Kyphosis

Kyphosis

It is defined as the forward bending of back. It is common in old age but can occur in any age. This is occurred due to the weakness in the bones which cause them bend toward forward.

Symptoms

In mild cases it does not produce any signs and symptoms but some people complain back stiffness and pain because of curved spine.

Causes

It is occur due to the bending of vertebral column, which is occur due to following reasons:

• Osteoporosis
• Disk degeneration
• Fractures
• Birth defect
• Malignancy
• Scheuermann’s disease

Complications

It may cause certain complications which include:

• Poor body image
• Physical disability
• Breathing difficulty
• Digestive problems

Diagnosis

After conducting physical examination your doctor might recommend the following test to check the extend of curving:

• MRI to check any tumor in spinal cord
• Nerve conducting test
• X-rays
• Bone density test to check the bone mass in vertebrae

Treatment

Treatment option for kyphosis included:

• Medication to treat the osteoporosis
• Pain killers
• Exercise to strengthen the muscles
• Bracing to reduce the disfiguring of vertebrae
• Surgery to correct the bony defect