Kyphosis is a condition in which your spine curves forward from its normal position. The kyphotic deformity can lead to severe back problems, such as nerve damage and heart disease. It may be a sign of a rare genetic disorder or a tumor in young children’s spinal cord or brainstem. As an adult, you may develop kyphosis because of osteoporosis or arthritis.
If you have kyphotic deformity, you may develop the condition due to multiple health problems over time. Age-related degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis can lead to loss of bone height, which causes the vertebrae in your spine to collapse and the spine to curve forward. In osteoporosis, the bones become weak and thin from a loss of calcium. This disease is often associated with older adults, but it can occur at any age. If you have the condition, you should seek treatment from a Shrewsbury kyphosis specialist.
Symptoms of Kyphosis
If you have a kyphotic deformity, you will first notice persistent and unexplained back or neck pain. The neck may appear shorter than usual, and you may experience neck pain, muscle spasms, and pain that radiates down to the shoulders.
Unexplained back pain is a common cause of kyphotic deformity in young adults. This condition occurs when vertebrae bones are abnormally shaped, creating an abnormal curve in the spine. These are often referred to as “rickets” or “osteomalacia,” and they also cause the spine to curve forward. In addition, tumors in the spinal cord or brainstem can cause kyphotic deformity.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for kyphosis include:
Older Age: After the age of 50, you can develop osteoporosis and arthritis. These conditions can cause a loss in bone height that leads to kyphotic deformity.
Tumors: Tumors in the spinal cord or brainstem can lead to kyphotic deformity.
Genetic disorders: Achondroplasia and osteogenesis imperfecta can lead to kyphotic deformity because of abnormal bone shape and development. These conditions often occur in infants, making it essential for doctors to screen children during the first year of life for signs of these conditions.
Treatment
If you have kyphotic deformity caused by osteoporosis, arthritis, a tumor, or a genetic disease, the doctor will recommend treatment to improve posture and reduce pain. Skeletal traction may correct the spine curve in younger people who have not yet reached complete bone growth.
The best treatment for kyphotic deformity depends on the cause of the condition. It may include spinal fusion surgery, vertebroplasty, or balloon kyphoplasty to restore height and straighten the vertebrae. You may improve kyphosis due to osteoporosis and other age-related conditions with medications such as bisphosphonates, which increase bone mineral density. In severe cases, a kyphosis repair surgery may be recommended to replace the collapsed vertebrae and decompress the spinal cord and nerves.
The treatment plan for patients with kyphotic deformity depends on several factors, including age, the presence of any underlying conditions, and possible risk factors or complications from surgery. It is vital to have a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the disease to achieve optimal results.
In summary, kyphosis is a condition in which your spine curves forward from its normal position. Common symptoms include neck pain and back pain. You can also develop the disease due to old age, tumors, and genetic disorders. The treatment of this condition depends on the cause.
