Sometimes you may have noticed that some people's upper back is slightly bent forward, as if they are hunching over. Maybe you feel a slight difference too? Or do you feel the same about your child? This is what we call kyphosis in medicine. Among the people, it is also called "hunchback" or "hunched back". But don't worry, this is not always a big problem. Let's talk about this in detail today.
What is Kyphosis? Let's understand it simply.
Simply put, kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature of your spine, or backbone . Specifically, it occurs in the thoracic region, the area between your neck and ribs. This curvature is what makes a person look like they are hunched over.
Actually, our spine naturally has a few small curves. These curves are what help our body maintain its posture and keep us upright. However, if this curve becomes more than normal , it can affect the body, and it can even make it difficult to stand up straight.
However, most of the time, kyphosis does not cause major health problems or require medical treatment. However, for some people, it can be a little embarrassing to think about their appearance. However, in severe cases , kyphosis can cause back pain or difficulty breathing. If it gets that bad, surgery may be necessary.
What are the main types of kyphosis?
There are several types of kyphosis. Let's look at the main ones.
1. Postural Kyphosis
This is the most common type . It usually develops during adolescence, between the ages of 13 and 16. Poor posture, such as hunching over or hunching over, can cause the ligaments and muscles that hold the vertebrae together to stretch. When this happens, the bones in the spine move out of their normal positions, causing the spine to curve.
Just think about how our children sit when they carry their school bags, or when they spend hours in front of the computer or phone. They often lean forward. When things like that continue, this situation can occur.
This often affects girls more than boys. It is usually not painful.
2. Scheuermann's Kyphosis
This type occurs when the shape of the vertebrae in the spine changes. Normally, the bones in our spine are square. But in this case, the bones take on a wedge shape . Like a triangular piece. Because these wedge-shaped bones bend forward, the spine appears rounded.
This affects boys more than girls. Scheuermann's Kyphosis can cause pain . This pain can be especially felt during activity or when standing or sitting for long periods of time. This curvature of the spine does not change even when you change your position, because the bones of the spine are not flexible.
3. Congenital Kyphosis
The word "congenital" means "present from birth." This type of kyphosis occurs when a child's spine does not develop properly or fully while in the womb . This condition can worsen as the child grows. Therefore, surgery can be performed when the child is young to correct this curvature of the spine and stop it from getting worse. Sometimes, this condition can be accompanied by other congenital defects, such as those in the heart and kidneys.
4. Cervical Kyphosis or "Military Neck"
This type occurs when your cervical vertebrae, the part of your spine that runs from the base of your head to your upper back, bend forward instead of naturally curving backward . Some people also call this "military neck."
5. Hyperkyphosis
Hyperkyphosis is a severe forward curvature of the spine. This curvature is more than 50 degrees. This type is most often seen after the age of 40.
How common is Kyphosis?
Scheuermann's kyphosis affects less than 8% of school-age children in the United States.
Hyperkyphosis (severe kyphosis) is estimated to affect between 20% and 40% of adults over the age of 60. On average, the forward curve of your upper back increases by about 3 degrees every decade (10 years).
What are the symptoms of Kyphosis?
The main symptoms of Kyphosis are:
- The shoulders look like they are hunched forward.
- The appearance of a curve or bulge in the upper back.
- Feeling tightness in the hamstrings.
However, in severe cases of kyphosis, symptoms such as these may also occur:
- Pain or stiffness in the back and shoulder blades.
- Feeling like your legs are numb, weak, or creaking.
- Feeling very tired .
- Problems with body balance.
- Inability to control urine or stool (Bladder incontinence or bowel incontinence).
- Difficulty breathing, or feeling like you are suffocating.
Important: If you are having difficulty breathing, you should immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. In Sri Lanka, call the Suwaseriya Ambulance Service at 1990.
What are the causes of Kyphosis?
The causes of kyphosis vary depending on the type, but in general, the following factors can contribute:
- Poor posture (e.g., constantly bending over, using a computer/phone)
- Structural defects in the bones of the spine.
- Abnormalities in bone development (changes in the shape of bones).
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Your age. (As you age, your spine becomes less flexible.)
Can Kyphosis turn into Scoliosis?
No. Kyphosis and scoliosis are both conditions that affect the spine. They can both occur together, but one does not cause the other.
- Kyphosis is an abnormal forward and backward curvature of the spine (along the front-back axis).
- Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine to the left or right, that is, to the side (laterally).
What are the risk factors for Kyphosis?
Postural kyphosis and Scheuermann's kyphosis are most often diagnosed between the ages of 13 and 16. This is because young children's bones are growing rapidly during this time. However, this condition can develop in anyone, at any age. As people age, the bones in the spine lose flexibility, and the spine can begin to curve forward.
Also, someone can be born with congenital kyphosis. It can also occur with other underlying health conditions that affect the development of the child while in the womb.
What are the possible complications of Kyphosis?
If the kyphosis is mild, complications are rare . However, if the curvature of the spine is severe, complications can occur. In such cases, the following can occur:
- Back pain.
