There are different types of spinal column malformations, the most common being scoliosis and kyphosis. These very frequent pathologies significantly affect the curvature of the spine. In this article, we will provide all the necessary information to know what is kyphosis.
What is kyphosis?
The Kyphosis is a deformation that generates a very pronounced curvature of the same, producing a kind of hump and affecting the integrity of the back.
This pathology is frequently related to the weakness of the vertebral bones, being more common in older people. However, it can also occur in children, although these cases are rarer.
Types of kyphosis
There are different types of kyphosis, which can be classified as follows:
Postural kyphosis
This type of kyphosis is caused by poor posture, which over time leads to deformity of the bones and muscles. It can be seen very often in teenagers and young adults who spend a lot of time in front of the computer and do little physical activity. Fortunately, this type of kyphosis can be remedied by simply changing habits and forcing good postural practices until the body becomes accustomed to a healthy posture.
An example is the cervical kyphosis, which occurs in the upper area of the spine when it curves in the opposite direction to normal.
Congenital kyphosis
In some cases, kyphosis is a malformation that is present from birth. However, it begins to manifest itself mainly in early adolescence.
Juvenile kyphosis or Scheurmann's disease
This disease affects the vertebrae in the dorsal region of the back, which is why it is also known as dorsal kyphosisIt develops during childhood and causes a hunchback due to structural damage to the bones.
Kyphosis caused by age
As mentioned above, kyphosis is closely linked to aging. Therefore, older people may present this pathology due to the weakening of their bones.
Symptoms and diagnosis of kyphosis
The symptoms that appear and help diagnose this disease are usually almost imperceptible, and go unnoticed until the curvature of the spine begins to be seen, since it does not cause any particular pain.
Therefore, in order to detect it, it is important to have a doctor who knows the patient's clinical history and evolution. A good spine specialist traumatologist You will be able to detect small signs that something is wrong during the physical examination and confirm it through diagnostic imaging studies (x-rays and MRIs).
Causes and consequences of kyphosis
Kyphosis occurs when the bones of the spine become deformed, altering its natural curvature. This wear and degeneration of the vertebrae can be due to various causes, including:
- Malignant tumors and cancer treatments: the Cancer treatments and cancer cells can weaken vertebral bones, making them more likely to suffer from disorders such as kyphosis.
- Congenital malformations: The reasons why some people may present this pathology from the moment of birth are still unknown.
- Injuries and traumas: the Compression fractures and other types of injuries can aggravate the abnormal curvature of the spine.Therefore, proper treatment and rehabilitation are crucial for spinal problems.
- Problems in the vertebral discs: This can be given both by the disc wear, as per possible hernias that worsen or stimulate kyphosis.
- Osteoporosis: This common disease in older people causes a loss of bone mass that can lead to fractures and malformations in the bones of the spine, favoring the appearance of kyphosis.
Risk factors for kyphosis
There are also some factors that can influence the earlier or later development of this disease. Among them we can highlight:
- Bad postural habits: Maintaining an improper posture on a regular basis, especially during growth, can contribute to the development of kyphosis.
- Scoliosis: This deviation of the spine can predispose to the appearance of kyphosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and muscle weakness favor the appearance of this abnormal curvature in the back.
- Tobacco and alcohol consumption: These habits can weaken bones, increasing the risk of developing kyphosis.
- Osteoporosis: Although it is also a possible cause of this pathology, osteoporosis also acts as a risk factor by increasing susceptibility to vertebral fractures.
Consequences and complications of severe kyphosis
Beyond the stiffness that can be felt with a mild case of kyphosis, there are certain complications that can appear in a more aggravated situation such as:
- Aesthetic problems: advanced kyphosis can result in a extremely pronounced curvature of the back, forming a noticeable hump that affects the appearance and can have an emotional impact on the affected person.
- Respiratory problems: Abnormal curvature of the spine can put pressure on the lungs and cause some difficulty in breathing.
- Digestive problemsThe pressure exerted by the deformed spine on the organs of the digestive system can cause symptoms such as heartburn, reflux and difficulty swallowing.
- Physical limitations: kyphosis leads to a progressive weakening of the muscles, and some difficulty in carrying out normal daily activities such as standing and walking.
- Chronic pain: Advanced kyphosis can lead to chronic back pain, which may require long-term management with medications, physical therapy, or surgery.
