Health Tips

A normal spine (backbone) has a slight curvature, and that’s fine. However in kyphosis, the upper part of the spine curves abnormally, causing a rounded or hunched back.

BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes kyphosis doesn't cause any symptoms other than the back appearing abnormally curved or hunched. However, in some cases the condition causes:

• back pain and stiffness — the back pain can be particularly problematic because the body has to compensate for the spinal abnormality

• tenderness of the spine

• tiredness

Causes of kyphosis

While kyphosis affects children (a condition known as Scheuermann’s kyphosis), kyphosis is mainly seen among the elderly, and the condition tends to worsen with age.

Essentially, the following are factors that give rise to kyphosis:

• Vertebral fractures

• Low bone density (osteoporosis)

• Degeneration of the vertebral discs 

• Decrease in postural flexibility (due to old age)

• Poor posture

• Muscle weakness

• Family history of kyphosis

• Complications from surgery

Treatment of kyphosis

Most cases of kyphosis don't require treatment. Kyphosis caused by poor posture can usually be corrected by improving your posture.

If a child has kyphosis as a result of abnormally shaped vertebrae , such as Scheuermann's kyphosis, treatment depends on factors such as:

• the person's age

• their sex

• the severity of the curve

• how flexible the curve is

The condition usually stops progressing once a child is older and has stopped growing. Teenagers with moderate kyphosis may require wearing a back brace.  Surgery is often required for children born with congenital kyphosis. 

Whereas for elderly who suffer from kyphosis, the treatment depends on the underlying problem and the severity. Treatments can include:

• Medications for osteoporosis

• Stretching and strengthening exercise

• Painkillers (such as paracetamol and NSAIDs) to ease the back pain

• Surgery

Consult a specialist if you would like to learn more about treatment for kyphosis.

Restoring confidence

Kyphosis can be a huge blow to a teenager’s confidence, especially when they’re at a point of life when they may become concerned or embarrassed about the effect the condition has on their appearance, or having to wear a back brace. These concerns can affect different children in different ways. Some children can become socially withdrawn and may be reluctant to take part in physical activities, where their condition may be exposed.

There are no easy answers to these problems, but it can sometimes help to reassure your child that their feelings will improve with time.

Prevention of kyphosis

As many of us are working from home, sitting has become the main mode of how we spend our day. Maintaining a proper posture is the key to preventing postural kyphosis:

• Avoid slouching

• Sit upright and ensure that your back is properly supported

• Let your children carry appropriately-weighted schoolbag or well-designed schoolbag

• Take regular exercise (see below) to help strengthen the back and keep it flexible; activities such as swimming, running, walking, yoga are ideal for helping to prevent back problems

A word from DOC2US

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Disclaimer: As a service to our users and general public, DOC2US provides health education contents. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Specific references have been linked in its relevant part of the article. 

Cover image credit: BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Written by

Ms Joyce Toh