Signs and symptoms of kyphosis

Kyphosis is the name for the forward abnormal rounding of the upper back, and it is also popularly known as round back or hunchback. When a person has kyphosis, the back rounding is more than 50 degrees, which is not normal. Kyphosis may occur at any age. In some mild cases, the spine may even look normal, but it is usually visible if we look at the person from the side.

Causes of kyphosis

The kyphosis may me caused by certain developmental problems, arthritis of the spine, and injury to the spine, as well as osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebrae. While postural kyphosis in children and adolescent occurs because of bad habits and posture, structural kyphosis occurs due to the initial spine development with a rounded shape.

Symptoms of kyphosis

Kyphosis has its symptoms and sings. However, in the majority of mild cases, the symptoms are not noticeable. Because of the kyphosis that is not treated in the early stages, it can progress. On the other side, severe kyphosis has its noticeable warning signs.The most obvious symptoms of severe kyphosis are the pain in the back, difficulty standing with an upright posture and early tiredness to the back and legs. The pain in the back is uncomfortable, and in some case even endurable and disabling. A person with kyphosis may also experience spinal stiffness or tenderness. Hunchback or slouching posture is also one of the symptoms of kyphosis, which is visible. People who suffer from kyphosis are usually constantly tired.

In most cases, kyphosis is diagnosed during a routine physical examination or a school screening for scoliosis. This happens because symptoms are not detected. However, when a person noticed a hump on the upper back or a rounding of the shoulders, as well as the pain in the back, it is very important to visit a doctor in order to treat it and avoid certain complications that may arouse from this condition. Untreated kyphosis may affect lungs, nerves, many tissues and organs. The most frequent complications are body image problems, physical deformity, pain in the back, serious difficulties in breathing, and some neurological symptoms.

Treatment of kyphosis

If a person has a flexible deformity, kyphosis is usually treated with physical therapy and increases attention to posture. This kind of treatment for a flexible deformity is proven to be very effective. On the other hand, if a person has a rigid deformity, many doctors recommend surgery.