Kyphosis: The Hump on Your Back and How to Get Rid of It

Kyphosis, also known as a hunchback, describes the abnormal forward curvature of the thoracic spine (the spine between the neck and lower back). If left untreated, kyphosis can lead to breathing difficulties, poor posture, or nerve damage in the spinal cord and other areas of the body. The good news is that there are simple treatments that you can use to prevent or reduce this condition in your spine. Read on to learn more about how to treat kyphosis and how you can avoid it if you’re at risk of developing it.

What Is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine normally has a gentle S-shaped curve when viewed from the side. With kyphosis, the spine takes on more of a C-shape. Kyphosis can occur at any age, but it’s most common in older adults.

Causes and Risk Factors

Kyphosis is a spinal condition that results in a rounded upper back. It can be caused by genetic conditions, bad posture, osteoporosis, or other health conditions.

 People of all ages can develop kyphosis, but it is most common in older adults. Kyphosis can lead to pain and difficulty moving.  

Kyphosis sign and symptoms 

 People with kyphosis can have a rounding of the shoulders, which can make them appear hunched over. Kyphosis can also cause pain in the back and neck. In severe cases, it can limit mobility and interfere with breathing. Kyphosis is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence, but it can occur at any age. 

Treatment Options

There are a few different treatment options available for kyphosis, depending on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, a simple brace or posture correction exercises may be enough to fix the problem. More severe cases may require surgery to correct the curvature of the spine. In extreme cases, a halo device may be used to stabilize the spine while it heals. Some people with kyphosis also opt for alternative treatments like chiropractic care or acupuncture.

Other Treatments

There are other treatments available for kyphosis, but they may not be as effective as surgery. These include: 

-Physiotherapy:

 This can help improve your posture and strengthen the muscles around your spine.

-Exercise: 

Doing exercises that strengthen your back and improve your posture can help alleviate pain and improve the appearance of your kyphosis.

-Posture correction devices:

 These devices, such as braces or posture correctors, can help improve your posture by holding you in a correct position.

-Massage:

 Massaging the muscles around your spine can help to relax them and reduce pain.