Does your back just feel hunched over? Let's talk about this 'kyphosis'

You may have seen some people, especially young children, who are just hunched over and hunched over. Sometimes we think it's just a bad posture, like they're not sitting properly. But not all hunches are just a posture problem. Sometimes this can be a medical condition called ' kyphosis '. So let's talk about this in a little more detail , very simply.

Simply put, what is 'kyphosis'?

If you look at our spine from the side, it's not completely straight. It naturally has three small curves. These curves are essential for us to stay upright and maintain balance in our bodies. Think of them like shock absorbers in a car, these curves help to absorb the pressure that comes to our bodies.

Kyphosis is when the natural curve of our upper back, at the shoulder level, is bent forward more than normal (more than 50 degrees). This is what gives us a hunched appearance when we look from the outside. This is sometimes called a "round back."

If you have a mild form of kyphosis, it may not cause any major problems other than a slight change in the appearance of your back. However, if this condition worsens over time, it can cause back pain, loss of balance, and possibly difficulty breathing . Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

What are the main types of kyphosis?

Kyphosis can be divided into several main types depending on the cause, age of onset, and nature of the curvature of the spine. Let's look at these to make them easier to identify.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of kyphosis and its severity. The main symptom is a hunchback. In addition, you may notice these things:

• Shoulders hunched forward.
• Back pain (usually mild, but can sometimes be severe).
• Feeling of stiffness in the back.
• Head positioned forward of the body.
• Feeling tired quickly ( Fatigue ).
• Tightness of the hamstrings (this is more common in Scheuermann's kyphosis).

How to diagnose 'kyphosis'?

If you or your child has what looks like a backache, the best thing to do is to see a doctor for advice. The doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and whether anyone in your family has had similar conditions.

Then a physical examination is performed.

• Checking the curve of the spine by asking you to bend forward from the waist: This is called the 'Adam's forward bend test'. This allows you to better see the nature of the curve.
• Check to see if the curve straightens when lying down: In ` Postural kyphosis` , the curve disappears when lying down.

In addition, the following tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis:

• X-ray: Changes in the shape of the vertebrae, fractures, etc. can be clearly seen. It can also measure how many degrees of curvature the spine has.
• MRI test: This test is recommended if there is any suspicion that the spinal cord or nerves have been affected.
• Pulmonary function tests: This test is done to see if the lungs are affected by the back bend and there is difficulty breathing.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on your age, the type of kyphosis, the degree of curvature, and the severity of your symptoms. Not everyone needs surgery.

Nonsurgical Treatment

For many people, these treatments are sufficient.

1. Observation: For those who have only a slight bend and no pain, the doctor will tell them to come back from time to time to check. See if the bend gets worse.

2. Physical Therapy: This is very important. A physical therapist will help you:

• Reduce back pain.
• Strengthen the core muscles that support your back and abdomen and correct your posture.
• Do stretching exercises for tight muscles (like hamstrings).

3. Painkillers (NSAIDs): Your doctor may recommend painkillers, such as ibuprofen, to control pain and swelling if you have them.

4. Bracing: This is recommended for children with Scheuermann's kyphosis who are still growing. This helps to prevent the curvature of the spine from getting worse. The doctor will decide how many hours a day the brace should be worn.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is usually recommended in cases like these:

• In the case of `Congenital kyphosis`, which is present at birth.
• In `Scheuermann's kyphosis`, the curvature is much greater than 70-75 degrees.
• If you have severe back pain that cannot be controlled with non-surgical treatments.
• If the nerves are affected.

The most common surgery is spinal fusion . In this procedure, several misaligned vertebrae are joined together using metal rods and screws to form a single, solid bone. This can reduce curvature of the spine, control pain, and prevent the condition from getting worse.

Minor surgeries such as Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty are performed for fractures caused by aging and osteoporosis. In this, a special type of bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to strengthen it.

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