What Is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is the medical term used to describe the curve in the spine when viewed from the side. It can therefore be said that everyone has kyphosis, even those with a normal kyphotic curve.

The spine of a person with “good” or upright posture has natural gentle inward curves in the area of the neck (cervical) and also in the lower back (lumbar) region. Between these two areas the upper back would have a slight outward curve. These normal curves in the spine, combined with its flexibility, have evolved to support our upright stance and balance and also allow a shock absorbing effect to reduce the possibility of injury.

So, what is kyphosis? By this I mean when the term “kyphosis” is also used as medically  to describe the condition where the natural curves have increased to beyond the normal range.

Kyphosis is a deformity of the spinal column with excessive curvature in the upper back, giving the appearance of slouching, or in more severe cases, hunch back. The point at which the kyphosis is deemed to be abnormal (or hyperkyphosis) is ill-defined, but is usually somewhere between 40 to 50 degrees of curve in the upper back.

The symptoms of kyphosis can include mild to moderate back pain and aching or sensitive areas in the muscles of the upper back and neck.

In more severe cases, the increased curvature of the spine restricts and alters the chest cavity, displacing organs and compressing the lungs leading to shortness of breath.

As it progresses, it changes the way your spine works, and it can be very painful.

Pressure on the spinal nerves can cause severe and chronic pain or numbness from the hip downwards, and possible incontinence.

The answer to what is kyphosis must be taken further.

There are basically Read the rest of this entry »