Kyphosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Kyphosis is a condition characterized by a curvature of the back that leans forward. Sometimes, a certain degree of curvature can be categorized as normal, but the term kyphosis is generally used to describe the presence of excess curvature. Although kyphosis can occur at any age, it is most commonly observed in older women.
Age-related kyphosis often occurs after osteoporosis weakens the spine causing fractures and compression. Another type of kyphosis can be seen in children and adolescents due to malformation of the spine or compression of the spine over time.
Mild kyphosis may cause little disturbance, but more severe cases may cause pain and deformity. Treatment for kyphosis depends on age, the cause of the indentation, and the impact of the indentation.
Symptom
In addition to the abnormal curvature of the spine, kyphosis can also cause back pain. Not only that, this condition causes stiffness in some people.
In some cases, especially mild kyphosis, symptoms or signs of kyphosis may not appear or appear.
Reason
Each of the bones that make up the spine has a shape that resembles an arranged cylinder. Kyphosis can occur when the spine in the upper back changes shape.
The deformity can be caused by a variety of health problems, including:
-
Osteoporosis
Conditions that cause bone loss can cause fractures due to bone compression. Osteoporosis is most common in older people, especially women, and in people who take high doses of corticosteroids for a long time.
-
Disc degeneration
The soft, circular discs act as cushions for the spine. With age, the disc becomes drier and smaller, which exacerbates kyphosis.
-
Congenital defects
If the spine of a baby does not develop properly while in the womb, the bones may not form properly, causing kyphosis.
-
There are certain syndromes
Kyphosis in children can be associated with several syndromes, such as Marfan or Prader-Willi syndrome.
-
Cancer and cancer treatment
Cancer of the spine can make the spine weak and more susceptible to compression fractures, as can chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Diagnosis
To establish a diagnosis of kyphosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination. During this examination, the doctor will check the height and ask the patient to bend forward while looking at the position of the spine from the side.
In people with kyphosis, the curvature of the upper back may be more pronounced in this position. The doctor may also perform a neurological exam to evaluate reflexes and muscle strength.
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out include:
-
Imaging examination
Imaging examinations can be carried out in the form of X-rays to see the degree of curvature and the presence of deformities in the spine.
In addition, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations can also be done if the doctor suspects a tumor or infection.
-
Innervation check
If the person experiences numbness or muscle weakness, the doctor may recommend several tests that can determine the ability of nerve impulses to conduct between the spine and the extremities.
Handling
Treatment of kyphosis depends on the underlying cause and the signs and symptoms that arise. Various treatment methods that can be done are:
-
Treatment
Doctors can prescribe pain medications to manage pain, or medications for osteoporosis and bone strengthening in people with known osteoporosis.
-
Therapy
Some types of kyphosis can be treated with exercise, especially stretching exercises which can increase spinal flexibility and back pain.
-
Implement a healthy lifestyle
By maintaining a stable body weight and doing physical activity to prevent back pain, and maintaining good bone density also needs to be done. For this reason, sufferers are advised to apply a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and carry out routine bone density checks at the recommended age.
-
Surgery and other procedures
If the curvature of kyphosis is high enough or if there is clamping of the spinal nerves, the doctor may recommend surgery.
Prevention
Kyphosis caused by osteoporosis can be prevented by consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as having regular bone density checks at the recommended age.