Kyphosis
Medical Author: Jason C. Eck,
DO, MS
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel
Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is kyphosis?
The spine has a series of normal curves when viewed from the side. These curves
help to better absorb the loads applied to the spine from the weight of the
body. The cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) are have a normal
inward curvature that is medically referred to as lordosis
or "lordotic" curvature by which the spine is bent backward. The thoracic
spine (upper back) has a normal outward curvature that is medically referred to
as kyphosis or the "kyphotic" curve by which the spine is bent forward.
The spine is normally straight when looking from the front. An abnormal curve
when viewed from the front is called
scoliosis. Scoliosis can occur from design at birth or from rotation or an
abnormal twisting of the vertebrae as from pain.
The normal curves of the spine allow the head to be balanced directly over the
pelvis. If one or more of these curves is either too great or too small, the
head may not be properly balanced over the pelvis. This can lead to
back pain, stiffness, and an altered gait or
walking pattern.
What are the symptoms of kyphosis?
The most common symptoms for patients with an abnormal kyphosis are the
appearance of poor posture with a hump appearance of the back or "hunchback,"
back pain, muscle fatigue, and stiffness in the back. Most often, these symptoms
remain fairly constant and do not become progressively worse with time.
In more severe situations, the patient may notice their symptoms worsening
with time. The kyphosis can progress, causing a more exaggerated hunchback. In
rare cases, this can lead to compression of the spinal cord with neurologic
symptoms including weakness, loss of sensation, or loss of
bowel and bladder control. Severe cases of thoracic kyphosis can also limit the amount of space in the
chest and cause cardiac and pulmonary problems leading to
chest pain and shortness of breath.
Next: What causes abnormal kyphosis? What are the types of kyphosis? »
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