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KYPHOSIS
What is Kyphosis (Hunchback)? Causes and Treatment
In medical terminology, Kyphosis—commonly known as a hunchback—refers to an excessive forward curvature of the upper back (thoracic spine).
The human spine is not a straight rod; it has natural curves. A healthy spine has an inward curve at the lower back (lordosis) and a slight outward curve at the upper back (physiological kyphosis). However, when this outward curve in the upper back exceeds normal limits and becomes exaggerated, it results in the pathological condition known as Kyphosis.
What Causes Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is not caused by a single factor; it can arise from various reasons ranging from lifestyle habits to genetic factors:
- Postural Kyphosis: The most common type today. Desk jobs, constant phone use ("text neck"), and poor sitting habits lead to Postural Kyphosis. In this type, the spine is flexible, and the curve corrects itself when the person stands up straight.
- Muscle Weakness: Insufficient strength in the back muscles that support the spine can cause the spine to slump forward over time.
- Spinal Anomalies: Congenital (present at birth) developmental errors in the spine, such as vertebrae forming in a wedge shape, cause structural kyphosis.
- Osteoporosis: Especially in older adults, a decrease in bone density can lead to compression fractures in the vertebrae. This is the primary cause of age-related hunchback (sometimes called Dowager's hump).
How is Kyphosis Treated?
Kyphosis treatment is personalized based on the patient's age, the degree of curvature, flexibility of the spine, and the underlying cause.
1. Physical Therapy and Exercise
If the kyphosis is caused by poor posture or muscle weakness, non-surgical methods are highly effective.
- Goal: To create a natural corset for the spine by strengthening the back and core muscles.
- Method: Posture correction exercises and stretching routines performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist can significantly correct postural deformities.
2. Medication
It is not possible to correct the curve itself with medication. However, medical treatment is used to manage pain or treat underlying conditions like Osteoporosis to strengthen the bones and prevent further fractures.
3. Surgical Treatment (Kyphosis Surgery)
Surgery is considered for progressive structural kyphosis or cases where other treatments have failed.
- When is Surgery Necessary? It is generally recommended for thoracic (upper back) curves exceeding 70-75 degrees, especially if the curve begins to affect lung capacity or causes severe pain.
- How is it Performed? The goal of surgery is to straighten and stabilize the spine (spinal fusion). Screws placed into the vertebrae and long rods connecting them are used to pull the spine back into its physiological alignment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If the kyphosis is "postural," meaning it is due to poor posture, it can be completely corrected with regular exercise and posture awareness. However, in cases where the bone structure is altered (such as Scheuermann's kyphosis or congenital anomalies), exercise is supportive but cannot "zero out" the curve.
Braces are typically used under doctor supervision for growing children (in conditions like Scheuermann's kyphosis) to stop the progression of the curve. In adults, unsupervised use of braces is not recommended as it may cause the muscles to become lazy and weak.
Like any major surgery, there are risks, but thanks to modern neuromonitoring (nerve monitoring) technologies used today, the risk of paralysis is extremely low. It is a surgery with a high success rate.
Severe kyphosis cases that are left untreated can lead to chronic back pain, reduced lung capacity (shortness of breath), digestive issues, and significant cosmetic deformity.
Mattresses that are too soft can reduce spinal support and trigger poor posture. Medium-firm mattresses that support the natural curves of the spine should be preferred.