Understanding Kyphosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Treatments

Kyphosis is also referred to as “hunchback.” It is a spinal disease that makes the spine curve more than normal at the top. The upper back becomes rounded or stooping. The spine is normally very slightly curved, but if the curvature is greater than 50 degrees, kyphosis is a concern and can lead to pain, discomfort, and other issues. The goal of kyphosis treatment is to reduce symptoms and deal with particular issues.

Causes of Kyphosis 

Kyphosis occurs as a result of several causes, and the primary cause of kyphosis is crucial to deciding the appropriate treatment:

• Postural Kyphosis: Quite frequent in adolescents, it is caused by faulty posture and is flexible, i.e., it can be rectified by effort and physiotherapy.

• Scheuermann’s Disease: it is when the vertebrae in the spine develop asymmetrically and are stiffer and protuberant. We have no idea why it happens but it primarily occurs in boys at puberty.

• Congenital Kyphosis: It is a condition the patient is born with as the spine never did develop properly in the womb. It can get worse as the patient gets older, and the patient may need surgery.

• Age-Related Degeneration: In older people, conditions like osteoporosis can weaken the bones in the spine, leading to compression fractures and a curved back called kyphosis.

• Other Causes: Arthritis, spinal infections, tumors, and neuromuscular diseases are also reasons for kyphosis.

Finding Symptoms

Mild Cases of Kyphosis

• Little or no obvious symptoms:

In the initial stages or in mild kyphosis, individuals may not be aware of their kyphosis at all. The spinal curvature becomes evident slowly, without disturbing one’s posture and comfort much.

• Intermittent Back Pain: 

There can be occasional pain or stiffness in the upper back, particularly after physical activity or holding some positions for extended periods of time.

• Minor Postural Changes: 

There may be mild roundness of the shoulders or slightly stooping posture, which is only noticeable if seen from the side.

• Moderate to extreme cases.

The more the curvature, the more apparent it is. The upper thoracic spine of the back can become more prominent with a visible outward curve, typically referred to as a “hump” or “hunchback” appearance.

• Chronic back pain and stiffness

Often manifests as a persistent ache, accompanied by a rigidity that settles into the back and shoulders. This discomfort typically intensifies with physical activity or, conversely, during prolonged periods of inactivity.

• Postural imbalance 

It also appears in the form of curvature, both affecting balance and alignment of the body. Interference creates uneven wear on muscles and joints, eventually worsening pain.

• fatigue

Patients may be tired or fatigued when standing or sitting for extended periods. The abnormal spine curvature strains back muscles, which have to work harder in order to stabilize the spine, resulting in muscle fatigue.

Severe Cases.

Shortness of breath may result when the pronounced curve forward seriously compresses the chest cavity, thereby decreasing lung capacity and creating breathing challenges. This is particularly experienced during exertion or when in a reclining position.

• Cardiopulmonary Complications: 

Severe kyphosis, if not treated, can markedly affect cardiac function in elderly patients or patients with prior illness.

• Reduced Mobility:

 Mobility is also restricted by both structural and muscular limitations. This can impair daily functioning and decrease overall quality of life. In very rare cases, the curvature can extend its effects to the spinal cord, and that leads to neurological effects like numbness, tingling, or weakness of the limbs.

Present Kyphosis Treatment Strategies

Kyphosis Treatment according to the etiology, severity, and overall health of the patient:

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Physical Therapy: Back and stomach strengthening exercises can help improve pain and posture. Methods like the Schroth method have proven to decrease thoracic hyperkyphosis.

• Bracing: It is particularly helpful for adolescents with Scheuermann’s disease. It can prevent worsening of the curvature of the spine during periods of growth spurts. The Thoracic-Lumbar-Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) is one of the braces most frequently used.

• Medications: Pain over-the-counter medications and, in certain instances, osteoporosis medications can alleviate pain and avert additional issues with the spine.

Surgery Procedures

Surgery is recommended if kyphosis is resistant to nonsurgical management, severe, or progressive.

• Spinal Fusion: The most common procedure for kyphosis is spinal fusion. In this procedure, the curved vertebrae are joined together to straighten the curve and stabilize the spine. Metal rods, screws, and bone grafts stabilize the backbone until it heals.

• Osteotomy: For fixed or complex issues, an osteotomy is done. This is a procedure in which spinal bones are removed and rearranged to restore a normal posture.

• Robotic Spine Surgery: More recent technologies such as robotic surgery are more precise and less risky compared to more traditional approaches. Robotic technology assists in accurately placing screws and offers real-time images, resulting in improved outcomes and quicker recovery.

Findings of PROSPERO MEDICAL

PROSPERO MEDICAL provides sophisticated kyphosis treatment that is centered around personalized care:

• Complete Check-Up: The process begins with a complete check of the patient’s physical examination, medical history, and tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to determine the degree of curvature of the spine and any issues.

• Surgical Treatment: Posterior instruments and fusion are needed in adolescents with severe kyphosis. The surgery involves incision over the midback, removal of muscles and vertebra bones, and straightening of the curvature. Titanium screws are inserted into the pedicles of each vertebra to stabilize the spine. Real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy) is employed to direct the screws, and ongoing monitoring of spinal cord activity avoids injuring it during surgery.

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is generally used to put the patient under and pain-free for the surgery to correct kyphosis. Regional anesthesia, such as an epidural or spinal block, is also used in some cases to block pain in the lower part of the body.

• Postoperative care: Recovery involves spending a few days to a week in the hospital. Patients then undergo physical therapy to enable them to get around and gain strength. Patients can resume normal activities within 3 to 6 months, but the entire recovery process may take one year.

Recovery and Prospects

The degree of recovery from surgery depends on the complexity of the surgery and one’s health.

• Hospital Stay: Generally is a few days to a week.

• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy tends to start a few weeks following surgery. The aim is to restore strength and mobility.

• Return to Activities: Most of the patients are back to normal activities within 3 to 6 months, but recovery is complete in one year. If kyphosis is detected early, patients can receive assistance through proper treatment and care, enabling them to lead active and productive lives.

•  Pursuing Specialist Treatment: If you or your loved one is suffering from kyphosis symptoms, it is important to consult experts who can give the proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. 

Summary 

Kyphosis can impact your quality of life if not treated, but in most instances, it can be treated. At PROSPERO MEDICAL, we offer advanced, customized treatment for any type of kyphosis, whether posture-related, birth defect-related, or age-related. Our skilled spine surgeons and specialists employ the newest technology, including robotic-assisted surgery and advanced imaging, to ensure accurate diagnosis and the optimal surgical outcome. We offer complete evaluations, state-of-the-art surgery, and post-surgery follow-up. PROSPERO MEDICAL is committed to restoring spinal health and improving the lives of our patients. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of kyphosis, don’t wait—early treatment can make a big difference. Check out our Kyphosis Surgery page today and learn about our treatments, and schedule a consultation with our qualified staff. At PROSPERO MEDICAL, your spine health is very important to us—experience care that’s all about you and your recovery and long-term wellness.