Kyphosis, also known as hunchback, is a condition in which the spine bends forward more than it should. There are many causes of kyphosis, ranging from poor posture to birth damage. There are many types of kyphosis, the symptoms of which can vary in adults and children. A person who thinks they have kyphosis should consult a specialist doctor. If the doctor detects kyphosis, he/she decides on the degree of kyphosis and the most appropriate treatment for the patient and proceeds to the application phase.
What is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis, also known as hunchback, is a condition in which the spine bends forward in an abnormal way. Normally, the spine is already curved at the back of the body. Kyphosis is when this curvature is above the required degree, i.e. about 60 degrees, and therefore the hollowing in the lumbar region is reduced to less than 15 degrees or completely eliminates the hollowing. When the degree of kyphosis increases and becomes a disease, it is called abnormal kyphosis.
Causes of Kyphosis
- Poor posture
- Abnormal shape of the vertebrae (Scheuermann's disease)
- Damage at birth
- Growing old
- Injury to the spine
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped disc)
- Weak muscles in the upper back
- Bone resorption
- Calcification
- Failure of the spine to form properly
- Osteitis deformans (Paget's)
- Cancer in the vertebrae or cancer that spreads from the body to the vertebrae
- Inflammation in the spine
- Polio
What are the Symptoms of Kyphosis?
Symptoms of Kyphosis in Adults(H3): The most common symptom of kyphosis is forward curvature, and this symptom varies depending on the severity of the curvature and the underlying cause. These symptoms can be expressed as follows:
- Pain of varying intensity in the back and shoulder area
- Rounded shoulders
- Visible shortening in height as a result of curvature of the bones
- Posture disorder and difficulty standing upright
- Feeling of extreme fatigue, especially in the muscles
- Difficulty breathing
Symptoms of Kyphosis in Infants and Children:
Kyphosis is a condition that can occur in adulthood, but it can rarely occur during the development of the baby in the womb. Some abnormal conditions that occur in infants as the spine begins to develop are also among the causes of kyphosis. Detection of kyphosis in infants can be achieved with the careful approach of parents. As with any disease, early diagnosis is important in kyphosis. Kyphosis can be treated with surgery after babies pass the age of 1 year. Symptoms of kyphosis in infants can be expressed as follows:
- Visible abnormalities in the legs and arms
- Size and posture disproportions in the body
- Balance disorders
- Visible forward curvature
Types of Kyphosis
Postural Kyphosis
Kyphosis is the most common and mildest type of kyphosis. It is mostly seen during adolescence and it is not always possible to see the curvature of the spine. Because it has a flexible structure, the curvature can sometimes disappear as its position changes. It can occur due to poor posture or weakening of the ligaments and muscles around the spine. Medical treatment is usually not needed. It is possible to improve with some special movements and physical therapy. Symptoms include low-intensity pain and muscle weakness.
Scheuermann Kyphosis
Scheuermann's kyphosis, also known as structural hunchback, is a type of kyphosis that is more common in children in early adolescence. Usually the curvature is over 55 degrees and is caused by a problem in an underlying bone or soft tissue. If Scheuermann's kyphosis is moderate, corset treatment can be applied. The corsets are used to prevent the curvature from increasing in growing children. These corsets do not completely cure the disease, they only keep the kyphosis at its current level and prevent it from increasing further.
Congenital kyphosis
It is a type of kyphosis that occurs due to a defect in the anterior part of the spine before the baby is born, in the womb. The baby is born with a hunchback.
Degenerative Kyphosis
As the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate and wear out, the body leans forward and kyphosis occurs. This type of kyphosis is called degenerative kyphosis.
Nutritional Kyphosis
Mostly observed in children and the elderly, it can also occur in other age groups and is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D and other vitamins.
Iatrogenic Kyphosis
It is a type of kyphosis caused by complications during surgical procedures.
How is Kyphosis Diagnosed?
During the diagnostic process, a physical examination is performed as deemed appropriate by the doctor and in accordance with the patient's medical history. This examination includes a height check and a check of the degree of spinal curvature. The physiologically required angle of curvature of the spine is determined. If the curvature of the spine is greater than this angle, the patient is diagnosed with kyphosis. The following methods can be used in the diagnostic process:
- MRI
- Pulmonary function test
- Grafi
- Nerve tests
Kyphosis Treatment
The main aim of kyphosis treatment is to prevent further progression of the curvature and deformation. Kyphosis treatment is determined by many factors.
- Types of kyphosis
- How severe the curve is
- Medical history and age of the patient
- Number of growth years remaining
Non-surgical treatment options are more recommended for patients with postural kyphosis and Scheuermann kyphosis with a curve less than 75 degrees.
Observation
For kyphosis diagnosed in pediatric patients, regular examinations and X-rays are performed until the child is fully grown. Other treatments are usually not needed unless the existing curve worsens or causes pain.
Physiotherapy
Some exercises specially selected for kyphosis help to strengthen the muscles in the back and abdomen, thus reducing pain and helping to correct posture.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ipubrofen, aspirin and naproxen help to reduce back pain caused by kyphosis.
Support
Corset treatment is available for people with Scheuermann's kyphosis that continues to grow. The type of corset and how many hours a day it should be worn is determined by the curve.
Surgical treatment is available for people with congenital kyphosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis with a curve greater than 75 degrees and whose low back pain does not decrease in severity despite non-surgical treatment. The most common of these treatments is spinal fusion. Spinal fusion can simply be called a welding procedure; spinal fusion aims to fuse the curved vertebrae together into a solid, single piece of bone. This can reduce back pain as the movement between the vertebrae is eliminated. The rate of fusion of the spine is related to the degree of curvature.