Kyphosis: Curved Thoracic Spine

1. Kyphosis(Curved Thoracic Spine) Types | Causes | Symptoms | Treatment

2. What is Kyphosis ? Kyphosisis a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchnack or stouching posture. Kyphosis is also known by other names such as hunchback, Scheuermann's disease, postural kyphosis, etc. it often results in loss of height and interferes with breathing.

3. Types of Kyphosis There are three types of kyphosis: • Postural kyphosis • Scheuermann’s kyphosis • Congenital Kyphosis

4. Postural Kyphosis • It is the most common type of kyphosis. • More common in girls than in boys which is typically noticed in adolescent age. • It is caused by poor posture and weakening of the muscle, ligamentsin the back (paraspinous muscles) • The vertebrae are typically placed in postural kyphosis. • It progressively gets worse with time. • These people will have symptoms of pain and muscle fatigue.

5. Scheuermann’s Kyphosis • It is also first noticed during adolescence period. • It is a result of structural deformity • It commonly develops with scoliosis • Reasons are not well understood.

6. Congenital Kyphosis • It is the least common type of abnormal kyphosis. • It is caused by abnormal development of the vertebrae prior to birth • Occurs due to fusion of many vertebrae together.

7. Causes of Kyphosis Since kyphosis of spine is of different types, the causes vary: 1) Postural kyphosis Postural kyphosis is more common in girls and may be caused due to a poor posture and slouching. 2) Scheuermann’s kyphosis Scheuermann's kyphosis is more common in boys and becomes apparent between ages 10 - 15. What causes it is not been known yet. However, it is for certain that this condition has a tendency to run in families.

8. Causes Continue… 3)Congenital Kyphosis Congenital kyphosis may occur during foetal development. This type of kyphosis is known to worsen as the affected child grows to become an adult. One severe and possible complication which might result from this condition is paralysis of the lower half of the body.

9. Symptoms of Kyphosis • Difficulty breathing (in severe cases) • Fatigue • Mild back pain • Round back appearance • Tenderness and stiffness in the spine

10. Diagnosis of Kyphosis 1)Imaging tests • X-rays • Computerized tomography (CT scan) • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 2)Nerve tests

11. Treatment of Kyphosis Braces: A brace is normally suggested for teenagers, who are still growing and are suffering from moderate to serious kyphosis.The brace, when worn regularly and as prescribed, slows down or prevents further progression of the condition. Medications: Pain is one of the common symptoms of kyphosis. The doctor may prescribe pain killers in accordance with the intensity of pain that you experience. Generally, doctors start with over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers, like, acetaminophen and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

12. Treatments Continue… Exercises: There are certain exercises that are designed specifically to relieve symptoms of kyphosis. If your doctor feels the need of such exercises for postural or cervical kyphosis cure, he may refer you to a physical therapy professional. Surgery: Surgery is considered to be an option for treatment when the condition is congenital, caused by a cancerous growth, causes sharp pain, and involves some neurological or extreme deformities, which cannot be cured with non-surgical methods like, bracing and physiotherapy.

13. Preventions of Kyphosis Kyphosis is not always avoidable, but there are things that can be changed in day-to-day life to minimize risk. • Seated Posture at a Computer. • Standing Posture. • Holding a Smart Phone or Tablet in a forward-looking position. • Take Calcium + Vitamin D + Magnesium in diet. • Exercise. • Avoid Smoking, Sodium, Protein, & Caffeine.