Kyphosis is a deformity of the spinal column, describing an exaggerated curvature of the upper back. It often causes the formation of a hump back, which is the most apparent manifestation of this condition.

Everyone already has kyphosis in their thoracic spine to a certain degree, because it’s the natural curve that occurs in the spine. When it is curved too much, the terms “hunchback” or “humpback” are used to describe the condition.

Kyphosis is usually preventable. There’s something to the old phrase “sit up straight” that our parents always reminded us to do at the dinner table. In the young, it is quite feasible and advisable to take appropriate action.

The treatment of kyphosis largely depends on the cause of the deformity, the magnitude of the curve, the rate of the increase in curve size, and the severity of the signs and symptoms.