Kyphosis, that is, a round back. What is worth knowing about it?

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Excessive spinal kyphosis is a deformation of the body shape known as “round back”. This is a serious defect of various origins. It can develop at any age and, if left untreated, lead to serious health problems. Most often, the therapy of kyphosis consists of a set of exercises and physiotherapeutic procedures.

Kyphosis – what is it?

Kyphosis is a completely natural rounding of the spine to the dorsal side. It occurs in its sacral and thoracic sections. Kyphosis lordosis is the normal curvature of the spine, thanks to which a person can maintain an upright posture, maintain the correct volume of the chest and withstand heavy vertical loads. This condition is called physiological kyphosis.

During life, kyphosis may deviate, but with proper posture and hygiene, physiology of the body, these deviations should not pose a threat to health. Such a correct deviation is assumed to be from 20 to 40-45 degrees in relation to the body axis. If it is greater or if kyphosis occurs in other parts of the spine, pathological, i.e. abnormal, kyphosis appears. This defect of posture requires specialist treatment as it can disrupt the proper functioning of the body.

Pathological kyphosis – what does it mean?

KPathological disease is a state of deviation of less than 20 degrees (disappearance of kyphosis) or greater than 40-45 degrees in the thoracic or sacral spine. The definition of kyphosis also speaks of abnormalities if an unnatural deviation appears in atypical sections of the spine:

1. lumbar kyphosis – lumbar kyphosis is excessive stretching of the lumbar section to the rear (at the level of the kidneys),
2. thoracic kyphosis – thoracic kyphosis is a defect of posture manifested in the so-called round back,
3. cervical kyphosis – cervical kyphosis is the excessive stretching of the cervical spine backwards and the downward movement of the neck.

Often, pathological spinal kyphosis is referred to as excessive kyphosis or thoracic (thoracic) hyperphosis and sacral (sacral) hyperphosis. This is to distinguish the medical condition from a normal, healthy spine deflection.

See also: «Structure of the spine. Everything worth knowing about the spine »

Kyphosis – symptoms

Kyphosis in the spine is noticeable to the naked eye. Unfortunately, it is also felt by the patient himself, because it significantly affects the quality of functioning. The most important symptoms of kyphosis are:

1. deepening of the deviation of the thoracic spine,
2. round back,
3. protrusion of the head forward and slightly downwards (protraction process),
4. spread and protruding shoulder blades,
5. moving the shoulders forward,
6. rounded shoulders,
7. change of the physiological setting of the pelvis,
8. chest collapse and flattening
9. muscle weakness and inappropriate tension – especially the back muscles,
10. contractures of the chest muscles,
11. back pain resulting from unnatural pressures,
12. worsening breathing difficulties.

Also read: “Genes That Stiffen the Spine”

Kyphosis – what is it for?

There are many causes of kyphosis. Some result from acquired or congenital health problems, others result from neglect of physical activity and occupational hygiene. What does kyphosis depend on?

The first group of causes of kyphosis is diseases of the locomotor system. It is mainly about osteoporosis, arthritis, rickets resulting from vitamin D deficiency, scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine) or general, though not always advanced, posture defects. Kyphosis can also arise as a consequence of complications in the course of cancer, tuberculosis or inflammation. It is directly related to vertebral fractures.

The neglect of physical activity is also of great importance in the development of hyperphosis. Lack of movement, and therefore exercise of the neck and back muscles, causes them to weaken, giving the bones the possibility of deformation. The development of kyphosis can also be provoked by incorrect carrying of loads. To this should be added improper work hygiene at the desk. Kyphosis can develop in a person who maintains an inappropriate sitting position for a long time, bends down to look at the computer, and sits carelessly in a chair. Long-term and frequent browsing of content on a smartphone with tilted head also does not help a healthy spine. The reason will also be a visual impairment (bending over, approaching the text with your face).

Much less often, kyphosis is the result of certain diseases and damage to the spine. These include disc prolapse, birth defects in the spine, inflammation in the spine, tumors growing in the vertebrae, spina bifida, degenerative bone disease, muscular dystrophy, and neuromuscular disorders. Other rare but possible causes of spinal kyphosis include polio, Paget’s disease, connective tissue diseases, arthritis and hormonal diseases. It happens that kyphosis appears with age, without significant reasons.

One of the sources of the development of kyphosis is also Scheuermann’s disease, a type of bone necrosis. This is typical kyphosis in children. It affects both boys and girls under the age of 10, which is why it is often called adolescent kyphosis. The psychological factor of kyphosis is also associated with adolescence. During adolescence, girls often hunch over their growing breasts, while both sexes tend to bend their shoulders forward when overweight.

