When is a slouch more than a slouch? That unnatural curve of your spine could be kyphosis, a treatable spinal condition.
Your spine naturally curves in three places: the cervical spine near the neck, the thoracic spine in the middle and upper part of the back, and the lumbar spine region in the lower back. These curves maintain your posture and keep you standing straight. However, sometimes the spine curves further than it should. If the thoracic spine bends forward 50 degrees or more instead of the normal range of 20 to 45 degrees, it causes a condition known as kyphosis.
Kyphosis is defined as an abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine resulting in a rounded appearance of the upper back, or a “hunchback.” The likelihood of kyphosis increases with age, with an estimated 20 to 40% of adults over age 60 exhibiting the condition. Yet it can also develop in school-age children. Since spinal health is vital at all ages, it’s important to know the signs of kyphosis and get treatment as soon as possible.
What is kyphosis?

As mentioned, kyphosis is a type of abnormal spine curvature. Below is a breakdown of kyphosis to help you understand the condition better.
What are the symptoms? Besides the noticeable curve of the spine and a forward leaning of the head, kyphosis also causes back pain, a difference in shoulder height, and tight hamstrings.
What causes kyphosis? The most common cause is postural kyphosis or simply poor posture. This can develop in adolescents who slouch. Another possible cause is Scheuermann’s disease, a condition in which the vertebrae of the spine have a wedge shape instead of the normal rectangular shape. This causes the spine to bend out of alignment. About 8% of school-aged children in the U.S. develop Scheuermann’s kyphosis. In some cases, kyphosis is present at birth. Degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis or spinal injuries can result in kyphosis, as well.
How is kyphosis different from other spinal abnormalities? Kyphosis is often mistaken for other spinal abnormalities, such as scoliosis or lordosis. In contrast to kyphosis, scoliosis is marked by a sideways curve of the spine, in an S or C shape. Meanwhile, an inward curve of the lower back is defined as lordosis.
How is kyphosis diagnosed? Your doctor will perform a physical exam of the back and take images of the spine, usually with an X-ray or MRI. Since kyphosis can affect breathing, your doctor may order a lung function evaluation.
Treating kyphosis
Treatment depends on the severity of the curvature. Mild cases may only need to be monitored regularly by a doctor to determine if the curve is worsening. In addition to close observation by a medical professional, other treatment modes include:
Physical therapy. Kyphosis responds very well to exercises to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. Such exercises improve posture and can relieve back pain. Stretching tight hamstrings also helps.
Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) can alleviate back pain.
Bracing. Growing adolescents affected by Scheuermann’s kyphosis may benefit from wearing a brace if the curve is greater than 65 degrees. The brace is typically worn for 23 hours a day, and a doctor will typically make adjustments to it. Once the child stops growing, he or she doesn’t need the brace anymore.
Surgery. For severe cases of kyphosis with a curvature of 70 to 75 degrees, surgery may be recommended. In a spinal fusion procedure, the affected vertebrae are fused together to form a single, solid bone with the aid of metal rods and screws. Although a serious operation, it reduces the curve of the spine and alleviates the pain.
With early intervention, kyphosis is a very treatable condition without surgery. Patients can go on to lead normal lives. But if it progresses, the condition can lead to severe pain and reduced mobility. So, if you suspect your child may have kyphosis, visit a doctor immediately for diagnosis and therapy.
Consult with spinal specialists
As a leading sports medicine center, the physicians at New York Bone & Joint Specialists treat all types of orthopedic conditions, including those affecting the spine. If you think your back is out of alignment or causing you pain, visit us for diagnosis and therapy. Contact us today.