Kyphosis is a spinal disorder characterized by an abnormal curvature of the upper back. It is commonly known as a "hunchback" or "roundback" appearance. The normal spine has natural curves that help distribute weight and maintain balance, but kyphosis causes an excessive rounding of the upper back.

There are several types of kyphosis, including:

• Postural kyphosis: This is the most common type and is often caused by poor posture or slouching. It is usually mild and can be corrected with proper posture and exercise.
• Scheuermann's kyphosis: This type is caused by a structural abnormality of the spine and usually appears during adolescence. It can cause more severe curvature and may require treatment.
• Congenital kyphosis: This type is present at birth and is caused by a spinal defect. It can be mild or severe depending on the extent of the defect.
• Nutritional kyphosis: This type is caused by a nutritional deficiency, such as vitamin D deficiency, which affects the strength and development of the bones.

Symptoms of kyphosis may include back pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Severe cases can cause breathing problems, as the curvature of the spine can compress the lungs and chest cavity.

Treatment for kyphosis depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with physical therapy and exercise to improve posture and strengthen the muscles of the back. More severe cases may require bracing or surgery to correct the curvature of the spine. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary if the condition does not cause pain or affect daily activities.

The individual bones (vertebrae) that make up a healthy spine look like cylinders stacked in a column. Kyphosis occurs when the vertebrae in the upper back become more wedge shaped.

Abnormal vertebrae can be caused by:

• Fractures. Broken or crushed vertebrae (compression fractures) can result in curvature of the spine. Mild compression fractures often don't produce noticeable signs or symptoms.
• Osteoporosis. This bone-thinning disorder can cause spinal curvature, especially if weakened vertebrae result in compression fractures. Osteoporosis is most common in older women and people who have taken corticosteroids for long periods of time.
• Disk degeneration. Soft, circular disks act as cushions between spinal vertebrae. With age, these disks dry out and shrink, which often worsens kyphosis.
• Scheuermann's disease. Also called Scheuermann's kyphosis, this disease typically begins during the growth spurt that occurs before puberty. Boys are affected more often than girls.
• Birth defects. Spinal bones that don't develop properly before birth can cause kyphosis.
• Syndromes. Kyphosis in children can also be associated with certain syndromes, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.
• Cancer and cancer treatments. Cancer in the spine can weaken vertebrae and make them more prone to compression fractures, as can chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatments.

Kyphosis treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition.

Medications

Your doctor might suggest medication, including:

• Pain relievers. If over-the-counter medicines — such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) — aren't enough, stronger pain medications are available by prescription.
• Osteoporosis medications. Bone-strengthening medications may help prevent additional spinal fractures that would worsen your kyphosis.

Therapy

Therapy can help manage certain types of kyphosis. Your doctor might recommend:

• Exercises. Stretching exercises may help improve spinal flexibility and relieve back pain.
• Bracing. Children who have Scheuermann's disease may be able to stop the progression of kyphosis by wearing a body brace while their bones are still growing.

Surgical and other procedures

Surgery might be recommended for severe kyphosis that is pinching the spinal cord or nerve roots. Spinal fusion is the most common procedure for reducing the degree of curvature. The surgeon inserts pieces of bone between the vertebrae and then fastens the vertebrae together with metal rods and screws until the spine heals together in a corrected position.

To help you maintain good bone density, your doctor might recommend:

• Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Avoiding tobacco
• Limiting alcohol consumption