Kyphosis is the natural curvature of the thoracic spine, i.e., the upper back region, meant to support the weight of the head. However, the term “kyphosis” is generally used to describe an abnormally curved or rounded upper back or the flattening of the normal curves of the lumbar spine. People with kyphosis have a visible hump on the upper back, they seem to be constantly slouching, and the hump adds pressure to the spine, leading to back pain. At an advanced stage, kyphosis may cause severe discomfort and pain while walking or standing.
Kyphosis
Don't Live with Pain & discomfort
Potential Causes
- Poor posture
- Aging
- Scheuermann’s disease
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal injuries
- Herniated discs
- Scoliosis
- Other underlying conditions
“Getting an appointment was quick and easy. The ladies I spoke with were all very professional, friendly, and helpful, whether it was a phone call or in-person visits. Being able to complete paperwork online before going to the office was convenient as well. Dr. McHugh was very professional and gave a clear and honest opinion and plan moving forward.”
Types
Scheuermann’s Disease
Scheuermann’s disease is a rare childhood disorder wherein the front of the vertebrae become wedge-shaped, leading to an abnormal curve of the thoracic spine. This disease is extremely under-diagnosed because mild kyphosis is often attributed to poor posture. It increases back pain on one side of the spine and the risk of a herniated disc.
Post-Traumatic Kyphosis
Post-traumatic kyphosis often occurs after a fall, accident, or untreated injuries in the spine. A fractured spine may lead to post-traumatic kyphosis and other spinal problems. Post-traumatic kyphosis usually leads to spinal ligament compression, leading to severe pain and disability. As such, it’s often diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Senile Kyphosis
Senile kyphosis refers to the abnormal curvature of the thoracic region due to the natural process of aging, poor posture, underlying conditions like cancer or osteoporosis, or the long-term use of steroidal medications that decrease the bone mass. Most patients don’t feel senile kyphosis initially but eventually seek diagnosis when they suffer from severe spinal misalignment and breathing problems.
Diagnosis
Dr. Brian McHugh conducts a series of physical examinations to determine the root cause of your kyphosis. He may ask you to bend in different ways to examine the curvature of your spine or check your muscle strength and reflexes. After the initial examination, he may recommend a series of imaging tests and nerve tests.
- Imaging Tests: Dr. McHugh may recommend x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to examine the degree of spinal curvature, possible deformities, tumors, or infections in the spine.
- Nerve Tests: Dr. McHugh may recommend nerve tests to determine how your nerve impulses travel to your extremities. He may recommend this test if he identifies signs of muscle weakness or numbness.
- Bone Density Test: Dr. McHugh may test your bone density level because it worsens your kyphosis.
Treatment
Kyphosis can occur because of several underlying conditions, ranging from mild to severe. Dr. McHugh personally curates a treatment plan ideally suited to address your unique concerns and problems. He treats kyphosis with nonsurgical and noninvasive treatments, such as pain medications, bone-strengthening medications, physical therapy, exercises, and spinal braces. However, he may recommend surgical procedures if you have advanced or severe kyphosis affecting your spinal cord or nerve roots.