Kyphosis – diagnosis

The diagnosis of kyphosis in a patient, although possible to establish after examining the figure, requires confirmation. First of all, if you suspect kyphosis, which doctor should you go to? According to the Polish health care system, it will be the family doctor who will write a referral to an orthopedist in the first place.

A specialist doctor will perform a basic palpation examination of the spine (touching specific places in order to sense the abnormal structures of interest). During the examination, the patient must make specific movements to indicate the possible extent of flexion and rotation of the spine. An additional examination for kyphosis is a comprehensive X-ray examination (along the entire length of the spine – up, down, front, back). It is performed in a lying or standing position with arms stretched forward and the head held straight.

Kifoza – skutki

The spine with kyphosis is a condition that, if left untreated, can have a negative impact on health and quality of life – if the patient does not implement it, let alone follow systematic exercises and the rehabilitation process. The consequences of kyphosis include:

1. the formation of a distinctive hump from the so-called rounded back,
2. acceleration of limitation of the mobility of the spine due to degenerative processes within it,
3. excessive tension and overload of the muscles stabilizing certain sections of the spine, and at the same time weakening of other parts of the muscles,
4. the appearance of pain due to muscle tension, pressure on nerves in the chest and abnormal tension of ligaments and tendons,
5. deepening of lordosis in the lumbar spine,
6. cardiovascular abnormalities, including blood flow disorders,
7. trouble breathing, difficulty catching breath, and in the advanced stage of kyphosis also impaired respiratory function due to pressure on the lungs.

Also read: “Yoga reduces stress and back pain in office workers”

Kyphosis – treatment

The choice of the appropriate treatment method depends on the causes of kyphosis and its severity. As for cervical and thoracic kyphosis resulting from postural defects, the treatment is not complicated. The most commonly recommended exercises are corrective exercises for the spine. Use the Dynapad sensorimotor pillow during your exercises, which you can buy at a favorable price at Medonet Market.

In addition, people with kyphosis are recommended to sleep on a hard mattress using an orthopedic pillow. Yoga is a good idea with kyphosis.

More difficult cases of kyphosis will qualify for rehabilitation. This one will be based on exercises with the help of a physiotherapist, as well as treatments:

1. massages,
2. chiropractic (a type of manual therapy),
3. thermotherapy,
4. hydrotherapy,
5. electrotherapy

The youngest patients with hyperphosis may also be advised to wear orthopedic harnesses, while kyphosis in adults will be associated with the possible use of an orthopedic corset, which will allow them to maintain the correct posture during the day. In advanced cases, therapy may be supported with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Kyphosis surgery is the last resort. Specialists choose them in people with spinal deformity as a result of cancer, inflammation and mechanical injuries of the spine. The aim of the operation may be to fuse the vertebrae or stabilize the spine. In the treatment process, it will be important to simultaneously treat the diseases that led to kyphosis.

Juvenile kyphosis is the most difficult to cure. Early detection gives it a good prognosis, as it allows for measures to be taken to delay the deformation of the spine. In this case, it is important to perform exercises to strengthen the back muscles, as well as avoid activities that overload the spine.

Supporting the treatment of kyphosis is the Vitolog posture corrector, available at a favorable price on the Medonet Market.

Kyphosis – home exercises

Exercises for thoracic kyphosis are aimed at correcting posture defects, spine deformities, as well as stretching and strengthening the muscles of the back, chest and neck. It is also important to develop proper movement and breathing habits. The number and intensity of exercises for kyphosis will be determined by the orthopedist or physiotherapist after prior determination of the patient’s possibilities and needs.

Here are some examples of kyphosis exercises.

1. When standing, place your feet gently apart and lift your arms to the sides, perpendicular to your body. While inhaling, slowly fold your arms back. Deflate the air. Then, inhale again, stretch your arms forward. Repeat 20 times.
2. Stand up straight and let your arms free along your body. You need a rehabilitation tape for this exercise. Grab it and pass the middle of it under both feet, holding the ends with your hands. Pull the rubber on slowly, bending your elbows. Do this exercise for kyphosis 15 times.
3. The prone position, exercise with tape. Place a rolled-up thin blanket or towel under your chest. Stretch your arms out in front of you, pulling the tape horizontally in your hands and keeping your head in line with your body. Then, unhurriedly slide the tape over your head as you pull your shoulder blades together. Return to original position. Do the exercise 20 times.
4. The starting position for this kyphosis exercise is kneeling down. Take a stick and raise it to chest height, arms bent at the elbows. Straighten your shoulders and pass the stick behind your head, leaving it at the shoulder line. In the same way, return to the original position. Repeat 10 times.
5. Supported kneeling, right angle between thighs and torso. Raise yourself to a kneeling sit, stretching your arms firmly forward. Return to original position and do this kyphosis exercise 15 times.