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What is kyphosis in adults? — Kyphosis is the term doctors use to describe an abnormal curving of the upper back. A normal backbone (spine) has a slight curve. When a person has kyphosis, the upper part of the spine curves more than normal. This causes a rounded or hunched back (figure 1).
Kyphosis is also called "hyperkyphosis" or "dowager's hump."
What causes kyphosis in adults? — Kyphosis in adults happens because of problems with different parts of the spine (figure 2). These include:
●Vertebrae – These are the bones of the spine that sit on top of one another like a stack of coins.
●Discs – These are the rubbery cushions between each of the vertebrae.
●Muscle, tendons, and ligaments – Together, these are known as the "soft tissues" of the back. These tissues support the back.
The problems that can cause kyphosis include:
●Osteoporosis – This disease causes weak bones that break too easily. Tiny cracks or breaks in the vertebrae (called "vertebral fractures") can cause the vertebrae to lose height.
●Degenerative disc disease – This happens when the spinal discs start to shrink and break down.
●Weak muscles in the lower back – Weak back muscles can make it hard to stand up straight.
What are the symptoms of kyphosis? — The main symptom is a hunched or rounded back that might hurt or feel stiff. Other possible symptoms can include:
●Neck or hip pain
●Trouble breathing
●Trouble swallowing
●Having acid that is normally in your stomach back up into your throat (a condition called "acid reflux")
●Having a hard time doing everyday things, like walking, getting up from a chair, dressing, and bathing
Is there a test for kyphosis? — Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell if you have it by doing an exam. But you might also get a back X-ray or other tests to measure the curve of your back.
How is kyphosis treated? — The treatment depends on what caused the problem and how serious it is. Treatments can include:
●Exercises to improve posture and strengthen the back
●Medicines to ease pain
●Surgery – Doctors do surgery only if a person has trouble breathing or has very bad pain that does not get better with medicines or other treatments.
