Treating Kyphosis: Alleviating Back Pain and Other Serious Symptoms

Treating Kyphosis: Alleviating Back Pain and Other Serious Symptoms : Kyphosis results from pronounced spine curvature and abnormal upper-back rounding. It can happen at any age; however, it is common in older women. Also, it commonly occurs during adolescents because of bodily changes during puberty.

The majority of those who have kyphosis only experience a few symptoms such as spinal deformity. But, patients may need to wear a back brace or perform exercises for improved posture and strong spine. In serious cases, Shrewsbury kyphosis can be debilitating and lead to an extensive deformity that makes it difficult for patients to breathe. Common symptoms of kyphosis include rounded shoulders, tight muscles, fatigue, mild back pain, and stiffness.

How to Diagnose Kyphosis

A patient with kyphosis will undergo a physical examination. During the exam, the patient will need to lean forward with their two feet together and knees touching as their arms hang free. Such a position allows the doctor to view the spinal slope and check for deformities.

The doctor may order imaging tests to give images of dense structures through X-rays. This allows them to see the spine from various angles and check for any changes to the vertebrae. Also, X-ray imaging measures the seriousness of the spinal curve’s degree. Patients who have serious kyphosis may need to get pulmonary function tests to determine if they have trouble breathing since the spinal column can diminish the capacity of their lungs.

Kinds of Kyphosis

The following are the most common kinds of kyphosis:

Postural kyphosis- This kind of kyphosis becomes obvious during adolescence. It is due to poor posture or slouching and can improve with exercises.
Congenital kyphosis– This kyphosis can happen when the spinal column of a baby in utero does not develop normally.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis- This kyphosis is associated with serious spinal deformities, particularly in thin patients.

How to Treat Kyphosis

The majority of patients who have mild kyphosis will just need nonsurgical treatment. This treatment involves spinal curve monitoring. A sufferer may need to see their spine doctor and get X-rays. Also, physical therapy may help alleviate back pain, strengthen muscles, improve posture, and help stretch tight hamstrings. Patients may need to perform exercises to strengthen their core muscles and take pain relievers. Those concerned with the way their curvature looks can use braces and perform postural exercises.

Usually, those diagnosed with congenital kyphosis will require surgery. Spinal fusion is often used for treating the condition since it can minimize the degree of spinal curvature, prevent the curvature from progressing further, relieve back pain, and maintain the improvement.