Kyphosis is a condition that causes the upper back to curve forward more than it should. While a gentle curve in the spine is normal, kyphosis is diagnosed when that curve exceeds 50 degrees. This excessive rounding can make the upper back appear hunched—and in some cases, it can cause discomfort or pain.
At Summit Orthopedics, we treat kyphosis and other spinal deformity problems for people in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Kyphosis can affect people of all ages and may be mild or severe. It may be caused by bad posture, changes in the spine’s shape or getting older. Our spine care experts create personalized treatments to help you move more easily and feel better.
Kyphosis Types
There are several different types of kyphosis, each with its own underlying causes.
Postural Kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is the most common type. It usually affects teens and young adults and is often caused by poor posture. With postural kyphosis, the spine’s structure is normal—but weak muscles and slouching habits cause the spine to bend forward. This type of kyphosis is flexible, which means the curve can often be corrected with postural changes and strengthening exercises.
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
Scheuermann’s kyphosis appears during the teen years. With this type, wedge-shaped vertebrae cause the spine to curve forward. Scheuermann’s kyphosis is a more rigid type of kyphosis than postural kyphosis. It can run in families and usually needs more specialized treatment.
Congenital Kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis develops when the bones of the spine don’t form properly before birth. This type is usually detected early and can progress quickly as the child grows. It often requires surgery.
Age-related Kyphosis
In older adults, kyphosis is often caused by spinal degeneration. This means parts of your spine start to wear down over time. Some spinal degeneration is caused by osteoporosis, disc wear or compression fractures. These changes can weaken the bones in the spine and cause the spine to collapse forward. This curvature of the spine often occurs in the cervical spine (upper part) and thoracic spine (middle part).
Kyphosis Symptoms
People with kyphosis may not notice symptoms right away. In some cases, especially with mild postural kyphosis, there are no symptoms beyond a rounded upper back. But kyphosis can be painful, especially as the curve becomes more pronounced.
Symptoms include:
- Back or neck pain
- Difficulty breathing, in severe cases
- Loss of height over time
- Poor posture
- Stiffness or tightness in the spine
The pain tends to feel like dull aching or stiffness in the upper back. If the curve compresses spinal nerves, you may also feel tingling, numbness or sharp pain in the back or limbs.
How Is Kyphosis Diagnosed?
If you notice changes in posture or persistent back pain, your provider will start with a physical exam. During the exam, we’ll look at your posture and flexibility and check for areas of pain or tightness.
Imaging Tests
To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may use imaging tests such as:
- X-rays: This imaging test will measure the angle of the curve and check for wedge-shaped vertebrae.
- MRI or CT scans: These more advanced imaging tests look at soft tissues and nerves.
- Bone density scans: Also called a DXA or DEXA scan, this imaging testchecks for osteoporosis in older adults.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Kyphosis
Most people with mild kyphosis, like postural kyphosis, get better with treatments that don’t require surgery.
[H3] Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help people with most types of kyphosis. Your therapist will guide you through exercises that strengthen your core, stretch tight muscles and improve posture. Our physical therapists can create a program based on your needs and activity level.
Bracing
For teens with Scheuermann’s kyphosis, a brace may help slow curve progression—especially if bones are still growing. Bracing is less effective in adults.
Pain Relief
For occasional discomfort, your provider may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Changes to your activities
- Heat or cold therapy
- Spinal injections in more severe cases
Posture Education
Learning how to sit, stand and move with better alignment can ease symptoms and help prevent the curve from worsening.
Surgical Treatment for Kyphosis
Surgery might be needed for kyphosis when the curve becomes severe, if pain doesn’t get better with other treatments or if the curve causes nerve problems or trouble breathing.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is the most common surgery for kyphosis. It works by joining two or more vertebrae with special rods, screws and bone grafts to hold the spine straighter.
Doctors often recommend fusion surgery for:
- Congenital kyphosis
- Severe Scheuermann’s kyphosis
- An age-related curved spine that continually gets worse
With the right treatment, most people with kyphosis can lead active, pain-free lives. Early diagnosis and care, especially during the teen years, can prevent future complications.
Spine Experts You Can Trust
Kyphosis doesn’t just affect how you stand. It can also affect how you feel physically and emotionally. At Summit Orthopedics, our spine care team is ready to help you get back to the activities you love, without pain holding you back.
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care.
Find your Summit Orthopedics spine expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
