Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the upper spinal region that leads to slouching or rounding. Symptoms of kyphosis include visible change in posture, difficulty breathing, back pain, and stiffness. When kyphosis is severe, it can be life-threatening.
Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics examines patients’ spines for an exaggerated front-to-back curvature of the spine. Sometimes a diagnosis can be reached before the curvature becomes noticeable to the patient or family members. Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics will also assess the severity of the condition, identify the underlying cause, and determine what damage, if any, the condition may have caused.
The two main types of kyphosis, postural kyphosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis, occur more commonly in adolescent girls and boys, respectively. Older individuals with osteoporosis may develop kyphosis from spinal fractures, while people with connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan’s Syndrome, may develop kyphosis because of excessive tissue laxity.
The first approach to managing kyphosis is to detect it early. Early conservative interventions can prevent the progression of kyphosis and potentially avoid the need for surgery completely.
Conservative treatment for kyphosis often includes physical therapy and a back brace for a certain period. Treatment is guided by the underlying cause, patient age and overall health, and other factors. Osteoporosis may be treated with medications to increase bone density, for example. Compression fractures in the vertebrae may be treated with injectable agents that “prop up” the spinal column. In certain severe cases, minimally invasive spinal surgery may be needed for definitive kyphosis treatment.
Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics provides early and accurate kyphosis diagnosis. Dr. Rovner is a regional leader in comprehensive kyphosis treatment. Whether your individualized treatment path includes physical therapy or spine surgery, Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics can help.