2. Kyphosis is 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. There are three types of kyphosis:
Postural kyphosis
Scheuermann’s kyphosis
Congenital Kyphosis
4. 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, ligaments in 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Fatigue
Mild back pain
Round back appearance
Tenderness and stiffness in the spine
11. 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. 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. 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.