Kyphosis is a condition characterized by excessive curving of the spine in the upper back. This condition occurs when your natural arches in areas around the neck, lower back, and upper back are larger than normal. You may experience kyphosis due to age or malformation of the spine. You are likely to have a visible hump on your upper back if you have kyphosis. If you suffer from this condition, visit the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine-health clinic regarded as Shrewsbury kyphosis specialist. The dedicated professionals there will assist you in the treatment of your condition.
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What Causes Kyphosis?
There is a range of issues that cause the condition. Some are degenerative, but others can be as a result of congenital disabilities. The condition occurs when your upper back vertebrae become more wedge-shaped. Below are some of the causes:
- Osteoporosis – this is a bone-thinning disorder that at times causes spinal curvature due to weakened vertebrae.
- Fractures – Compression fractures can also cause curvature of the spine.
- Disk degeneration – if your cushion between the spinal vertebrae dries out, this can trigger kyphosis.
- Congenital disabilities – if your spinal bones don’t develop properly before birth, this can cause kyphosis.
- Cancer Treatments – if you are undergoing cancer treatment or cancer in the spine, this can weaken your vertebrae, making it prone to compression fractures.
All the above causes weaken your spinal vertebrae propelling kyphosis. This condition, at times, does not show any symptoms, but you may experience stiffness and back pain.
What are some of the Complications that Kyphosis May Cause?
You may experience body complications as are a result of kyphosis. Here are some of the complications.
- Digestive problems: if you have severe kyphosis, this might compress your digestive tract, causing difficulty swallowing.
- Breathing problems: Severe kyphosis may put pressure on your lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.
- Limited physical functions: weakened back muscles may cause difficulty in doing tasks such as lying down or walking.
- Body image problems: Kyphosis causes poor body structure affecting mostly adolescents or isolation of older people.
Some of these complications can be treated by a specialist helping you improve your posture and confidence.
What Are Some of the Treatment Options?
The treatment of this condition is dependent on its severity. Also, the underlying cause determines the kind of treatment option. Highlighted below are the causes and treatment options.
- Tumors- in case you have a tumor that affects the spinal cord causing compression, your surgeon may be forced to remove it
- Osteoporosis – you are advised to seek bone deterioration treatment options to prevent kyphosis.
- Poor posture – you can prevent kyphosis that has caused poor posture by adopting posture exercises.
- Scheuermann’s disease – in this condition, a child may receive braces, corrective surgery, or physical therapy.
On some occasions, depending on the severity of the kyphosis, medications can help ease the pain associated with the condition.
Contact a Kyphosis Specialist Today
Kyphosis is a condition affecting many people, and because it does not manifest symptoms, you might not know it. However, as you age, you may likely experience the condition, although you can embark on some treatment methods that can slow down the progress. Therefore, it is always advisable to visit a kyphosis specialist to know about your spinal health. An excellent place to start would be The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine. Call them today and schedule your appointment.
