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Kyphosis Causes and Risks:
Kyphosis is the result of a disease or congenital problem. Kyphosis may occur in children, adolescents, or adults. Kyphosis occurring at birth is rare. Adolescent kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, may result from growth retardation or a disorder in the vertebrae during periods of rapid growth. Other causes of kyphosis include infection, inflammation, disk degeneration, osteoporosis of the vertebrae, endocrine diseases, arthritis , Paget's disease , polio , compression fractures of the vertebrae, cancer , tuberculosis , or poor posture. Risk factors are related to the causes.
Prevention:
Good posture prevents kyphosis caused by poor posture.
Periodic physical examinations during childhood, particularly during growth spirts, will aid in early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of progression and complications.
Symptoms:
- slow onset
- mild back pain
- fatigue
- tenderness and stiffness in the spine
- round back appearance
Signs and Tests:
Physical examination confirms the curvature of the spine.
A spine X-ray may be performed.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder. For kyphosis caused by poor posture, treatment may consist of exercises, a firm mattress for sleeping, and a back brace to straighten the curve until growth is complete. Bedrest is recommended for severe pain. Gradual weaning from the brace begins after maximum correction of the curve by the back brace has occurred.
Treatment for other types of kyphosis includes identifying the cause of the kyphosis. Surgery may rarely be indicated if neurological symptoms occur. Traction may be used for pain relief.
Prognosis:
The probable outcome is better with treatment for kyphosis in younger people. If bone changes are due to degenerative joint disease , the likelihood of correction of the defect is not as good.
Complications:
- disabling back pain
- neurological symptoms
- decreased lung capacity
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of kyphosis.
The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.
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