Hyperkyphosis, (Humpback) A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Hyperkyphosis (Humpback), Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases

Hyperkyphosis

Hyperkyphosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine
It is normally noticed in older people and grows with time
Elderly females are affected more than male
Hyperkyphosis screening should done for both males and females

Normally there are no symptoms except a slight fatigue in the spine
There may angulation of the spine that showed up over time
The most important test is the Bone density test
Where porosity of some bones are more than the rest

X-rays and MRI of the spine will then confirm the severity
Constant observation will determine the need for surgery
Measurement of the curvature will help decide the treatment
Mild Hyperkyphosis do not require any adjustment

Moderate Hyperkyphosis may require the wearing of back braces
Which should prevent further curving of the spine at all places
Severe Hyperkyphosis may require surgical intervention
With metal rods, bolts and screws and vertebral fusion

-An original poem by Kenneth Kee

Hyperkyphosis is a curving of the spine that produces an abnormal bowing or rounding of the back which results in a hunchback or slouching posture.

While the thoracic spine should have a natural kyphosis between 20 to 45 degrees, postural or structural abnormalities can result in a curve that is outside this normal range.

While the medical term for a curve that is greater than normal (more than 50 degrees) is actually "hyperkyphosis," the term "kyphosis" is often used by doctors to indicate the medical disorder of excessive curvature in the thoracic spine that results in a rounded upper back.

Hyperkyphosis (termed kyphosis by doctors) is a spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine leads to an abnormal rounding of the upper and middle of the back.

The disorder is occasionally called "humpback" or in the case of a severe curve as "hunchback."

Kyphosis can happen at any age but is frequent during adolescence.

In the majority of cases, kyphosis produces few problems and does not require treatment.

Occasionally, a patient may need to wear a back brace or do exercises in order to improve his or her posture and strengthen the spine.

In severe cases, kyphosis can be painful, produce significant spinal deformity, and lead to breathing problems.

Patients with severe kyphosis may need surgery to help reduce the excessive spinal curve and improve their symptoms.

Kyphosis can affect patients of all ages.

The disorder is frequent during adolescence, a time of rapid bone growth.

Kyphosis can differ in severity.

Generally, the greater the curve, the more serious is the disorder.

Milder curves may produce mild back pain or no symptoms at all.

More severe curves can produce significant spinal deformity and result in a visible hump on the patient's back.

Only the most serious cases will result in a hunchback or produce discomfort or breathing disorders.

Normal kyphosis is defined as a Cobb angle of 20-40° measured from T2-T12.

The Cobb angle is a measurement on plain radiograph to quantify the degree of spinal deformities.

When the "roundness" of the upper spine rises past 45° it is termed hyperkyphosis.

Scheuermann disease and postural round back are often diagnosed in adolescents.

Congenital abnormalities such as failure of formation or failure of segmentation of the spinal components can produce a pathological kyphosis.

In adults, kyphosis can be produced by:

1. Degenerative diseases of the spine
2. Fractures produced by osteoporosis
3. Injury
4. Slipping of one vertebra forward on another
5. Tumors
6. Infection
7. Iatrogenic causes (laminectomy)

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