Kyphosis is a condition where your spine curves outward more than it should. This causes your upper back around the thoracic region(the part of your spine between your neck and ribs) to bend forward. The curvature can make it look like you’re hunched over or slouching. People sometimes call it “hunchback” or “roundback.”
Your spine has natural curves. These curves support your posture and help you stand straight. But excessive curvature can affect your body and make standing difficult.
Most of the time, kyphosis doesn’t cause health problems or need medical treatment. But it may make you feel self-conscious about how you look. In severe cases, kyphosis can cause pain or breathing issues. Severe kyphosis may require surgery.
How common is kyphosis?
Less than 8% of school-aged children in the United States experience Scheuermann’s kyphosis.
Hyperkyphosis (severe kyphosis) affects an estimated 20% to 40% of adults over age 60. On average, the forward angle of your upper spine increases about 3 degrees each decade (10 years).
What are the symptoms of kyphosis?
The main symptoms of kyphosis include:
- Rounded shoulders.
- A curve or hump in your upper back.
- Tight hamstrings (muscles in the back of your thighs).
Severe kyphosis may cause the following symptoms:
- Pain or stiffness in your back and shoulder blades.
- Numb ,weak or tingling legs.
- Extreme fatigue
- Balance issues
- Bladder incontinence or bowel incontinence.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Can kyphosis be prevented?
You can’t prevent all types of kyphosis. You can take steps to prevent postural kyphosis by:
- Maintaining good posture.
- Strengthening abdominal and back muscles.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Carrying bags or schoolbooks and supplies in a sturdy backpack or roller bag.
- Exercising to strengthen your muscles and stay flexible.
How is kyphosis treated?
Treatment for kyphosis varies but could include:
- Physical therapy: Exercises can strengthen abdominal and back muscles to relieve pain and improve posture. Exercise can also stretch tight hamstrings and strengthen other areas of your body.
- Pain medication: Anti-inflammatory medications relieve back pain.
- Back brace: Your provider may recommend that you wear a brace. It’s most common when children who are still growing have Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Your provider will discuss the type of brace and how many hours a day to wear it.
- Surgery: A surgical procedure can reduce spine curvature. The most common kyphosis surgery is spinal fusion surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon lines up your vertebrae in a straighter position. They’ll fuse them together by using small pieces of bone to fill the spaces between your vertebrae. As your vertebrae heal, they fuse or join together. This procedure reduces the severity of the curve.
