Kyphosis: symptoms, causes and how to treat it

Definition of kyphosis

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a spinal disorder that causes the upper back to curve excessively (forming a circle), making a person appear hunched over.

Under normal conditions, the spine can have a natural curvature of between 20-45 degrees. However, in people with kyphosis, the degree of curvature of the spine is outside the normal range.

In the majority of cases, these spinal abnormalities cause only minor problems. However, it can also get worse, causing various complications.

How common is this disease?

Kyphosis is a common spinal disorder. This disease can affect anyone, but most often affects adolescents who are experiencing growth and elderly women.

Types of kyphosis

Spinal disorders are divided into several types because the effects they cause are different.

The types of kyphosis are:

Postural kyphosis

This type of spinal disorder generally affects adolescents. It usually occurs in people who have persistently poor posture or posture which causes the bones to curve excessively. Meanwhile, in parents, disease usually occurs due to bone loss (osteoporosis).

Congenital kyphosis

This type of spinal disorder is congenital. Babies born with this condition are most likely to have imperfect spine development while in the womb.

Metabolic kyphosis

This type of spinal disorder occurs when the body cannot process calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and essential minerals to keep bones strong. As a result, bones become weak, brittle, and easily bend excessively.

Post-traumatic kyphosis

This type of bone deformity occurs when the spine is injured and broken. This could be due to a fall, vehicle accident, or something heavy on your back. When a bone fractures, it can collapse and cause excessive curvature.

Scheuermann's kyphosis

This type of bone deformity causes the vertebrae to create a triangular shape which causes the spine to curve forward excessively.

Signs & symptoms of kyphosis

Kyphosis is a mild condition that often causes no signs or symptoms. However, some people may be more sensitive and experience some of the features of kyphosis, such as:

• The body becomes bent.
• There is a hump on the upper back.
• Mild back pain and tired easily.
• Sometimes the spine feels stiff and the muscles at the back of the thigh become tight.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience back pain followed by changes in the spine, see a doctor immediately. The sooner it is treated, the simpler the treatment procedure is.

Causes and risk factors for kyphosis

The causes of this kyphosis bone disorder are very diverse, be it due to activity, injury, or certain health problems. Some of the causes of kyphosis are:

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes bone loss, making bones weak and easy to break. In addition, osteoporosis also causes bones to experience curvature that is not normal.

• Birth defects

If in the womb the development of the spine does not reach perfect, a child can be born with an abnormal curvature of the spine.

• Have a certain syndrome

Syndromes such as Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan's syndrome can cause a child to have an abnormally curved upper back.

• Scheuermann's disease

This disease causes Scheuermann's kyphosis, which on average causes an abnormal curvature of the spine in adolescence.

• Fracture

Fractures or fractures, especially in the spine, can cause abnormal curvature of the bones.

• Cancer and its treatment

Bone cancer, especially those arising in the spine, can weaken the bones. This can make bones break more easily. The risk is also increased due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

Risk factors for kyphosis

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are two main factors that can increase the risk of kyphosis, namely:

• Have a family member with the condition.
• Experiencing osteoporosis or bone loss.

Diagnosis of kyphosis

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

There are many types of spinal disorders. Therefore, in diagnosing kyphosis, your doctor will ask you to do a series of medical tests, such as:

Physical test

The doctor will do a thorough physical examination. You may be asked to bend forward, while the doctor will look at it from the side.

Imaging test

Tests such as CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs can help doctors measure the curvature of the spine and detect any possible injuries.

Bone density test

This medical test can show how dense your bones are, as well as detect osteoporosis.

Neurological test

If you experience symptoms of numbness or weakness in the muscles, you will need to undergo this medical test. The goal is to determine how good the nerve impulses are in your spine.

How to treat kyphosis

Ways to treat kyphosis that are generally recommended by doctors are:

Take pain relievers and other medications

Symptoms of back pain can be relieved by taking painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). In addition, the doctor may also prescribe other drugs that cause kyphosis, such as medicines for osteoporosis.

Kyphosis therapy

In addition to taking medication, kyphosis treatment can also be in the form of therapy, namely:

• Physical therapy: Mild kyphosis can be treated with physical therapy. In this therapy, you will undergo a daily exercise program at home that focuses on strengthening your spine and simple stretches.
• Therapy bracing: Bracing is a special support device that is attached to the spine. Typically, orthopedists will prescribe therapeutic use of bracing in children with curvature of the spine of more than 65 degrees. This tool should be worn for 23 hours a day until the spine heals.

Operation

Patients with spinal deformities that are curved more than 75 degrees or do not get better with therapy, will be recommended to undergo surgery. The operation performed to treat kyphosis is called spinal fusion.

The surgical procedure takes 4 to 5 hours. You will be hospitalized for 3 to 4 days. The recovery process after surgery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks at home

The surgical procedure performed

The operation is performed by making an incision right in the middle of the back to expose the bones and muscles around it. Then, a 1 inch (2.5 cm) titanium screw is placed in the pedicle. The pedicle itself is a support for the spine.

During the insertion, the surgeon should also monitor activity on the spinal cord with real-time X-rays (fluoroscopy). This is done by placing electrodes on the patient from head to toes.

Once all the pedicle screws are in position, the excessively curved spine is repaired. The rod, which is made of cobalt chrome, is then inserted through the screw and the screw is locked.

Then, a bone graft is taken from the patient's own rib. The bone is cut to the size of a match and attached along the back of the spine. Finally, the muscle layer and the outer layer of the skin are closed with adhesive sutures. These stitches will come off on their own, when the skin is back together.

Complications from kyphosis

Complications of kyphosis that may occur as the condition worsens are:

• His appearance deteriorated

Excessive curvature of the upper back can cause the body to slouch. Sometimes there is also a hump (a bulge on the upper back near the neck).

• Limited physical function

Symptoms caused by spinal disorders also weaken the back muscles. As a result, it may be difficult for you to walk, sit, drive, or look up.

• Breathing problems

Excessive curvature that makes the body bend over, eventually puts pressure on the lungs, causing you to become short of breath.

• Digestive problems

The slouching posture also puts pressure on the digestive tract, making you prone to acid reflux or difficulty swallowing.

Home treatment for kyphosis

Home remedies that can help you deal with kyphosis are adopting an appropriate lifestyle. For example, you should maintain an upright posture and not slouch, especially when sitting.

According to a 2002 study in the American Journal of Public Health, yoga is one of the safe options for sports for people with kyphosis. This exercise can strengthen and maintain flexibility of the spine.

Do further consultation with your doctor or therapist if you want to try yoga or other types of exercise. That way, the physical activity that you do can provide benefits.

During the treatment period, patients are also prohibited from smoking and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and soft drinks temporarily.

Instead, you are encouraged to eat foods that are healthy for bones, such as nuts, lean meat, spinach, and wheat. This line of foods is rich in cassava, magnesium, fiber, and protein that your bones need to stay healthy. Also, limit the use of salt in foods.

Prevention of kyphosis

Certain types of kyphosis are preventable. How to prevent kyphosis is:

• Exercise routine

Do exercise as this can keep the spine strong and flexible. Examples of sports that you can choose from are running, swimming, and yoga.

• Avoid carrying heavy items on your back

Moving things on your back or carrying heavy bags can weaken the spine. Therefore, reduce the luggage in your backpack and use the trolley to move things so you don't have to lift them.

• Adopt good posture

When you sit and walk, keep your body in an upright position. this habit can avoid excessive curvature of the spine.