

Kyphosis is the natural outward curve of the upper back, the thoracic spine. When looked at from the side the thoracic spine has a natural convex shape to it. This is called kyphosis. Anatomically speaking, a healthy spine should resemble the shape of a backwards ‘S.’ In order to attain this shape, the spine naturally has some curves in it. The inward curve of your low back is called lordosis. Travelling up the spine, the thoracic area curves out a little bit becoming convex. This curve is called kyphosis.
Some kyphosis in the upper region of your back is perfectly normal. When the kyphosis is exaggerated and excessive, it becomes a problem. A problem that can lead to other problems if not attended to. An exaggerated kyphotic curve is what is seen is severe Osteoporosis, causing a ‘humpback.’
The term ‘Kyphosis’ is used medically to describe both the normal curve of the spine, but it is also used as a diagnostic term when someone is having a problem with their thoracic spine. A person with hyper kyphosis will simply be diagnosed as having ‘Kyphosis’ although it is a term used to describe normal anatomy of the spine as well.
An excessive kyphotic curve can be caused from a variety of factors. The most common cause of this condition is Osteoporosis, which causes all bones in the body to become weak. Specifically, in the thoracic spine, this can lead to a collapsing of the vertebral bodies that make up the spine. The vertebrae generally will collapse anteriorly, meaning the front of the vertebral column, and will lose their shape and the support that they generally provide. The backside of the vertebral column maintains its shape in this instance and results in hyper kyphosis of the thoracic spine. This causes a forward hunched posture. Some other causes of this condition are:
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Symptoms of excessive kyphosis may or may not be severe and may not require intervention if the discomfort of this condition is manageable and not causing significant dysfunction. Symptoms may include:
The treatments for an excessive kyphotic curve range from none at all to surgical intervention depending on how much pain, discomfort, and dysfunction that you are experiencing. These treatments include: