What is kyphosis and what symptoms are caused by it?

Kyphosis and lordosis are types of spinal deformities. While slight curvature of the spine is normal and healthy, there are some cases where it is over-pronounced and can cause both cosmetic deformity and health risks. When the spine curves inward too much in the low back, it is called lordosis. When the spine in the shoulder blade or mid-spine area has too much forward curve, or too much of a hump, it is called kyphosis. Kyphosis most often occurs in the thoracic area of the spine.

Causes

Some people are born with kyphosis when there is a naturally occurring abnormality in the spine. Kyphosis can also be an acquired condition. Teenagers in particular may develop kyphosis due to bad posture, especially girls between the ages of 12 and 15. Adolescent kyphosis is called Scheuermann’s disease.

Compression fractures are often linked to the development of many cases of adult kyphosis, because they cause vertebrae to become wedged, reducing the amount of space between each vertebra. These fractures can occur as the result of degenerating discs, arthritis, osteoporosis and spondylolisthesis. Individuals with osteoporosis may develop kyphosis due to a weakening and compression in the vertebrae. Kyphosis in these individuals is treated with aggressive anti-osteoporosis action to prevent further bone weakening.

Symptoms

The symptoms of kyphosis are similar to those of scoliosis. These include uneven shoulders, chest, hips, shoulder blades, waist, or a tendency to lean to one side. In other cases, there are no visible symptoms. To diagnose a person with scoliosis, have them touch their toes. If either one or both shoulder blades are prominent, the waist is shifted or ribs are uneven, kyphosis may be present. Kyphosis is also called “hunchback” because of the hunched over appearance often seen in patients. Other symptoms include fatigue and difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis

Outlined below are some of the diagnostic tools that your physician may use to gain insight into your condition and determine the best treatment plan for your condition.

• Medical history: Conducting a detailed medical history helps the doctor better understand the possible causes of your back and neck pain which can help outline the most appropriate treatment.
• Physical exam: During the physical exam, your physician will try to pinpoint the source of pain. Simple tests for flexibility and muscle strength may also be conducted.
• X-rays are usually the first step in diagnostic testing methods. X-rays show bones and the space between bones. They are of limited value, however, since they do not show muscles and ligaments.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Since X-rays only show bones, MRIs are needed to visualize soft tissues like discs in the spine. This type of imaging is very safe and usually pain-free.
• CT scan/myelogram: A CT scan is similar to an MRI in that it provides diagnostic information about the internal structures of the spine. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging disc, tumor, or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or nerves. A local anesthetic is injected into the low back to numb the area. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is then performed. A dye is injected into the spinal canal to reveal where problems lie.
• Electrodiagnostics: Electrical testing of the nerves and spinal cord may be performed as part of a diagnostic workup. These tests, called electromyography (EMG) or somato sensory evoked potentials (SSEP), assist your doctor in understanding how your nerves or spinal cord are affected by your condition.
• Bone scan: Bone imaging is used to detect infection, malignancy, fractures and arthritis in any part of the skeleton. Bone scans are also used for finding lesions for biopsy or excision.
• Discography is used to determine the internal structure of a disc. It is performed by using a local anesthetic and injecting a dye into the disc under X-ray guidance. An X-ray and CT scan are performed to view the disc composition to determine if its structure is normal or abnormal. In addition to the disc appearance, your doctor will note any pain associated with this injection. The benefit of a discogram is that it enables the physician to confirm the disc level that is causing your pain. This ensures that surgery will be more successful and reduces the risk of operating on the wrong disc.
• Injections: Pain-relieving injections can relieve back pain and give the physician important information about your problem, as well as provide a bridge therapy.

Treatment

When treating kyphosis, the cause of the disease must first be considered. Some cases require surgery early on, while other times, bracing and physical therapy may be the best course of action. Although bracing can help reduce pain symptoms, it is less successful at fixing the underlying problem of a curved spine, especially in adults. Strengthening and stretching programs can be successful at reducing symptoms. Swimming and other low-impact forms of exercise are beneficial. In cases which require surgical intervention, the goal is to reduce the curvature and relieve pain and discomfort over a long period of time.