Patient education: Kyphosis in adults (The Basics)

What is kyphosis in adults? — 

This is 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? — 

It happens because of problems with different parts of the spine (figure 2). These include:

●Vertebrae – These are the bones of the spine. Each has a hole in the center. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, and the holes form a hollow tube called the "spinal canal." The spinal cord passes through this tube and is protected by the vertebrae.

●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 – This 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

●Acid reflux, which is when acid that is normally in the stomach backs up into the throat

●Having a hard time doing everyday things, like walking, getting up from a chair, dressing, and bathing

Will I need tests? — 

Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell if you have kyphosis 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.

More on this topic

Patient education: Kyphosis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone mass) (The Basics)
Patient education: Degenerative disc disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty (The Basics)