THORACIC KYPHOSIS

Kyphosis, commonly known as hunchback, is a disorder where there is an excessive spinal curve on the upper spine. It causes the upper back to appear more rounded.

Depending on the severity, individuals with a significant curve will have a great deal of muscular pain and limitation. While those whose curves are less exaggerated, may initially have no symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

• A hunched back with a visible hump on the back
• Back pain
• Muscle fatigue
• Rounded shoulders
• Spine stiffness and restricted movement
• Difficulty standing up straight.

Causes

• Poor posture sustained over a long period of time- slouched sitting with rounded shoulders and a protruding head.
• Birth defect.
• Structural impairments of the spine 
• Old age degeneration
• Carrying heavy loads on the back fastens vertebral degeneration over time.

Diagnosis

• Imaging-Xray, MRI
• History taking- presenting signs and symptoms.
• Gait assessment.
• Special tests e.g. the flexicurve index

Treatment

• Physiotherapy
• Bracing
• Pain relief meds-NSAIDs

If none of these non-surgical treatment approaches is not effective, a corrective surgical procedure will be performed.

Physiotherapy management

• Manual therapy
• Taping and bracing
• Strengthening exercise for core and upper back muscles
• Stretches for the back and neck muscles to relieve tension.
• Breathing exercises
• Ergonomic assessment
• Gait and posture correction.