Kyphosis, also called “hunch back,” is a common condition of a curvature of the upper (thoracic) spine. It can be either the result of a lifetime of bad posture (slouching), or it can be a structural, muscular abnormality in the spine.

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. Postural kyphosis – caused by bad posture – is the most common kind of kyphosis. And although it can occur in both young and old, by the time someone is in their “twilight” years, the possibilities for prevention are much more limited – as the musculoskeletal structures have become fixed.

In the young, it is quite feasible and advisable to take appropriate action. If your child (or you) slouches excessively, and you don’t feel like it’s something you can correct on your own, you’re best advised to see an orthopedist. The orthopedist can rule out severe structural and/or genetic deformities like Scheuermann’s kyphosis (a severe deformity of the spine that can run in families) or congenital kyphosis, which occurs in the developing infant. A program of correcting muscular imbalances will typically ensue.

In individuals who have degenerative disease, such as osteoporosis, it might not be possible to totally prevent kyphosis. However, even in those cases, there are preventative measures to slow down the development of kyphosis. At least, through proper management, exercise and/or physical therapy, complications such as breathing difficulties and disc herniation can be prevented.

If you’re an adult with a health condition that causes kyphosis, you might have no choice but to take aggressive measures. For example, if the degenerative condition is not recognized early enough, it’s possible that you’ll have to wear a brace, or worse, require surgery. Surgical treatment can be used in severe cases. In patients with progressive kyphotic deformity due to vertebral collapse, a procedure called a kyphoplasty may arrest the deformity and relieve the pain. The procedure is serious and consists of fusion of the abnormal vertebrae.

So, prevention is key. Kyphosis can be prevented in both children and adults. But haste is required. If you or a loved one seems to be slouching excessively or finds it difficult not to slouch, please schedule an appointment with a doctor.

What is Kyphosis? ¦ Problems that Kyphosis can Develop ¦ Kyphosis Treatment