- Difficulty walking.
- Pulmonary congestion (difficulty breathing).
- Nerve-related problems (due to nerve compression).
How is Kyphosis diagnosed?
In children, you (the child's guardian) or the school nurse may be the first to notice symptoms of kyphosis. This may be especially noticeable during a scoliosis screening at school. If this happens, the school may ask you to take your child to a primary care physician for a check-up and to confirm the diagnosis.
For anyone of any age, a doctor will diagnose kyphosis after a physical exam . During this exam, the doctor will ask you or your child to do a forward bending test. This means that you should keep your legs together, your knees straight, and your arms at your sides. Then, you should bend forward and look at your legs. This test will help the doctor determine if there is a curve in your spine or other problems with your spine.
What tests are used to diagnose Kyphosis?
A doctor can diagnose the condition by measuring the curvature of your spine with an X-ray of your spine. The natural curve of our spine is between 20 and 45 degrees. If the curve is more than 50 degrees, the doctor will diagnose the condition as Kyphosis.
In addition, your doctor may order tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by an underlying condition or if the curvature of the spine is affecting other parts of your body. These tests may include:
- A pulmonary function test is a test to see how well your lungs are working.
- An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan to see if the curvature of the spine is putting pressure on the spinal nerves.
How is Kyphosis treated?
Treatments for kyphosis vary, but some things you can do include:
- Physical therapy: Exercise can help strengthen the muscles in your abdomen and back, reduce pain, and improve posture. It can also help stretch tight hamstrings and strengthen other areas of your body.
- Painkillers: Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce back pain.
- Back brace: Your doctor may recommend that you wear a back brace. This is often used in children who are still growing and have Scheuermann's kyphosis. Your doctor will tell you what type of brace you should wear and how many hours a day you should wear it.
- Surgery: Surgery can reduce the curvature of the spine. The most common surgery for kyphosis is spinal fusion surgery. In this surgery, the surgeon straightens the vertebrae in your spine. Then, they use small bone grafts to fill the gaps between the bones in your spine and make them fit together. As the bones in your spine heal, they fuse together. This surgery reduces the severity of the curve.
How does the doctor decide what Kyphosis treatment I need?
A doctor will examine your back and suggest treatment options based on these factors:
- your age.
- Medical history.
- General health status.
- Kyphosis type.
- The severity of the curve.
- Is there any difficulty breathing?
You may be eligible for spine surgery if you have any of the following conditions:
- Congenital kyphosis.
- If you have Scheuermann's kyphosis with a curve of more than 75 degrees.
- If you have severe back pain despite trying non-surgical or traditional treatments.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
All treatments can have side effects. Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about the risks and side effects. For example, side effects of surgery can include infection and bleeding.
Can Kyphosis be prevented?
Not all types of kyphosis can be prevented. However, there are things you can do to prevent postural kyphosis:
- Maintain good posture (practice sitting and standing up straight).
- Strengthen your abdominal and back muscles.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Carry bags, school books, and equipment in a sturdy backpack or wheeled bag.
- Exercise to strengthen your muscles and keep them flexible.
If I have Kyphosis, what should I expect?
Kyphosis is a treatable spinal condition . You may or may not feel pain because of the curve. You may not even know you have it until a doctor tells you during an exam. The goal of treatment is to stop the curve from getting worse. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. But most people with kyphosis do not need surgery.
Can Kyphosis Recur?
Kyphosis can recur even after treatment. You may need to make lifestyle changes to improve your posture. This means paying more attention to how you sit, stand, and move throughout the day. For example, you may decide to use a backpack with wheels instead of carrying your school books. Talk to your doctor about things you can do to prevent kyphosis from recurring.
What is the outlook for Kyphosis?
Early detection of kyphosis leads to the best results . Many people who are diagnosed early do not need surgery, and the condition can be managed with non-surgical options. If left untreated, kyphosis can get worse. This can lead to health problems such as difficulty breathing.
Even after treatment, it is important to have regular monitoring of your kyphosis with a doctor throughout your life.
When should I see a doctor?
If you or your child has a curve in their spine that you think is affecting their posture, talk to a doctor. A doctor can assess your symptoms and help you improve your posture if necessary.
If you have difficulty breathing, go to a hospital immediately.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
If you or your child has kyphosis, ask your doctor about the following:
- How severe is the curve?
- Will I need surgery?
- What non-surgical treatments can help?
- Should I do physical therapy?
- What can I do to stop the curve from getting worse?
- Are there any side effects of the treatment?
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Kyphosis, which is when your spine curves forward excessively, is a treatable condition. If the curve is not severe, it usually does not affect a person's daily activities. Early detection and treatment can help control the condition before it gets worse. There are non-invasive treatments that your doctor may recommend before surgery. Even after treatment, you should take care of your posture to prevent the curve from recurring. If you are feeling uncomfortable about your appearance because of this curve, it is a good idea to talk to a mental health counselor.
` Kyphosis, hunchback, hunchback, posture, spine, Scheuermann's kyphosis, Postural kyphosis, Congenital kyphosis, physical therapy
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