Kyphosis
What is kyphosis?
It is normal for the upper back (specifically the thoracic spine) to have a moderate arc, called a kyphosis. But when the kyphosis appears particularly obvious or excessive, it is known as a hyperkyphosis, colloquially referred to as a hunch back.
Symptoms of hyperkyphosis
- An obvious slouch or hunching appearance
- Pain, soreness or stiffness in the mid-back
- Tightness between the lower neck and the shoulders
Potential contributors
- Poor work posture or habits
- Prolonged forward bending (e.g. stooped sitting)
- Poor breathing patterns
- Training imbalance (e.g. strong chest muscles with weak mid-back muscles)
- Disease process such as Scheuermann disease or ankylosing spondylitis
- Age related changes
- Compression fractures in the thoracic spine (e.g. osteoporosis)
- Neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy
Kyphoscoliosis
It is in fact, common that both excessive arching (kyphosis) and sideways deviation (scoliosis) co-exist, known as kyphoscoliosis. When pathology exists and the spine is loaded asymmetrically, e.g. Scheurmann disease or osteoporotic fractures, the spine can appear hunched and shifted to one side.
Do I need treatment?
It depends on the symptoms and the cause(s) of hyperkyphosis.
In short, patients with a significant kyphosis (and especially if symptoms are present) should undergo a professional evaluation to determine the cause(s) and the best combinations of therapeutic options, to address the current symptoms and also minimise the development of chronic pain.
Typically, manual therapy is useful for the pain and stiffness in the short-term, and a tailored exercise/stretch program should be incorporated to address the cause(s) if possible, improve awareness and breathing patterns, appearance, overall flexibility and movement coordination.