Kyphosis

Kyphosis:It is also known as Hunchback. Curving of the spine is called by kyphosis; spine is covering more than 40 degrees to 45 degrees. Spine is divided into thoracic vertebrae, sacral vertebrae, cervical vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae. Thoracis vertebrae are attached to ribs. It can be caused by the problems such as osteoporosis, arthritis of the spin and trauma to the spine. It is found in adolescents, children and adults.

Types of kyphosis:

• Postural kyphosis
• Scheuermann’s kyphosis
• Congenital kyphosis

Causes in adults:

 Connective tissue disorders: sometimes, connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome may be developed kyphosis.

Cancer or tumors: when cancer or tumor affected the bones of spine, then there is high risk of developing this disease.

Other health problems: Other conditions such as polio or cerebral palsy can be caused paralysis.

Causes in adolescents and children:

 Postural kyphosis: This type of kyphosis is mainly associated in adolescents. It is commonly found in girls than boys. Abnormalities of the spine may be caused by slouching and poor posture.

Scheuermann’s kyphosis: It is commonly found in adolescence whose ages are 10 or 15. It is affected the boys more than girls. People with Scheuermann’s kyphosis may feel more pain.

Signs and symptoms of kyphosis:

In severe case, it may produce the following signs and symptoms:

• Mild back pain
• Excessive fatigue
• Hunchback, roundback or slouching posture
• Tenderness or spinal stiffness.

Diagnosis:

Physical examination and family history of diseases will be recommended by the doctor.

Tests:

Neurological functions test: In rare case, kyphosis may cause by changes in neurological functions. Health care providers may examine neurological changes by looking for changes in sensation, weakness and paralysis.

Pulmonary function tests: This test is effective to measure breath. Kyphosis may cause any difficulty in breathing and it can be found by pulmonary function tests.

Forward bend test: Doctor may ask you to bend forward from the waist. And then, the doctor examines the spine.

Spinal X-ray: X-ray will be taken by the doctor to detect the kyphosis. Arthritic changes in the spine may view by X-ray in old aged people.

Treatment:

The types of treatment depend on the causes, signs and symptoms or types of kyphosis.

Structural kyphosis: Treatment can be provided according the sex, age, symptoms and how the curve in spine is, in rare cases. Sometimes anti-inflammatory medications are also recommended by the doctor to reduce the pain. Physical therapy and exercises may help to remove the signs and symptoms of kyphosis.

Surgery: Surgery can be preferred in only major cases. If you or your child has kyphosis with symptoms like neurological changes, continue pain, and curving in spin more than 45 degrees.

Bracing: Bracing will be recommended by the doctor, if you or your child has curving in spine less than 75 degrees. Wearing a brace can be prevented excessive curve in the spine.

Other treatments: Other treatments such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are effective to treat kyphosis