Kyphosis
Kyphosis (kyphosis) is a disorder of the curvature of the spine that makes the upper part of the back look abnormal. Everyone has a curved spine, in the range of 25 to 45 degrees. However, in people with kyphosis, the curvature of the spine can reach 50 degrees or more. This condition makes people bowed.
In general, kyphosis raises several problems and does not need to be treated. However, in severe cases, kyphosis can cause pain and respiratory problems. This condition must be treated surgically.
Symptoms of kyphosis
People with kyphosis may have different symptoms. In general this condition is characterized by:
But in mild conditions can not show any symptoms.
Causes of kyphosis
Depending on the cause, kyphosis can be divided into three, namely:
Postural kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is the type of kyphosis that is most commonly observed during growth. This type of kyphosis is characterized by a state of the spine that curves up to 50 degrees or more. Postural kyphosis is very flexible and can be corrected with routine physiotherapy. In addition, kyphosis rarely causes pain and therefore does not interfere with the daily activities of those affected.
Postural kyphosis is usually caused by improper posture, such as bending over a folded chair or carrying heavy straps. Research shows that kyphosis is more common in girls than boys.
Kyphosis Scheuermann
Scheurmann kyphosis occurs when the spine develops abnormally. This kyphosis occurs before puberty and is more common in boys than girls. In general, kyphosis curvature is stiff and worsens as it grows, preventing the patient from standing up straight.
In some people, kyphosis can be very painful. Pain can be felt in the upper or lower back.
Congenital kyphosis
This type of kyphosis is caused by abnormal development of the spine in the uterus. Abnormalities can occur in one or more vertebrae and can get worse as a child gets older. Congenital kyphosis requires immediate surgery to prevent worsening of the curvature.
The cause of congenital kyphosis is not yet known, but it is thought that this condition is related to genetic disorders. This suspicion is due to the fact that, in some cases, this condition is experienced by children from families with a history of congenital kyphosis.
Risk factors for kyphosis
Kyphosis can happen to anyone. However, several factors can increase the risk of kyphosis, namely:
Diagnosis of kyphosis
During the first stage of kypose diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, including the patient's size. Then, the doctor will ask the patient to bend down to see the curvature of the spine.
The doctor will also ask the patient to lie down to see if the spine becomes straight or if it remains bent. If the patient's spine is straight in the supine position, the patient is suspected of postural kyphosis. However, if the patient's spine remains bent in the supine position, it is suspected that he is suffering from Scheuermann kyphosis or congenital kyphosis.
Nerve tests will also be performed to check the quality of spinal nerve impulses, especially if the patient is numb or loses muscle strength.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a complementary examination, such as:
Kyphosis treatment
Most cases of kyphosis do not require treatment because it is caused by incorrect posture. In such cases, it is enough for patients to improve their posture through physiotherapy.
Whereas in kyphosis due to spinal abnormalities, the method of treatment depends on several factors, such as the age and sex of the patient, as well as the severity and flexibility of the spinal arch.
Doctors usually treat kypsus by giving medicines. The types of drugs used include analgesics, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as medications for osteoporosis.
In addition to prescribing medication, your doctor will also recommend that you stretch regularly to increase flexibility and reduce pain in the spine. In children with Scheuermann kyphosis, the doctor will recommend back support, so that the spine does not become more curved during growth.
In cases of severe kyphosis, especially those that pinch the spinal cord, the doctor will suggest spinal fusion. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a piece of bone between the spine and then supports it with a metal pen in the normal position.
To help maintain bone density, doctors will advise patients to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, limit alcohol use and avoid smoking.
Complications of kyphosis
If not treated properly, kyphosis can cause several complications, such as:
In general, kyphosis raises several problems and does not need to be treated. However, in severe cases, kyphosis can cause pain and respiratory problems. This condition must be treated surgically.
People with kyphosis may have different symptoms. In general this condition is characterized by:
- Height difference between the right and left shoulder.
- Difference in height or position of the scapula
- The head seems to lean more forward than other body parts.
- When you bend, your upper back feels abnormal.
- Hamstrings (back thigh muscles) contract.
- Back pain and stiffness.
But in mild conditions can not show any symptoms.
Causes of kyphosis
Depending on the cause, kyphosis can be divided into three, namely:
Postural kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is the type of kyphosis that is most commonly observed during growth. This type of kyphosis is characterized by a state of the spine that curves up to 50 degrees or more. Postural kyphosis is very flexible and can be corrected with routine physiotherapy. In addition, kyphosis rarely causes pain and therefore does not interfere with the daily activities of those affected.
