Kyphosis

A rounded upper back, called kyphosis, is a common condition. Often, as people get older, their spinal bones weaken and compress, leading to a curved upper back. This is a type of kyphosis. However, kyphosis can also affect infants and teenagers. In these cases, the curve might be due to the spine developing improperly, or the spinal bones gradually shifting out of alignment.

A slight curve in the upper back usually isn't a problem. But a severe curve can cause pain and make a person's appearance change.

The best treatment for kyphosis depends on several things, including the person's age, the cause of the curve, and how severe it is.

A small curve in your upper back, called kyphosis, is normal. Many people have a slight curve, and it doesn't usually cause any problems. However, if the curve becomes much bigger than usual, you might feel pain and stiffness in your back. If you notice a noticeably increased curve in your upper back, or if you see this in your child, it's important to see a doctor.

If you notice your upper back curving more than usual, or if you see a similar change in your child's spine, please schedule a checkup with your doctor.

Your spine is like a stack of small, bony cylinders called vertebrae. Normally, these vertebrae are pretty straight. Kyphosis happens when some of the vertebrae in your upper back start to become more like wedges, curving outward. This can happen for a few reasons:

• Broken bones (fractures): If a vertebra breaks, it can change its shape and cause the spine to curve. Compression fractures are the most common type of spinal fracture. These fractures happen when the bones weaken, often due to osteoporosis. Sometimes, a minor compression fracture doesn't cause any obvious pain or problems.

• Weak bones (osteoporosis): When your bones are weak, they're more likely to fracture, especially the vertebrae. This weakening can lead to the vertebrae curving more, resulting in kyphosis. Osteoporosis is more common in older women and people who have taken steroid medicines for a long time.

• Flattened disks: Between each vertebra are soft, round cushions called disks. As we age, these disks can flatten and shrink. This can put more pressure on the vertebrae and worsen the curve of the spine.

• Scheuermann's disease: This is a condition that often shows up during the teen years. It causes the vertebrae in the upper back to curve abnormally.

• Other issues: Sometimes, the vertebrae don't develop correctly before birth, which can result in kyphosis. It's also possible that other medical conditions in children can contribute to the development of kyphosis.

Kyphosis, a curving of the spine, is more common in older adults. This is because as people age, their bones become less dense and the discs in their spine wear down. In children, some inherited conditions can also raise the chances of developing kyphosis. These conditions include things like osteogenesis imperfecta (a disorder affecting bone strength), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (a group of disorders affecting connective tissues), and Marfan syndrome (a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues).

Kyphosis, a curved spine, can lead to a number of problems beyond just back pain.

One key issue is limited movement and function. A curved spine can weaken the back muscles, making everyday activities like walking, getting up from chairs, and even driving more challenging. The curve can also make it hard to look up and can cause discomfort when lying down.

Back pain is another common symptom of kyphosis, particularly in more severe cases.

Finally, self-image issues can arise, especially in adolescents. A rounded back can impact how a person feels about their appearance.

Your doctor will likely do a complete physical exam. This might involve asking you to bend forward so they can see your spine. They'll also check your reflexes and muscle strength.

To get a better understanding of what's going on, your doctor might order some tests:

• X-rays or CT scans: These pictures can show how curved your spine is and if there are any problems with your vertebrae (the bones in your spine). A CT scan gives a more detailed look than an X-ray if your doctor needs a closer view.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses a strong magnet to create detailed images of your spine. This can help find a recent fracture.

• Nerve tests: If you have numbness or weakness in your muscles, your doctor might order tests to see how well signals are traveling from your spinal cord to your arms and legs. These tests can help pinpoint where the problem is in your nervous system.