A smooth outward curve on the upper part of your spine is standard, but you may experience pain and discomfort if the curve becomes a little extreme. If you notice that your back is a bit rounded, you may have Shrewsbury Kyphosis, but no need to fret because the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine team can use their cutting-edge equipment to correct it.
An overview of kyphosis
Hunchback, medically known as kyphosis, is a medical condition resulting in the spine’s abnormal curvature. The spine is meant to curve in and out evenly to ensure balance. People with kyphosis have their spine curving outward more than it should, resulting in a rounded appearance. In older adults, kyphosis is often due to weak spinal bones that may crack or compress even with minimal pressure.
The medical condition can also occur in teens and infants due to the wedging or malformation of spinal bones. Mild kyphosis rarely causes significant symptoms, but severe kyphosis can result in excruciating pain and visible disfiguring. Your treatment will depend on the effects and cause of the curvature and your age.
Different forms of kyphosis
There are several forms of kyphosis, each with unique symptoms. They include:
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Congenital kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis occurs before birth due to a malformation in the spinal column. The bones may fail to grow fully, or the vertebrae may fuse, resulting in a hunchback. The disorder can deteriorate as the child develops.
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Postural kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is the most prevalent form, and it can develop in anyone regardless of age or , but it is more common in teens. It usually occurs due to poor posture, which interferes with the development of your vertebrae and stretches your ligaments but rarely causes any problems.
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Scheuermann’s kyphosis
Scheuermann’s kyphosis often develops in teenage boys. It results in a sharp but short abnormal curve in the middle of the upper spine and may cause back pain. Young people with this disorder are also likely to have mild scoliosis.
Osteoporosis is one of the leading causes of kyphosis due to vertebral compression fractures in the spine. Other factors contributing to adult kyphosis are polio, trauma, arthritis, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy.
Treatment options for kyphosis
Your therapy will rely on the severity of your condition, cause, physical health, and outlook if the disorder is left untreated. The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine specialists may begin your treatment with noninvasive options such as bracing, medication, and physical therapy. They may switch to more aggressive treatments if the symptoms don’t improve.
If your disorder results from vertebral compression fractures, your provider may recommend kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. The specialist injects bone cement into the target vertebrae to strengthen the bone and restore spinal stability. Kyphoplasty involves inflating a balloon within the bone to increase the height of the affected vertebra.
Rarely does the team recommend surgery, but if your kyphosis is severe or resistant to non-surgical approaches, it may be the only option. Surgery for kyphosis focuses on correcting the abnormal curvature using spinal instrumentation and fusion.
If you experience stiffness or severe pain due to kyphosis, schedule an appointment online or call the office for a consultation.