Everything to Know About Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a condition affecting the cervical and thoracic region, making the spine curve outward more than normal. Its official name is hyperkyphosis, and it is characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine, often exceeding 50 degrees.

Kyphosis can affect anyone from infants to older adults. If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of kyphosis, consult this guide and a physician.

What Is Kyphosis?

The natural spinal curve ranges from 20 to 40 degrees for the upper spine and 40 to 60 degrees for the lower spine. Kyphosis occurs when the upper spine’s curvature exceeds the natural. While this is not dangerous to your health in most cases, it can affect your posture.

The main symptoms of kyphosis include:

• Curved or humped upper back
• Rounded shoulders
• Tight hamstrings

In more severe cases, you might experience:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Back pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Numbness
• Changes in bowel and urinary habits

The causes of kyphosis vary but could include persistent poor posture, injuries and structural abnormalities of the spinal vertebrae. Age may also be a contributing factor in developing kyphosis — approximately 20%-40% of people 60 and older have kyphosis that exceeds 40 degrees.

Types of Kyphosis

There are different types of kyphosis, but the most common include:

• Congenital: Congenital kyphosis results from improper or incomplete development of the spine in utero. Growth can eventually cause this kind of kyphosis to worsen, but surgical intervention can relieve some symptoms.
• Postural: The most common type, postural kyphosis generally affects adolescents and young adults. In many cases, interventions like exercise can help postural kyphosis. 
• Scheuermann’s: While vertebrae are typically rectangular, those with Scheuermann’s kyphosis have wedge-shaped vertebrae. While relatively uncommon, people with this kind of kyphosis may experience pain. Exercise and bracing can help mitigate its progression.
• Cervical: The cervical region of the spine sits where the neck meets the shoulders. Cervical kyphosis occurs when the cervical spine curves toward the front rather than its natural curve toward the back. 

Kyphosis vs. Lordosis

While there are many different spinal conditions, one that often gets mistaken for kyphosis is lordosis. With lordosis, the spine curves toward the front of the body at the lower back or neck — also called the lumbar and cervical areas. While the spine naturally curves in these areas, lordosis presents with an abnormal degree of curvature. 

Kyphosis vs. Scoliosis

Scoliosis is another common spinal condition that results in an abnormal curvature. However, rather than curving forward or back, scoliosis causes the spine to curve in an exaggerated S or C shape. Another key differentiator is that scoliosis is more often a result of genetic or developmental abnormalities of the spine, while kyphosis can result from age or injury.

How to Diagnose Kyphosis

If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a spinal specialist for a diagnosis. Once you explain your symptoms to your physician, they will conduct a physical exam. They might have you perform a bend test — standing with your knees straight and feet together, you will slowly bend at the waist while looking down at your feet. This helps the physician identify obvious spinal issues.

A spinal X-ray or an MRI scan can also help a physician diagnose kyphosis. In general, spinal curvatures greater than 50 degrees qualify as kyphosis, but many different factors influence a diagnosis. 

Can Kyphosis Be Reversed?

In the case of postural kyphosis, patients have seen success with lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet and maintaining good posture. However, treatment for kyphosis that results from factors like injury, age or developmental abnormalities is often more about managing symptoms and slowing progression.

Treatment and Management

Kyphosis is often complex, and treatment of this condition depends on individual factors. A few common options for managing kyphosis include:

• Braces: If your kyphosis is less severe, or you and your physician want to start treating it conservatively, a brace or posture corrector can help manage your symptoms. The brace supports your back muscles, helping with pain and strain from kyphosis. While a brace cannot fix spinal curvature, it can slow the progression of your condition.
• Physical therapy: Interventions like exercise are another conservative approach to treating kyphosis. While physical therapy is helpful for many different spinal conditions, exercises for kyphosis focus on flexibility, stabilization and mobility. Your doctor may also recommend wearing a brace in addition to exercise.
• Surgery: While most cases of kyphosis are not severe, some may include significant pain due to compressed nerves and spinal abnormalities. These symptoms may impact your quality of life enough that your doctor determines surgical intervention is the best path forward. Kyphosis from a fracture injury can be addressed with a surgery called a kyphoplasty, where the surgeon adds a cement-like material to support and strengthen the affected bone.

What Exercises Are Best for Kyphosis?

Physical therapy helps people with kyphosis by enhancing strength and flexibility. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you’re beginning a new exercise routine. The following movements may help relieve symptoms of kyphosis:

• Back extensions: Lying on your stomach and resting on your forearms will gently extend your back. You can hold this position for a short time, no longer than two minutes. 
• Arm raises: Start with your arms at your side, palms facing forward. Raise your arms until your hands are above your head and your elbows are bent, imitating a goalpost. Hold this position for a few seconds and then rest.
• Shoulder squeeze: Roll your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together tightly. Hold this position for a few seconds and then rest.
• Push-ups: The standard or modified push-up is a good exercise for kyphosis because it strengthens your back and shoulder muscles. Over time, this practice can make it easier to maintain the right posture.

Better sleep posture can also help you manage symptoms. The best pillow for kyphosis is one that allows the neck and spine to rest in alignment and support the back’s natural curves.  

Schedule an Appointment at New York Spine Institute

If you’re experiencing any kind of back pain or discomfort, consult the specialists at New York Spine Institute. As one of the largest spinal treatment centers in the tri-state area, we’re equipped to handle all kinds of spinal conditions, including the different types of kyphosis. Treating both kids and adults, we use innovative techniques and treatments to diagnose and address a wide range of spinal and orthopedic conditions. 

Our spine specialists will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes your individual needs into account. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at 855-908-1480.