Overview

Kyphosis is a spinal condition that causes the upper back to curve excessively forward, making a person stand or sit with a rounded or hunched back. Kyphosis is diagnosed when the upper spine's curve becomes excessive and affects posture, comfort, or function. A mild curve in the upper spine is normal. Kyphosis can happen at any age, but it usually starts in the teenage years or later in adulthood. The condition can cause anything from mild changes in posture to severe deformities that make it hard to move and, in rare cases, breathe. Identifying the problem early and treating it correctly can help prevent it from worsening and causing long-term problems.

Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the severity of the curvature. Mild kyphosis may not cause any symptoms other than bad posture. Severe kyphosis can cause back pain, stiffness, muscle fatigue, and reduced spine flexibility. People may see that their shoulders are rounded or that there is a hump in their upper back. In severe cases, kyphosis can make it hard to breathe by limiting chest expansion. It can also make it hard to keep your balance or cause nerve compression symptoms.

Causes
There are many causes of kyphosis. Adolescents often have postural kyphosis because they don't sit up straight, and their back muscles are weak. Some structural causes are osteoporosis-related spinal fractures, congenital spinal problems, degenerative disc disease, and diseases like Scheuermann's disease. In addition to trauma, infections, tumours, and some neuromuscular disorders can cause the spine to curve in an unusual way.

Diagnosis
A physical exam to assess posture, spinal alignment, and flexibility is the first step in diagnosing. X-rays and other imaging tests are used to detect structural problems and measure the degree of spinal curvature. If nerve damage, broken bones, or other problems are suspected, an MRI or CT scan may be suggested.

Treatment
The treatment for kyphosis depends on the cause, your age, and the severity. Posture correction, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the back muscles are common treatments for mild postural kyphosis. When someone is in pain, they may need to take painkillers. Bracing may be recommended for teens who are still growing and have worsening curves. In cases of severe kyphosis or nerve compression, surgery may be needed to realign and stabilize the spine.

With early diagnosis and the right treatment, the outlook for kyphosis is usually good. Conservative care helps many people feel better. Regular checkups, exercise, and awareness of your posture can help keep your spine healthy and prevent it from worsening.