Kyphosis

Kyphosis [ky-FOH-sis] is the medical term for a rounded curve in the upper (thoracic) spine. It is sometimes called “hunchback” or round back. In most cases it does not require treatment.

Kyphosis can happen at any age, but most often during adolescence (9 to 19 years) when the bones are growing quickly.

There are three types of kyphosis:

• Postural kyphosis is the most common type. It usually happens when the child does not stand or sit up straight. It’s more common in teenage girls.
• Congenital kyphosis is when there’s a problem with the development of the bones (vertebrae) in the upper back before birth. Congenital means that a baby is born with the problem.
• Scheuermann kyphosis is when some of the vertebrae in the back are not normally shaped, creating a severe curve in the spine.

The most common sign of kyphosis is a curved or rounded spine in the upper back just below the neck. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Rounded shoulders
• Stiffness in the spine
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Pain (in the most severe cases)

See your child’s healthcare provider for regular checkups and when there are any changes in your child’s condition, such as:

• New or increased back pain
• Weakness or tingling in an arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased curving in the spine

If kyphosis is diagnosed and treated early, most kids can lead a happy, healthy life. If left untreated, kyphosis can lead to a number of problems later in life.

The causes of kyphosis vary, but all causes usually result in changes in the bones of the spine. Some things that can cause those changes are:

• Poor posture
• Rapid or irregular growth
• Developmental problems in the womb
• Infection
• Trauma or injury
• Treatment for other medical conditions
• Metabolic disease
• Dwarfism (skeletal dysplasia)
• Cancer

Kyphosis is most commonly diagnosed with a physical exam and x-rays. Additional imaging tests, such as an MRI scan, may be needed to check for possible problems with the nerves and spinal cord. If the curvature is severe, your child may need tests to check for breathing problems.

Treatment for your child’s kyphosis will depend on the type of kyphosis they have and how bad it is.

Postural kyphosis is most often treated with an exercise program and sometimes bracing. More severe types of kyphosis may be treated with:

• Exercise and/or physical therapy to strengthen specific muscles
• Braces or a cast to direct spine curvature and bone growth
• Surgery to correct the curvature as much as possible
• Medicine to treat a related medical condition or manage pain

It is not possible to prevent all types of kyphosis. The best way to prevent postural kyphosis is to encourage your child to sit and stand up straight and to follow your child’s treatment plan as ordered by the healthcare provider.

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Kyphosis [ky-FOH-sis] is the medical term for a rounded curve in the upper spine. It is sometimes called “hunchback” or round back. In most cases it does not require treatment. It can happen at any age.