Round Back or Hunchback What is it? The thoracic spine has an outward curve called the kyphotic curve.

Kyphosis is the forward rounding of the upper back. This makes the head unbalanced causing problems. Who gets it? Kyphosis is most common in older women and it is known as a Dowagers hump. However, there are few types that can affect infants or teens. What causes it? This occurs when vertebrae in the upper back transition to be wedgeshaped. Osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disorder can also be a cause. There are many other things that can cause Kyphosis such as disk degeneration, cancer and its treatments, Scheuermanns disease, and birth defects. Slouching can cause this problem in many teenage girls. Symptoms: Symptoms can include appearance of poor posture (a hunchback), back pain and stiffness, and muscle fatigue. These symptoms usually do not get worse but are constant. For more severe cases, symptoms do worsen. This can lead to compression of the spinal cord, weakness, loss of sensations, or even sometimes loss of bowel and bladder control. Some people may even experience chest pain and shortness of breath due to little space in the chest. Treatment: Treatment usually depends on condition and symptoms much like any other disease. A doctor may prescribe pain reliever drugs (Advil, Tylenol, etc.) or osteoporosis drugs. There are also exercises or bracing that may help. In very severe cases they would perform surgery such as spinal fusion. However, it can be very risky and extremely complicated. Preventions: There are no preventions for Scheuermanns and congenital kyphosis because it is a result of structure problem in the vertebrae. Bracing and exercises would only slow the progression of it. Postural kyphosis can be prevented through strengthening back muscles.