Kyphosis treatment and operation
Generally, the Kyphosis is treated through physiotherapy exercises and the use of a orthopedic corset.
However, if there is a lot of pain, or the doctor assesses that the case is progressing very quickly, he or she may recommend a spine surgery in which a spinal fusion to straighten the curvature and prevent it from worsening by compacting two or more vertebrae.
When is kyphosis operated on?
The decision to perform kyphosis surgery depends on multiple factors including:
- Severe curvature: If a curvature greater than 70-80 degrees is present, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity.
- Chronic pain: In patients whose acidosis causes severe and persistent pain that is not relieved by other treatments, surgery may be suggested to reduce the pain.
- Respiratory or digestive complications: Surgery may be suggested in cases where the curvature of the spine compresses the lungs or digestive system, making breathing or digestion difficult.
- Rapid progression of deformity: Surgery may be suggested in cases where the curvature worsens rapidly to stop its progression and avoid complications.
Do you have more questions about spinal column malformations? Leave your comment and we will respond with expert information as soon as possible, or contact our team of traumatologists from Madrid and book a private appointment with an expert.
44 thoughts on “Tratamientos para curar la cifosis de columna vertebral”
Hello! I have a 17 year old son and his upper back curves forward and lately he says his back hurts? What should I do? Thank you.
Hello Trinity!
It is best to consult with your trusted traumatologist, as it may be necessary to perform some diagnostic tests. At ICAC we have a team of specialists who could help you. Write to our email info@cirugiadecolumnavertebral.com
All the best!
Hello, I had a hysterectomy 5 months ago and I noticed that I have a hump. It hurts very little but I get headaches and dizziness and vertigo. It's because of the hump. I already went to a physiotherapist and he told me it was kyphosis and the IMSS told me what is a fat lipoma
Hello, Luz,
To have our team of specialists review your case, you can contact +34 91 005 39 00 and schedule an appointment.
Greetings
My child is 15 years old, he was operated on 4 times for syringomyelia and spina bifida, now he has been diagnosed with kyphosis, the pain cannot be tolerated, only morphine calms him down, which is more recommended for him.
Good morning, Luz.
We are very sorry for the pain your son is experiencing, from our experience we know that it is not easy for him.
First and foremost, your child should go to a specialist trauma doctor to study your case in a personalized way and offer you a specific and exact diagnosis to apply the best possible treatment.
All the best.
Hello, good day, I have an advanced dorsal kyphosis and a kind of lumbar compression. If you have a solution to my problems, what would my treatment be since it limits me from walking, bending, carrying heavy loads and also in my breathing, trapezius pain and cervical shrinkage, could you guide me on what procedure? must apply thank you
Good morning Jose.
We are very sorry for your pathology. Before applying a treatment, we would have to carry out a complete medical diagnosis to evaluate the possible options. You can make an appointment with our specialist traumatologists from Madrid.
All the best.
Good evening, I am consulting from Bogotá Colombia, the kyphosis I have produces current and burning in the middle of my back and projecting to the front part of my chest, Producing burning, what can I do, thank you for your response.
Good morning, Maria Teresa.
For cases like yours, it would be necessary for you to go to our doctors spine specialist traumatologists. An accurate diagnosis cannot be made without a complete medical study, but based on what you have described, surgical intervention is probably required. You can call us by phone.
All the best.
I am 56 years old and for some time I have had a lot of pain in my shoulders and upper back, my vertebra is raised sometimes it is like very acute fatigue in my neck, and I read and the images I see say it is kyphosus. I can have some treatment.
Good morning, Carmen.
Thank you very much for your comment on our blog. We are extremely sorry for your pain, which is why we recommend that you contact a spinal traumatologist, so that he or she can study your case through a prior diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment for the pathology you present. You can contact our team of experts in minimally invasive spine surgery at the following link: https://columna.com/contacto/
All the best.
There is an operation for advanced kyphosis, the doctor says it is 47 degrees, it is for an 18-year-old girl
Good morning, Amanda.
Thank you very much for commenting on the ICAC blog. We regret the situation in which you find yourself, so we recommend that you put yourself in the hands of a spine specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis of the spine and thus determine the appropriate treatment. You can count on the ICAC team at the following link: https://columna.com/contacto/
All the best.
