Exaggerated thoracic curve giving a "humpback" appearance.
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Alternative NamesScheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsKyphosis is a spinal deformity. It can be caused by:
Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.
Adolescent kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of Scheuermann's disease is unknown.
In adults, kyphosis can be a result of:
Other causes of kyphosis include:
Kyphosis can also be seen with scoliosis. Each cause has its own risk factors.
SymptomsPhysical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curve of the spine. The doctor will also look for any nervous system (neurological) changes (weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation) below the curve.
Other tests may include:
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:
Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery may be necessary if neurological symptoms develop.
Expectations (prognosis)Adolescents with Scheuermann's disease tend to do well even if they need surgery, and the disease stops once they stop growing. If the kyphosis is due to degenerative joint diseaseor multiple compression fractures, surgery is needed to correct the defect and improve pain.
ComplicationsTreating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in the elderly. Early diagnosis and bracing of Scheuermann's disease can reduce the need for surgery, but there is no way to prevent the disease.
ReferencesShelton YA. Scoliosis and kyphosis in adolescents: diagnosis and management. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2007;18:121-139.
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Alternative NamesScheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsKyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.
Adolescent kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of Scheuermann's disease is unknown.
In adults, kyphosis can be caused by:
Other causes of kyphosis include:
Kyphosis can also be seen with scoliosis. Each cause has its own risk factors.
SymptomsPhysical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curve of the spine. The doctor will also look for any nervous system (neurological) changes (weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation) below the curve.
Other tests may include:
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:
Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery may be necessary if neurological symptoms or persistent pain develop.
Expectations (prognosis)Adolescents with Scheuermann's disease tend to do well even if they need surgery, and the disease stops once they stop growing. If the kyphosis is due to degenerative joint diseaseor multiple compression fractures, surgery is needed to correct the defect and improve pain.
ComplicationsTreating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in the elderly. Early diagnosis and bracing of Scheuermann's disease can reduce the need for surgery, but there is no way to prevent the disease.
ReferencesSpiegel DA, Hosalkar HS, Dormans JP. The spine. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 678.
Freeman BL III. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 38.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 07/28/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Yes. Kyphosis does mean hunchbacked in Greek.
yes people can die from kyphosis because they have hard trouble breathing
Tight and weak muscles in the chest and back are common symptoms of kyphosis.
Congenital kyphosis may be alleviated to some extent by surgery and bracing. Kyphosis occurring later in life may worsen over time.
The term kyphosis, refers to an abnormal and exaggerated rounding of the spine. To use an example, the Hunchback of Notre Dame had kyphosis. Kyphosis refers to the normal convex curvature of the spine as it occurs in the thoracic and sacral regions.
We all have a kyphosis in our thoracic spine...it is the normal curve. As such, your question likely needs more detail.
A quick look at the back will usually identify kyphosis. X rays of the spine will confirm the diagnosis and identify its cause.
Kyphosis (or "roundback") can cause severe pain and discomfort, digestion and respiratory difficulties, cardiovascular irregularities, neurological compromise and in extreme cases: a shortened lifespan. There are several types of kyphosis that require different kinds of treatment.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame wears a crown and suffers from kyphosis.
The stress caused by kyphosis produces such symptoms as an increase in musculoskeletal pains, tension headaches, back aches, and joint pains.
Kyphosis
kyphosis