Kyphosis (Curved Thoracic Spine)

Introduction of Kyphosis (Curved Thoracic Spine)

The spine is naturally curved. It does not assume a straight line for important
reasons. The normal curve of the spine makes sure that your posture and balance
is good. This way, it can support your body better. However, there are times when
the spine becomes too curved. This condition is normally referred to as kyphosis.
This can be harmful to your health because it can lead to breathing difficulties.
Kyphosis is also known by other names such as hunchback, Scheuermann's
disease, postural kyphosis, etc. it often results in loss of height and interferes with
breathing.
Types of Kyphosis (Curved Thoracic Spine)
There are three types of kyphosis: Postural, Scheuermanns, and congenital
kyphosis.
Postural Kyphosis:This is the most common form of kyphosis, and is caused by
poor posture. Postural kyphosis usually occurs in adolescents, and presents itself
in girls more than boys. In most cases, this type of kyphosis can be corrected with
physical therapy and exercise, and doesnt require any medical treatment.
Scheuermanns Kyphosis:This type of kyphosis also starts in adolescence and
is caused by a wedging of the vertebrae which can contribute to the
development ofscoliosis. X-rays are required to identify this type, but doctors
arent sure why it occurs.
Congenital Kyphosis:This is the rarest form of kyphosis. Congenital kyphosis
(found at birth) is caused by abnormal development of the vertebrae before birth,
and can cause vertebrae to fuse together. Surgery is usually recommended when

Casuses of Kyphosis (Curved Thoracic Spine)

Since kyphosis of spine is of different types, the causes vary:
Postural kyphosis is more common in girls and may be caused due to a poor
posture and slouching.
Scheuermann's kyphosis is more common in boys and becomes apparent between
ages 10 - 15. What causes it is not been known yet. However, it is for certain that
this condition has a tendency to run in families.
Congenital kyphosis may occur during foetal development. This type of kyphosis is
known to worsen as the affected child grows to become an adult. One severe and
possible complication which might result from this condition is paralysis of the
lower half of the body. In adults, the same condition may be caused by
osteoporosis, cancer or benign tumours on spine bones, spina bifida,
tuberculosis, Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue disorders, ankylosing
spondylitis and conditions that cause paralysis.

Symptoms of Kyphosis (Curved Thoracic Spine)

If kyphosis is of a mild nature, then there are as such no noticeable symptoms. But
severe cases are indicated by the affected person developing a slouching posture
or a hunch back. The patient may begin to feel his spine becoming stiff or
undergoing tenderness. Additionally, the patient may also suffer from back pain
which can be mild or severe and he may suffer fromback painwith movement. A
forward posture of the head is also a symptom of kyphosis and so is a difference in
shoulder height. Other than these,chest pain, tight hamstrings,
breathing difficultyand fatigue are the symptoms which can accompany the
condition of a rounded back. However, in some people, the neck (cervical spine)
may also develop a kyphotic curve, i.e., an outward curve. So in this case, the
symptoms might include limited neck movements,neck pain, weakness in arms
or legs, difficulty walking, loss of grip strength, low bowel control and paralysis. As
a whole, the symptoms will be similar in both the cases of kyphosis.

Treatment of Kyphosis (Curved Thoracic Spine)

Braces:A brace is normally suggested for teenagers, who are still growing and are
suffering from moderate to serious kyphosis. The brace, when worn regularly and as
prescribed, slows down or prevents further progression of the condition. It may also
correct the curvature to some extent. Patients, who wear braces, need to avoid
certain things like, playing any rigorous sport and doing strenuous physical work. In
some cases, adults may also be prescribed braces. The goal of braces is to reduce the
intensity of pain.
Medications:Pain is one of the common symptoms of kyphosis. The doctor may
prescribe pain killers in accordance with the intensity of pain that you experience.
Generally, doctors start with over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers,
like,acetaminophenand NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). If OTC pain
killers fail to provide relief, your doctor will give you stronger medications to ease
your condition. In case, tumour is the reason behind the condition, a medical
practitioner may prescribe chemotherapy drugs as well.
Exercises:There are certainexercisesthat are designed specifically to relieve
symptoms of kyphosis. If your doctor feels the need of such exercises for postural or
cervical kyphosis cure, he may refer you to a physical therapy professional. You need
to perform the exercises properly and as directed by the physical therapist. Be very
careful with the number of repetitions for each exercise. To be on the safer side,
perform them under the supervision of an expert.

Surgery:Surgeryis considered to be an option for treatment when the condition is

congenital, caused by a cancerous growth, causes sharp pain, and involves some
neurological or extreme deformities, which cannot be cured with non-surgical
methods like, bracing andphysiotherapy. Surgery always involves fusion and
attachment of instruments to the spine. The new arrangement stabilizes the spine
by correcting the deformity. The surgery, usually, leaves no chance of recurrence of
the condition. The fusion done during surgery, generally, employs a piece of the
pelvic bone to connect two vertebrae together. It prevents the curvature from
progressing.
In addition to prescriptions and recommendations of your doctor, you should take
care of your diet. Follow a healthy diet, which will strengthen your natural ability to
recuperate fast, and thus, will help you get well soon.