Kyphosis is a spinal disorder characterized by an excessive outward curve of the spine, resulting in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. It can cause the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal. There are different types of kyphosis, including postural kyphosis, Scheuermanns kyphosis, and congenital kyphosis. Postural kyphosis is the most common type and is usually noticed during adolescence, often due to poor posture or slouching, but it is not associated with severe structural abnormalities of the spine. Scheuermanns kyphosis is caused by a structural abnormality in the spine, where three or more consecutive vertebrae have a more triangular shape, leading to an exaggerated forward curvature in the upper back. Congenital kyphosis is present at birth and occurs when the spinal column fails to develop normally while the baby is in the womb, often resulting in the fusion of several vertebrae or abnormal bone formation.
Kyphosis can be caused by various factors, including poor posture, abnormally shaped vertebrae, abnormal development of the spine in the womb, and age-related changes in spinal curvature. In older people, kyphosis is often due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack. Other types of kyphosis can appear in infants or teens due to malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal bones over time. Mild kyphosis causes few problems, but severe kyphosis can lead to pain and be disfiguring. Treatment for kyphosis depends on the individuals age, the cause, and the effects of the curvature. It may include exercises to strengthen core muscles, pain-relieving medications, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stop the curve from getting worse.
