Some individuals experience an outward curve in the top of the spine, which is completely normal. However, if the curvature becomes extreme, it can cause pain and develop other issues, a condition known as kyphosis. Fortunately, if you are experiencing kyphosis, board-certified surgeons, Marc Menkowitz, MD, and Steve Paragioudakis, MD, at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine, can help. They provide innovative Shrewsbury kyphosis treatments, including kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, and spinal fusion to correct your spine. To learn more about the treatments, call or schedule an appointment online today.
What Exactly Is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis refers to pain usually caused by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Normally, your spine should curve in and out as it travels down your back for a well-balanced body and proper lineage of everything. A spine that curves inward is lordotic, while one that curves outward is kyphotic. A normal outward curve is about twenty to fifty degrees, and anything more than fifty degrees is kyphosis.
What Are the Different Types of Kyphosis?
Various kyphosis types can affect adults as well as children. These include:
- Congenital kyphosis
This type of kyphosis develops in an unborn child when the spinal column does not form correctly. The vertebrae might fuse, or the bones may grow abnormally, which might cause the condition to worsen as the kid grows.
- Postural kyphosis
As the name suggests, this type occurs due to poor posture. Leaving your shoulders to slump and slouch constantly can stretch the ligaments and alter the way your vertebrae develop. Postural kyphosis mostly affects adolescents, but normally it does not cause issues.
- Scheuermann’s kyphosis
This type of kyphosis mostly affects male teenagers. It results in a sharp, short curvature situated at the middle of the upper spine, resulting in aching back pain. Most often, teenagers with this condition experience a moderate degree of scoliosis.
What Are the Common Risk Factors for Kyphosis?
The most common cause of kyphosis is osteoporosis, which causes vertebral compression fractures in the spine. Other conditions that can increase your risk of getting kyphosis in adults include:
- Tumors
- Arthritis
- Infections
- Polio
- Spinal Bifida
- Trauma
- Cerebral palsy
- And Marfan syndrome
If you have mild kyphosis, you may not experience any symptoms. However, severe kyphosis can result in chronic pain and exert pressure on the nerves and organs.
What Should You Expect During Kyphosis Treatment?
The best treatment for you will depend on various factors, including age, general physical health, cause of kyphosis, the severity of the condition, and the effects of the condition not treated. The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine specialists start by recommending physical therapy, medications, and bracing. If the condition does not improve, they might opt. for kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, treatments involve the injection of bone cement to the damaged vertebrae to stabilize and reinforce the spine. If the non-surgical therapies do not offer an efficient solution for a severe kyphosis condition, you may require surgery to correct the curvature.
Do not struggle with a painful spine any longer. If you have spine stiffness and pain due to kyphosis, call or schedule an appointment online with the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine today.
