Patients whose curvatures continue to worsen and non-operative treatments do not reduce discomfort or symptoms may benefit from kyphosis correction surgery. Pain relievers, physiotherapy, and braces are examples of non-operative treatments. Kyphosis is most commonly found in the thoracic spine. However, it can also occur in the cervical and lumbar spines. Kyphosis treatment varies depending on where it occurs in the spine and how severe it is. When the curves on x-rays measure more than 60° to 70° degrees and create severe pain, digestion, or breathing problems, surgery is frequently advised. Patients whose kyphosis causes compression of the spinal cord…
Patients whose curvatures continue to worsen and non-operative treatments do not reduce discomfort or symptoms may benefit from kyphosis correction surgery. Pain relievers, physiotherapy, and braces are examples of non-operative treatments. Kyphosis is most commonly found in the thoracic spine. However, it can also occur in the cervical and lumbar spines. Kyphosis treatment varies depending on where it occurs in the spine and how severe it is. When the curves on x-rays measure more than 60° to 70° degrees and create severe pain, digestion, or breathing problems, surgery is frequently advised. Patients whose kyphosis causes compression of the spinal cord or nerves may benefit from surgery.
Aside from that, kyphosis can affect a child or an adolescent, however, the reason is different. Scoliosis develops in children as a result of the wedging of spinal bones during their growing period. Mild kyphosis has no noticeable symptoms, but the effects of an acute spinal issue can cause excruciating pain and damage the patient’s appearance.
The treatment of kyphosis patients is entirely dependent on a number of factors, including:
- The patient’s age
- The causes of the kyphosis condition
- The consequences of kyphosis
- Other symptoms due to kyphosis disorder
What is Kyphosis?
When viewed from behind, a typical spine appears straight. A spine damaged by kyphosis, on the other hand, exhibits indications of a forward curving of the backbones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving the impression of an excessively rounded or “humpback.”
On an X-ray, a diagnostic exam that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film, kyphosis is defined as a curvature of the spine measuring 50 degrees or greater. In the upper back area, the normal spine can bend from 20 to 45 degrees of curvature. A type of spinal malformation is kyphosis and they have different types as mentioned below:
- Postural Kyphosis
- Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
- Congenital Kyphosis
What are the Symptoms of Kyphosis?
- The appearance of bad posture with a hump appearance on the back, or “hunchback,” is the most common symptom of kyphosis.
- Back discomfort, muscle weariness, and stiffness in the back are all possible symptoms. Most of the time, these symptoms are very consistent and do not get worse with time.
- In more serious cases, the patient may realize that their symptoms are getting worse with time. The kyphosis might worsen, resulting in a more pronounced hunchback. This can cause compression of the spinal cord, resulting in neurologic symptoms such as weakness, loss of feeling, or loss of bowel and bladder control in rare situations.
- Severe cases of thoracic kyphosis can also restrict chest space, causing cardiac and pulmonary difficulties such as chest tightness or shortness of breath, as well as pulmonary and/or heart failure.
What are the Causes of Kyphosis?
The type of kyphosis determines the cause:
- Postural: Poor posture, slumping back in chairs, and carrying large bags.
- Scheuermann’s: A structural problem with the spine.
- Congenital: A problem with the spine that develops before birth.
Other causes of Kyphosis include:
- As people get older, their spines begin to bend more.
- Injury to the spine.
How is Kyphosis Diagnosed?
Depending on your indications and symptoms, you may need to do the following diagnostic tests for kyphosis surgery:
- X-rays: Plain X-rays are used to measure the degree of curvature and can detect vertebral abnormalities, which aids in determining the type of kyphosis.
- CT scan: If more information is needed, your doctor may prescribe a CT scan, which combines X-ray pictures from multiple angles to create cross-sectional images of interior structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is a type of imaging your doctor detects a tumor or infection, an MRI of your spine may be ordered. MRI produces comprehensive images of both bone and soft tissues using radio waves and a powerful magnet.
A physical examination of the spine will be performed by a healthcare provider. The “Adam’s forward bend test” may be requested of you (or your child). Bend forward with your feet together, knees straight, and arms hanging free. This test allows the provider to see if there is a curve in the spine or if there are any other issues with the spine, such as scoliosis (a sideways curve of the spine).
A spine X-ray may be used to determine the curve of the spine. Between 20 and 45 degrees is the natural curve. If the curvature is larger than 50 degrees, kyphosis is diagnosed.
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