Overview: Kyphosis of the Spine
Symptoms of Kyphosis
Kyphosis of the spine can cause fatigue, mild to moderate back pain and stiffness of the spine. Tenderness of the spinal area is also possible. These symptoms are caused by abnormalities in the spine that cause the vertebrae to become misshapen.
Congenital Kyphosis
Congenital Kyphosis is caused during fetal development that causes vertebrae to fuse together abnormally. This may cause paraplegia, or paralysis of the lower body. As time goes on, the condition usually gets progressively worse.
Postural Kyphosis
Postural Kyphosis is caused primarily by slouching, which stretches the ligaments and encourages abnormal formation of vertebrae. This form of kyphosis is more common in females than males and is usually diagnosed during adolescence. In addition to the outward curve of the upper spine, the lower spine may curve inward.
Sheuremann's Kyphosis
Sheuremann Kyphosis causes vertebrae to appear wedge shaped instead of rectangular on x-rays. This form is diagnosed primarily during adolescence, usually between 10 and 15 years old, and is more prevalent in males than females. This condition is sometimes accompanied by Schmorl nodes. Pain generally intensifies as the patient gets older.
Treatment
Regardless of the type of kyphosis, the treatment course is usually the same. In mild forms of the disease, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed. In moderate forms of the disease, more aggressive physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and back braces may be prescribed. In severe cases or when the other treatments don't work, surgery may be necessary.
Lifestyle
Generally, a person with kyphosis of the spine can lead a normal life. An exception is in the case of contact sports, especially when kyphosis is severe, in which the person's physician may recommend skipping the sport. One change that is recommended for a person with kyphosis is that she implement stretching and strengthening exercises that focus on the back and abdomen into her daily routine.
Published by Casey L. Holley
Casey Holley is a freelance writer specializing in Christian content and medical content. She has more than a decade of experience. She also enjoys writing about animals, beauty, fitness, weight loss, travel... View profile
- Risk Factors of Back Pain that You Should KnowEpidemiological studies also point to certain risk factors that influence the incidence or prevalence of low back pain. These can be divided into two major groups: occupational and patient-related.
- Marfan Syndrome: You Could Have it but Not Even Know ItThis is an article that will teach you about Marfan Syndrome and give you signs and symptoms to determine if you think you should get checked or not for it.
- 1 in Million - Rare DiseasesRecently, Michael Jackson was reported to be suffering from a rare genetic disease called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The condition is just one among the 8,000 or so known rare disease worldwide.
- Is it Just the Aches and Pains or Do You Have Osteoporosis?Do not ignore that backache or the loss of height; you could have Osteoporosis.
- Back Pain, Spinal Arthritis and Spine Fusion SurgeryBack or spine is one of the most important parts of your body. It protects the spinal cord, provides structural balance to the head, shoulders and chest, and helps balance and distribute the weight of your body.
- What is Kyphosis?
- Life with Scheuermann's Kyphosis of the Spine
- Understanding Back Pain: Your Spine and How it Works
- Marfan Syndrome: A Primer
- Living with Scheuermann's Kyphosis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
- Medical Problems Associated with Spina Bifida