Kyphosis

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a rounding of the back that happens when the spinal vertebrae collapse, crack, or become compressed. The spine tips forward, resulting in an excessive forward curve or hump in the upper spine.

What causes kyphosis?

The most common cause of kyphosis is osteoporosis, a condition where the body fails to produce new bone as fast as it’s resorbing old bone. Osteoporosis causes soft, brittle bones that are susceptible to fractures and compression. 

Other causes of kyphosis include:

• Spinal arthritis or degenerative disc disease
• Poor posture or excessive slouching over time
• Improper healing of a spinal fracture or injury to the spine’s supporting ligaments
• Complications after a spinal decompression or other spine-related procedure

What are the symptoms of kyphosis?

Early on, you may not even realize you have kyphosis. The main symptom is a gradual, visible change in the way the back looks due to the curving spine. This “humpback” appearance is present even if you’re trying to stand up tall. You might also notice symptoms like back pain, aches, and stiffness.

In severe cases of kyphosis, the shifting vertebrae exert pressure on the spinal nerves and cause compression on certain organs. This can lead to severe pain and other health problems.

How is kyphosis treated?

Dr. Jones takes time to determine the cause of your spinal curvature. He may need to gather images of your spine to evaluate the vertebrae using X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. You might also need nerve tests if you’re experiencing numbness or weakness.

If you’re diagnosed with kyphosis, Dr. Jones may recommend a variety of treatment options, such as:

Non-surgical treatment for kyphosis

Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, you might benefit from:

• Prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers
• Osteoporosis medications that promote bone-strengthening
• Stretching exercises
• Wearing a body brace
• Maintaining a healthy body weight

Surgical treatment for kyphosis

Surgery is not always Dr. Jones’s initial recommendation, and conservative care is the first approach. However, it can be helpful to unpinch the spinal cord or nerve roots. The most common surgery is a spinal fusion, or lumbar instrumentation, that connects two or more of the impacted vertebrae together with metal rods, which allows the spine to heal in the correct position.

To learn more about kyphosis treatment, contact The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas today. Call or book a consultation online to get started.