Kyphosis is rounding of the upper spine that causes the person to have a hunched back. In cases of severe
kyphosis, which is also called Scheuermann's disease, the curvature can press
against the nerve that runs through the spinal column and cause paralysis.
Kyphosis may be present at birth (congenital) or may be caused by
injury, infection, or disease. Kyphosis associated with bone thinning
(osteoporosis) in older people often is called a dowager's hump.