Kyphosis is the spinal disorder that can develop in adults and children. Kyphosis is the curvature of the spine where the top of the back is more rounded than normal. This causes the deformity known as the hunchback or humpback. Although this can occur at any age, it is commonly evident in elderly women. Age-related Kyphosis is commonly associated with the osteoporosis that can weaken the spinal bones. Although the mild cases may not present any symptoms, the severe Kyphosis can cause pain and disfigure the individual.
Causes
Individuals with Kyphosis have more than the normal curve of the middle section of the vertebral column. This can occur as the result of various causes such as poor posture from carrying heavy weights, abnormally shaped vertebrae, abnormal development of the spine when the infant is in the womb and with the normal process of ageing. A type of Kyphosis can occur in a condition known as Scheuermann which is the wedging together of the bones of the spine in a row. Some of the other causes of Kyphosis include certain hormone diseases, infection (such as tuberculosis), polio, tumors and connective tissue disorders. Kyphosis can also develop from a spinal injury.
Symptoms
In some of the cases, Kyphosis can include pain and stiffness although the mild cases don’t present any symptoms. In addition, the affected individual may also have tenderness of the spine and tiredness. In the severe cases of Kyphosis, the symptoms can become worse presenting difficulty with breathing and eating.
Diagnosis
The physical examination can help evaluate the health and the fitness of the individual. The physical examination will include observation of the posture, Adam’s forward bending test which requires the individual to bend forward, range of motion measures and palpation that determines the spinal problems. The neurological examination will evaluate the individual’s pain, motor function, weakness and muscle spasm. The X-ray findings can determine the vertebral wedging and end plate irregularities. An MRI scan may be ordered if suspected of an infection, tumor or nervous system problems. The bone density test will be required in the case of osteoporosis.
Treatment
The treatment for Kyphosis is based on the underlying cause and the symptoms that are evident. Some of the medications can include pain relievers and osteoporosis drugs that can help with the bone strengthen and prevent spinal fractures. If the problem is very severe, then surgical intervention may be required to reduce the degree of curvature. This consists of a procedure known as spinal fusion that involves inserting bone between the vertebrae which are fastened with metal rods to help the spine heal in the right position. In addition, some of the therapies that can be beneficial include exercise to improve spine flexibility, calcium and vitamin D supplements for good bone density and wearing body bracing in children with the Scheuermann’s disease to stop the progression of Kyphosis.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kyphosis/basics/treatment/con-20026732
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kyphosis/Pages/Treatment.aspx
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001240.htm
https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/kyphosis/kyphosis-description-diagnosis