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Our spine naturally bends gently on the thoracic section. It is necessary to eliminate the possible effects of shocks as well as to keep the head in the correct position and to keep its weight. It happens, however, that the natural curve begins to deepen, then we deal with deepened kyphosis.
What is thoracic kyphosis? It is the natural physiological curve of the thoracic spine. Deep thoracic kyphosis is a pathological deepening of the natural curve in the thoracic spine. The deepening curve can be gradual, but also very fast. It is very important to know that thoracic kyphosis affects not only bones but also ligaments and muscles to the same extent.
Thoracic kyphosis – causes
What are the main causes of deepened kyphosis? Most often, pathological bending occurs when a person maintains an incorrect body posture for a long time, i.e. he is too often in a tilted position. Deep thoracic kyphosis may also be the result of spine defects, for example it is the result of scoliosis, i.e. lateral curvature of the spine. Spine injuries contribute to other causes of the ailment, e.g. dislocation or prolapse of the disc, long-lasting inflammation or other types of spine infections. The aggravated thoracic kyphosis is the result of congenital defects of the spine, for example spina bifida. The ailment may appear in the course of osteoporosis, arthritis, and other bone degenerations. It is the result of muscular dystrophy.
Deep thoracic kyphosis is activated in diseases of the connective tissue, diseases of the endocrine system, polio and Paget’s disease. The disease is a condition that can affect anyone regardless of gender and age. In children, deepened thoracic kyphosis may be the result of Scheuermann’s disease, in the course of this disease, muscle degradation occurs without the participation of bacteria, fungi or other viruses. Deep thoracic kyphosis occurs in the elderly.
What are the symptoms of severe thoracic kyphosis?
- the most characteristic feature of the disease is a rounded back
- a hump appears in the advanced stage of the disease
- the chest becomes flat and sunken
- visible separation of the shoulder blades from the chest
- the chin does not project over the chin, which means that the head is tilted too forward (this is a result of an incorrect position)
Worsening thoracic kyphosis causes pain as it puts pressure on the spine and can also be painful when breathing.
Deep thoracic kyphosis – treatment
Before treatment is started, the doctor palpates the spine and checks the degree of flexion. The next step is to perform an X-ray of the spine (the entire spine is examined). When the course of thoracic kyphosis is milder, particularly invasive treatment is not undertaken, the patient is referred to physical therapy, and also receives instructions on how to exercise independently at home. For this type of exercise, we can use, for example, the Dynapad sensorimotor pillow supporting the muscles of the spine.
Specialist treatment covers patients in the advanced stage of the disease. The treatment includes painkillers, orthopedic braces, appropriate exercises, corrective gymnastics. In cases where thoracic kyphosis is the result of a tumor, hospitalization and surgical treatment are necessary. Manual therapy and massages are recommended, and according to specialists, yoga can also help.
The Vitolog posture corrector will help you maintain the correct body posture, which you can use as a support in the treatment of kyphosis.