1. Low Back Pain Slideshow
2. Take the Back Pain Quiz!
3. Good and Bad Exercises for Low Back Pain

Medical Author:

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer conducting spine biomechanics research. He then attended medical school at University of Health Sciences. He is board eligible in orthopaedic surgery.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is kyphosis?
• What are the symptoms of kyphosis?
• What causes abnormal kyphosis? What are the types of kyphosis?
• When should you seek medical attention?
• What tests is your physician likely to obtain?
• How is abnormal kyphosis treated?
• What are the potential complications of surgery for kyphosis?
• What ongoing care is required for patients with kyphosis?
• How can I prevent kyphosis?
• What is the prognosis for kyphosis?
• Kyphosis At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Kyphosis - Symptoms
• Find a local Orthopedic Surgeon in your town
• Kyphosis Index

The most common complications from surgery for kyphosis include infection and failure of the bones to heal (failure of fusion, pseudoarthrosis). Other more serious complications are much less common, including injury to the nerves or blood vessels or complications related to anesthesia.

Most patients with kyphosis do not require continued care by a physician. After the initial diagnosis and initiating physical therapy and exercises, the patient will often not need routine follow-up care. Patients that notice a progression of their curve or a worsening of their symptoms should see their doctor for further evaluation.

Scheuermann's and congenital kyphosis are both the result of a structural problem with the vertebrae. As a result, there is nothing that can be done to prevent these types of kyphosis. Bracings and exercises can help slow the progression of Scheuermann's kyphosis. Postural kyphosis can be prevented or lessened by physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the back muscles.

The majority of patient with kyphosis respond very well to a combination of physical therapy, exercises, and medications. Even in more severe cases that eventually require surgery, patients are able to return to normal activities without restrictions, in most cases, after they have fully recovered from surgery.

• There are three main types of kyphosis: postural, Scheuermann's, and congenital.
• Most cases of kyphosis do not require any treatment.
• Physical therapy and exercise are often effective in postural and Scheuermann's kyphosis.
• Surgery is recommended for congenital kyphosis and more severe cases of Scheuermann's kyphosis.