What is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the upper spine which makes the back appear more rounded than usual, causing pain and stiffness.
Kyphosis can affect anyone and is often caused by bad posture or a structural problem with the spine.

What are the causes?
¡D Poor posture over a long period of time is a common cause of kyphosis. Sustaining a slouched posture for example can cause weakening of the muscles and ligaments in the back and can increase the curvature of the spine.

¡D A structural problem with the spine. There are several conditions that affect the structure of the spine and may include arthritis, osteoporosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis, fractures of the vertebrae, spondylolisthesis, neurofibromatosis, and spina bifida.

¡D Congenital kyphosis which means that kyphosis is present at birth. This is the least common type of abnormal kyphosis is caused by an abnormal development of the vertebrae in the womb.


What are the symptoms?
¡DBack pain
¡DMuscle fatigue
¡DStiffness in the back
¡DYour back will also appear slouched or hunched, depending on how severe the roundness of the spine is.

What are the treatments?
The treatment will depend on your individual symptoms and the degree of curvature.

In the majority of people with kyphosis, chiropractic and physiotherapy will help to strengthen the supporting muscles of the spine and correct poor posture. In more severe cases or when kyphosis is getting worse quickly, it may be necessary for a spinal brace to be worn to prevent further curvature, or to have spinal surgery.

In these cases, chiropractic and physiotherapy will be involved following your operation to facilitate healing and speed up your recovery.


Chiropractic and physiotherapy will be tailored to you but may include:
¡DRange of movement exercises for the spine, neck and shoulders to relieve stiffness.

¡DPassive stretching to increase range and reduce tension.

¡DChiropractic adjustment and joint mobilisation

¡DSoft tissue massage

¡DStrengthening exercises for the abdominal muscles and back extensors to stabilise the spine and maximise function.

¡DBreathing exercises such as diaphragmatic and lateral costal breathing are sometimes taught to reduce stiffness in the ribs.

¡DContinual postural management. Mirror therapy is often used to increase awareness poor posture and correct it accordingly.

¡DErgonomic assessment.

¡DIt is important to realise, however, that correction of a kyphotic posture takes time and compliance with physiotherapy is vital for the best possible outcome.