back Brace: This is often recommended for children who are still growing, especially those with Scheuermann's Kyphosis. Wearing this brace can help prevent further progression of the kyphosis. Your doctor will determine how many hours per day you should wear it and what type of brace you need.
4. Surgery: Surgery is only recommended in very severe cases. For example, if the curve is more than 75 degrees, there is severe pain, or if nerves are affected, surgery is considered. The most common surgery is called Spinal Fusion Surgery . In this, the surgeon straightens the spine and uses small bone fragments to connect them together.
Can kyphosis be prevented?
While congenital kyphosis cannot be prevented, there are several things we can do to prevent the more common form of postural kyphosis .
- Maintain good posture: Practice keeping your back straight when sitting, standing, and walking.
- Do exercises that strengthen your abdominal and back muscles: When these muscles are strong, your back gets good support.
- Maintain a healthy weight: As body weight increases, it also puts pressure on the spine.
- Use school bags correctly: When carrying heavy books, use a good bag that distributes the weight evenly across both shoulders. Don't carry the weight on just one side.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise strengthens muscles and increases body flexibility.
Take-Home Message
- Kyphosis, or hunched back, is a common condition that is often not serious.
- Slouching, especially at a young age, can be a major cause of this.
- If you or your child's back looks like a lump, don't ignore it and see a doctor. The sooner it is diagnosed, the better the outcome.
- Most people can manage this condition with physical therapy and exercise. Surgery is only needed in the most severe cases.
- If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.
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