Good morning, for 2 years now I have been experiencing back pain from the moment I get up until the moment I go to bed. I go to the osteopath physio once a month and do yoga but it doesn't improve as much as I would like. They took an x-ray and saw that I have gotten worse and my spine is more convoluted. Now the pain is going down to my hips and legs. What can I do? I am 44 years old and I don't want to lead a normal life and I can't. Thank you
Good morning, Maria.
We are sorry for your pathology. To prescribe correct treatment, our spinal traumatologists They will have to carry out a complete study of the area.
All the best.
Good afternoon. I have kyphosis and scoliosis, lately I have a lot of pain in my back and it is difficult for me to do my job. I am a nursing assistant but I work with the elderly, it hurts more and more. When I get out of bed it is very difficult for me and lately I I find it worse, I don't know what to do anymore.
All the best
Good morning María Esther,
Thank you very much for commenting on our blog. We are sorry for the pain you are experiencing, so we recommend that you consult with a spine expert so that they can diagnose your pathology and determine the appropriate treatment. You can make an appointment with our expert spine traumatologists in Madrid in the link provided.
All the best.
Hello I am Maria
I am 85 years old and have very advanced kyphosis.
I have valvular heart disease: Moderate-severe arctic stenosis, possibly symptomatic. Arctic stenosis at the limit of severity.
They are going to do a TAVI in Salamanca because I have a lot of fatigue and I am having more and more difficulty walking. But my cardiologist has told us that he believes that not everything is due to the heart problem and that he believes that my crouching may influence it.
What do you think and what should I do about kyphosis?
Good afternoon Mary,
Thank you very much for commenting on the ICAC blog. We recommend that you follow the instructions of an expert traumatologist so that he or she can study your case exhaustively and determine the most appropriate treatment for your pathology. Do not hesitate to contact our spine specialists in the link provided, we will be happy to help you.
All the best.
Hello, I have a 23 year old son who was just diagnosed with dorsal kyphosis. 5 years ago he had an injury to his left shoulder that was not treated well at the time. Since then the pain in the shoulder never completely disappeared, is it possible that this injury caused the kyphosis? My mom and I also suffer from it. I understand that a solution cannot be given here, but I am looking for guidance, we have been through many doctors. From already thank you very much!
Good morning, Maja.
Thanks for your comment. You can contact our specialist traumatologists through the link provided. We will be happy to help you.
All the best.
Good morning, I have a 2-year-old baby girl with lumbar kyphosis, she was born with a smaller vertebra than the others, she has been wearing a corset since her first months, the specialist told us that she will require surgery when she turns 5 years old. I wanted to know if it can be corrected in a single surgery due to age and care or will it require other surgeries later?
Good morning Alex,
Thanks for your comment. In this case, it will depend on the degree of the pathology, so it is advisable to consult with a spine expert who will evaluate the area and determine the most appropriate treatment. Do not hesitate to contact our team expert spine traumatologists in the link provided.
All the best.
Hello, I just saw your blog, and it's good that I found it... I'm 73 years old and I'm having a lot of back pain and my right shoulder is higher. Two years ago, I saw an orthopedist who sent me to therapy, I can't explain what I have, I'm still bad and a lot of pain and no doctor can find the cause... I went back to the orthopedic and they sent me to physical therapy again... today I went to an orthopedic center desperate and they treated me immediately, they did some X-rays and when they showed it to me I froze . The spine is twisted to one side from the cervical, and what he told me is access, which has caused so much pain when lifting on one side and even my ribs are higher, I had already noticed it in the front part. They are higher than the other side, in 2021 I had already had an MRI and the result said syphosis... but my general doctor always says that everything is fine.
I'm desperate !
Thank you
Hello Leonarda, thank you for your words. We would love to help you but to do so we would need to see you and analyze all the evidence, since the information we receive is quite limited through this blog alone. A hug!
Hello, I have an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with spastic CP and microcephaly and epilepsy two years ago, his spine began to deviate more today we had a consultation and the doctor says that he needs surgery but that he will not grow any more 😔
Hello Estefanya,
We hope the surgery goes well and you recover soon.
Greetings
Hello, good afternoon! In 2020 I started with back pain, I went to several traumatologists and they only sent me painkillers, physiotherapy, etc. I was recently diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease and I wanted to know if there is any way to improve kyphosis because it is not postural, it is structural. through minimally invasive surgery.
Hello Lorenzo.
You have to study the angles and assess the case and origin of the pain. Surely we can help you in consultation.
You can make an appointment by calling (+34) 910 053 90.
