Kyphosis Treatment in Delhi, India

Kyphosis is a spinal disorder. Kyphosis causes the spine to bend outward more than it should. As a result, the upper back seems to be unduly rounded. Because of the curvature, persons may seem slumped or slouching. It's also known as a hunchback or a round back.

Natural curves exist in the spine. These curves serve to maintain our posture and allow us to stand upright. Excessive curvature, on the other hand, might damage posture and make standing difficult.

Types of Kyphosis

There are several types of kyphosis. The most popular are as follows:

Postural Kyphosis

This form often emerges throughout the adolescent years, when children slouch. When they stand up straight, the curvature vanishes. Postural kyphosis seldom worsens or causes difficulties.

Kyphosis caused by aging

The bones in your spine might deteriorate as you age due to osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, or minor fractures. This results in a hunched look.

Post-traumatic kyphosis

Spinal fractures can injure the vertebrae and cause the spine to bend.

Scheuermann's kyphosis

Normal vertebrae are rectangular in shape. They are wedge-shaped in this kind of kyphosis. Because of the odd form, the bones are pushed together, causing the spine to bend forward. Scheuermann's kyphosis commonly begins in adolescence and worsens with time.

Congenital Kyphosis

This occurs when a baby's spine does not develop correctly during the pregnancy. As the youngster develops, the curvature worsens.

Kyphosis Causes

The kind of kyphosis determines the cause:

• Poor posture, slumping back in seats, and carrying large bags are all examples of poor posture.
• Scheuermann's: A structural problem with the spine.
• Congenital: A problem in the spine that existed before birth.

Kyphosis can also be caused by:

• Age, because as people become older, their spines begin to bend more.
• Spinal cord damage

Kyphosis Symptoms

The basic sign of kyphosis is rounded shoulders or an upper back hump. Tight hamstrings can also be a sign of this condition.

People with a more severe curvature may have additional symptoms such as:

• Back and shoulder blade pain or stiffness
• Legs that are numb and tingly.
• Extreme exhaustion.
• Shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties as a result of the spine pushing against the airways
• Problems with balance.
• Incontinence of the bladder or bowel.

Kyphosis Diagnosis and Tests

Children with kyphosis are frequently discovered during scoliosis exams at school. Your doctor will ask you or your kid to lean forward and look for a curvature in the back to confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor can use an X-ray to better visualize the spinal bones and determine the degree of the bend. Any alterations to the vertebrae, including breakage, will be seen during this examination. An MRI can reveal whether any growths in the spine are exerting strain on the nerves.

Your doctor may do a neurological exam to examine your reflexes and muscular strength if you've been experiencing symptoms like weakness, numbness, or tingling. A pulmonary function test can assess how well your lungs perform if you have symptoms like breathing issues.

Kyphosis Treatment

A modest curvature that does not generate symptoms may not necessitate therapy for you or your kid. Exams and X-rays should be used to monitor the curve over time to ensure it does not worsen.

Physical therapy may be beneficial if the curvature is severe or causes discomfort. The physiotherapist will show you how to enhance your posture and strengthen the muscles that support your spine in your stomach.

A brace may be prescribed for children with Scheuermann's kyphosis to wear for a few hours each day. In a youngster who is still developing, it can correct the curvature. An adult's kyphosis will not be corrected with a brace, although it may assist with the pain.

You can take ibuprofen or aspirin, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs).

In both children and adults, surgery can help to minimize the curvature and prevent it from worsening. If you or your kid suffers from the following conditions, it may be a viable alternative.

• Back pain that won't go away despite previous therapies
• Kyphosis is a condition that is present at birth.
• Scheuermann's kyphosis is a condition in which the spine curves more than 75 degrees.
• Serious repercussions

The most common operation performed by doctors is spinal fusion. The surgeon aligns the bones of the spine and fuses them together to prevent them from shifting during this surgery. They use little bits of bone to fill in the gaps between the vertebrae. The spine is held in place by metal screws, plates, or rods while it heals.

Risk Factors of Kyphosis

At any age, kyphosis can occur. Scheuermann's disease, in which many vertebrae get jammed together, can be identified in teens. Adults can develop kyphosis as a result of:

• Arthritis
• Tumors that are cancerous and cancer therapies
• Paget's disease is an example of a chronic illness.
• Marfan syndrome, muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis, Prader-Willi syndrome, and spina bifida are all genetic illnesses.
• Spinal cord damage
• Tuberculosis and polio are examples of infectious illnesses.
• Osteoporosis

When one vertebra slips in front of another, this is called spondylolisthesis.