Kifoz – Kyphosis

Kyphosis (Roundback of the Spine; Congenital Kyphosis; Postural Kyphosis; Scheuermann's kyphosis; Hunchback)

Description kyphosis

Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine or rounding. In normal spine has a degree of curvature. The abnormal kyphosis occurs in the thoracic spine (in the ribs). The three main types of kyphosis:

• Postural kyphosis (osanochny kyphosis) – самый распространенный тип, which is caused by bad posture;
• Врожденный кифоз – кифоз, which is present at birth;
• Кифоз Шойермана – серьезный тип кифоза, which is a genetic disease, but it appears in adolescence.

If you think, that you or your child is sick kyphosis, consult a doctor. Treatment of kyphosis, perhaps, It should be started at a young age.

Causes of kyphosis

Kyphosis can start at any age. His appearance may have various causes, including:

• Poor posture;
• Arthritis;
• Vertebral fractures (the bones in the spine);
• Spinal injury;
• Osteoporosis;
• Infection of the spine;
• Some diseases:
  • Marfan syndrome;
  • Cerebral paralysis;
• Abnormal fetal development;
• Unknown cause.

Risk Factors kyphosis

Factors, which can increase the risk of kyphosis include:

• Marfan syndrome or other tissue disease;
• Disease, which weakens bones, such as osteoporosis;
• Age:
  • Подростковый возраст – для постурального кифоза или кифоза Шойермана;
  • Elderly with osteoporosis and spine fractures;
• Paul:
  • Мальчики – для кифоза Шойермана;
  • Девушки – для постурального кифоза.

The symptoms of kyphosis

Tell your doctor, if you have the following symptoms:

• Strong bending or hump on the back;
• Backache.

Diagnosis kyphosis

In most cases of kyphosis can be diagnosed during a physical exam. Some cases are found at school during a scoliosis check. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. There will be a physical exam, to look for abnormal curvature of the spine, rounded shoulders, and a hump on the back. The doctor can give a referral to a specialist on the problems of the spine.

The doctor may need pictures of the spine. This can be done with the help of X-rays or other tests, medical imaging.

The doctor may also assess breathing. This can be done using pulmonary function tests.

Treatment of kyphosis

Treatment methods include kyphosis:

Physiotherapy in kyphosis

The doctor may refer you to a physical therapist, to learn specific exercises. They may include exercises force, tension. You also teach, how to maintain good posture and recommend sleeping on a hard mattress.

Medications for the treatment of kyphosis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be administered for pain or discomfort. Medication may also be administered for the treatment of any other disease, such as osteoporosis.

Corset at kyphosis

Sometimes the doctor appoints wearing a corset. It can help correct kyphosis or reduce discomfort.

Surgery for kyphosis

The operation is performed in severe cases of kyphosis. The spine is straightened by connecting the bones of the spine (vertebrae). To help straighten the spine, it can be inserted into a metal rod.

Compression fractures of the spine, which is the cause of kyphosis, sometimes treated with special cement (kyphoplasty). Cement is introduced into the damaged bone.

Prevention of kyphosis

To reduce the likelihood of kyphosis:

• It is necessary to begin treatment in advance of any bone disease, such as arthritis and osteoporosis;
• Pay attention to your posture and avoid slouching.