Greetings
Hello! I hope you are having a pleasant time. My name is Alan, I am 23 years old and in 3 weeks and 1 day I will be 24 years old. I am from Mexico and I have a question. When I was about 7 years old, my brother and cousin were playing a "seesaw," the game where two people balance their weight on a lever that has the support right in the middle. Well, at that moment, my brother, with his greater weight than my cousin's, made my cousin stay on top, and with the intention of lowering him, I placed myself below him without knowing that this decision would be critical, because my brother pushed himself up. and the force generated by his legs and the weight of my cousin fell on my back, taking the air out of my lungs and leaving me with a curvature in my back that I still have and have pain to this day.
I need help.
Hello Alan,
In order to help you, we would need to perform tests, study the causal mechanism and assess the best possible treatment.
You can write to us at info@cirugiadecolumnavertebral.com to request a consultation.
Greetings.
Hello, I have kyphosis and my back is hurting, I work in a laundry room and it seems that due to the movement of the hydro it started to hurt, I don't know if it is advisable for me to continue going to work or if it is possible, just on February 15 I have a traumatologist
Hello Lazarus,
It is best to wait for the specialist to examine you to see the steps to follow.
Spine pathologies are complex and require a personal and detailed analysis with tests that allow you to see the extent of your pathology.
Good luck
Hello, some doctors have diagnosed me with scoliosis, herniated disc, I have visited hundreds of Drs, specialists, teachers and I get the slight impression that one knows less than the other. One says one thing and the other says another, others say that I am healthy, that I have nothing.
And I die of pain 365 days a year, it doesn't matter, if I'm standing, if I'm walking, if I'm lying down, if I'm sitting.
I've already lost hope...
Greetings
Hello Elena,
Spine cases are sometimes very complex and require several experienced professionals to study the case to reach conclusions.
We recommend that you look for a specialized spine team. If you want to contact our team, you can call +34 91 005 39 00 and we will schedule an appointment to review your case.
Greetings
Do you know specialists in BOLIVIA?
Hello Noelia,
Unfortunately we do not have any contacts in the region, we hope someone can recommend you.
Greetings
Hello, I have been diagnosed with kyphoscoliosis since I was 10 years old, I have worn two corsets, I did rehabilitation, when I was 16 years old they recommended surgery but since I was a minor my mother refused. Now I am 45 years old. 5 years ago I suddenly felt like my spine was burning, since then I have been on pain medication. I have chronic disabling low back pain. And also fiscal protrusions. This pain affects my daily life. I haven't known for 5 years what a day has been without pain. There may be a solution for me. Thank you
Hello Sonia.
We need more information to know your clinical profile and determine your diagnosis and possible treatments.
You can make an appointment at +34 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Good morning, my son and I are two patients, but I was told that since I'm over 30 years old I can't fix my kyphosis anymore. My son is 10 and if I can, I don't know if it will be like that. We both do sports activities and when we run, the hump stands out more.
Hello Angelo,
It's important to emphasize that each case is unique, and the ability to treat kyphosis depends on several factors, such as age, the severity of the condition, and the therapeutic approach used. In adults, although treatments may be more limited, the possibility of improving posture or alleviating symptoms with appropriate interventions is not ruled out.
For your child, there are more effective options for correcting kyphosis, as their spine is still in the growth phase. To determine the best treatment, our spine specialists must thoroughly evaluate your examinations. If you wish, you can make an appointment by calling (+34) 91 005 39 00.
Greetings.
Good afternoon, I have had a back problem since 2018. It suddenly appeared when I woke up, causing me to have shortness of breath. To this day, I have this problem since I feel pressure and numbness in my back at the level of the shoulder blades and I have shortness of breath, as well as digestive problems such as reflux and heartburn. Now I have bumps at that same height. An x-ray that was taken in 2020 showed that I had a fall in the vertebrae at the level of the shoulder blades. I am now 42 years old. I feel that my problem is getting worse since I make an effort to breathe and I feel numbness in that part that makes me despair.
Hi Carlos,
We're so sorry you're going through this. Understanding the source of your symptoms and making an accurate diagnosis is essential to properly addressing your problem.
Our trauma specialists can help you evaluate your case individually and offer you appropriate treatment. To do so, further testing may be necessary to assess the progress of your condition and analyze your case in depth. To schedule an appointment, please call 91 005 39 00.
Greetings.