Kyphosis
Is a curvature of the spine that causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal.
The spine has a series of normal curves when looked from the side. These curves help to better absorb the loads applied to the spine from the weight of the body. The cervical spine(neck) and the lumbar spine (low-back)have a normal inward curvature that is normally referred to as lordotic curvature, by which the spine is bend backwards. The thoracic spine has a normal outward curvature which is medically called a kyphotic curve by which the spine is bend forward.
These normal curves of the spine allow the head to be balanced directly over the pelvis. If one or more of these curves is either too great or too small, the head may not b properly balanced over the pelvis, which may lead to altered gait or walking pattern, stiffness and low back pain.
Symptoms
• Appearance of poor posture- humo appearance on the back or hunch-back
• Back pain
• Muscle fatigue and frequent muscle spasms
• Stiffness
• In severe cases, it may lead to compression of the spinal cord with neurological symptoms which includes:
⁃ Weakness
⁃ Loss of sensation
⁃ Tingling sensation
⁃ Loss of bowel or bladder control etc
Three main types of kyphosis:
0. Postural Kyphosis
0. Sheuerman’s Kyphosis
0. Congenital Kyphosis
Diagnosis is done by physical examination taking medical history, radiographic tests and MRIs in certain cases.
If the normal spinal curve decreases i.e. straightening of spine occurs it leads to hypolordosis.
On the contrary if the human spinal curve increases i.e. an exaggerated curve occurs, it leads to hyperlordosis.
