Kyphosis is the deformity of the spine which causes the rounding of the back beyond normal. Having some degree of Spine curvature is normal, but when the rounding is beyond 45 degrees, it is considered worrisome. Although this spine curvature can occur at any age, it is commonly experienced by older women.
Most of the time, kyphosis does not show signs or symptoms apart from abnormally curved or hunched backs, but in other cases, it results in back pain, tiredness, stiffness, and tenderness of the spinal cord.
Types and Causes of Kyphosis
- Osteoporosis
The most common type of Kyphosis is called “Osteoporosis.” It is an adult-related kyphosis that causes vertebrae fracture. Osteoporosis causes the thinning of the bones and makes the vertebral bones weak.
While the front of the vertebrae collapses and loses height, the back maintains its height and the front of the bone is crushed. The result of osteoporosis is the compression of vertebral fractures, deformity, and death.
The fracture occurs in both males and females but is more common in females.
- Congenital Kyphosis
This type of kyphosis usually affects infants and children. It occurs when there is a malformation of the spinal column in the womb. As a result of the disruption of the spine’s normal development, some vertebrae are sometimes fused together.
- Degenerative Kyphosis
This type of kyphosis is as a result of the wear and tear of the spine.
- Neuromuscular Kyphosis
This type of kyphosis affects brain and spine muscles. Children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy and Spina bifida are susceptible to this form of deformity.
- Nutritional Kyphosis
This type occurs as a result of childhood vitamin deficiencies, for example, Vitamin D.
- Postural Kyphosis
As the name implies, Postural kyphosis occurs as result of slouching and poor posture. Carrying heavy bags and leaning on chairs stretch ligaments and supporting muscles, thereby increasing spinal curvature. The defect occurs more in females than in males.
- Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
This type of Kyphosis occurs when the spines and discs experience abnormal growth. If they do not develop properly, they will inevitably be out of position. Four to eight percent of adolescences and adults are prone to Scheuermann’s Kyphosis Males are the most affected.
What happens if you have Kyphosis? There are companies that specialize in solutions with medical devices. Orbbo is a company that manufactures medical devices for spinal surgery for kyphosis as a result of degenerative disc disease.
