SpineZone Treats Kyphosis
The Problem: Kyphosis, aka “Round Back”
Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward rounding of the back, also called a “hump”, and isn’t just for Great Aunt Edna. Kyphosis can occur at any age, even adolescence.
The vertebrae that form a healthy spine should be cylinders stacked in a column- not wedge-shaped, as can happen when the bones become compressed. Disk degeneration (deflating of the “cushions” between the vertebrae) is the main cause.
What’s to Blame?
- Weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack is the most common cause of age-related kyphosis. This can be caused by osteoporosis, compression fractures, disk degeneration, and cancer and cancer treatments.
- Malformation of the spine or even “wedging” of the spinal bones is the main cause in infants and teens. Causes of this include birth defects, Scheuerman’s Disease, Marfans Syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
- Poor posture
How Does It Feel?
Mild kyphosis can have few noticeable problems, but severe kyphosis can cause pain and disfigurement. Stiffness and back pain are not uncommon.
- Breathing problems can be caused by the curvature putting pressure on the lungs
- Difficulty doing normal tasks (walking, getting out of chairs, driving, gazing upward, and lying down) can happen from weakened back muscles can
- Digestive issues can develop from severe kyphosis due to compression of the digestive tract, causing difficulty with swallowing and acid reflux
- Body image problems may develop in adolescents (self-consciousness from rounded back or from wearing a corrective brace), as well as social isolation in older adults
How Will SpineZone Help Me Get Relief?
Our active therapy combined with our integrated BeingWell protocols lead you to strengthen the stabilizing muscles in your spine, build flexibility, and improve posture… all while offering mindfulness practices, nutrition coaching, and help changing unhelpful habits.
You’re introduced to our evidence-based programs throughout your care journey. With SpineZone’s WholeBeing approach to orthopedic care, we offer our patients the tools to help return to a productive lifestyle and the knowledge to be empowered to keep minds and bodies healthy.
Are There Prevention Tips?
Much of our spine-related pain is due to posture in our daily life activities. If this isn’t corrected, it can lead to a fixed posture or more severe problems like disc issues or early degeneration. We help by teaching you techniques that strengthen key muscles to maintain good posture throughout the day & stretch muscles that get tight due to that signature kyphosis slouch.