Postural kyphosis is usually caused by improper posture, such as bending over a folded chair or carrying heavy straps. Research shows that kyphosis is more common in girls than boys.
Kyphosis Scheuermann
Scheurmann kyphosis occurs when the spine develops abnormally. This kyphosis occurs before puberty and is more common in boys than girls. In general, kyphosis curvature is stiff and worsens as it grows, preventing the patient from standing up straight.
In some people, kyphosis can be very painful. Pain can be felt in the upper or lower back.
Congenital kyphosis
This type of kyphosis is caused by abnormal development of the spine in the uterus. Abnormalities can occur in one or more vertebrae and can get worse as a child gets older. Congenital kyphosis requires immediate surgery to prevent worsening of the curvature.
The cause of congenital kyphosis is not yet known, but it is thought that this condition is related to genetic disorders. This suspicion is due to the fact that, in some cases, this condition is experienced by children from families with a history of congenital kyphosis.
Risk factors for kyphosis
Kyphosis can happen to anyone. However, several factors can increase the risk of kyphosis, namely:
- Age. As we get older, the risk of spinal curvature will be even greater.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a condition in which bones break easily, even though they are under a small amount of pressure.
- Scoliosis is a condition of the spine that is curved like the letter S.
- Spina bifida. Spina bifida is a congenital defect due to the formation of the spinal cord and the imperfect spinal cord.
- Paget's disease. Paget's disease is a disorder that affects the process of bone regeneration, causing bone fragility.
- Neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disease that triggers tumor formation in the nervous system.
- Tuberculosis (TB). This disease is caused by a bacterial infection, which often attacks the lungs. But in some cases, TB can also affect the spine.
- Muscular Dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a disorder caused by genetic factors that further weaken muscles.
- Compression fracture. Compression fractures or vertebral fractures due to pressure can affect the curvature of the spine.
- Cancer and cancer treatment. Cancer or the spread of cancer in the spine, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can weaken the spine and make it vulnerable to fractures.
- Decreased bone density can cause spinal bending.
- Degeneration of vertebral joint bearings. Spinal cushions or discs will contract with age and trigger them
- Other medical conditions. Kyphosis in children can be associated with certain diseases, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- Spinal injury.
Diagnosis of kyphosis
During the first stage of kypose diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, including the patient's size. Then, the doctor will ask the patient to bend down to see the curvature of the spine.
The doctor will also ask the patient to lie down to see if the spine becomes straight or if it remains bent. If the patient's spine is straight in the supine position, the patient is suspected of postural kyphosis. However, if the patient's spine remains bent in the supine position, it is suspected that he is suffering from Scheuermann kyphosis or congenital kyphosis.
Nerve tests will also be performed to check the quality of spinal nerve impulses, especially if the patient is numb or loses muscle strength.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a complementary examination, such as:
- Imaging test. X-rays can show the degree of curvature and detect spinal deformities. If the doctor needs a clearer picture of the spine, a scanner is performed. Whereas an MRI is done if the doctor suspects a tumor in the spine.
- Bone density test (bone density scan). This test is designed to determine the level of bone density. It is therefore possible to take steps to prevent bone fragility which will worsen kypose.
- Blood test. Examination of blood samples is used to check the presence or absence of infection, such as tuberculosis.
Kyphosis treatment
Most cases of kyphosis do not require treatment because it is caused by incorrect posture. In such cases, it is enough for patients to improve their posture through physiotherapy.
Whereas in kyphosis due to spinal abnormalities, the method of treatment depends on several factors, such as the age and sex of the patient, as well as the severity and flexibility of the spinal arch.
Doctors usually treat kypsus by giving medicines. The types of drugs used include analgesics, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as medications for osteoporosis.
In addition to prescribing medication, your doctor will also recommend that you stretch regularly to increase flexibility and reduce pain in the spine. In children with Scheuermann kyphosis, the doctor will recommend back support, so that the spine does not become more curved during growth.
In cases of severe kyphosis, especially those that pinch the spinal cord, the doctor will suggest spinal fusion. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a piece of bone between the spine and then supports it with a metal pen in the normal position.
To help maintain bone density, doctors will advise patients to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, limit alcohol use and avoid smoking.
Complications of kyphosis
If not treated properly, kyphosis can cause several complications, such as:
- Respiratory disorders. In severe cases, kyphosis can compress the lungs and cause shortness of breath.
- Indigestion. Severe kyphosis can suppress the digestive tract and cause problems such as heartburn or difficulty swallowing.
- Limited body movements. Kyphosis can cause people to have difficulty walking, getting up from a chair, or bowing their heads. Curved spine can also cause pain when the patient lies down.
- Unappealing body appearance. Kyphosis makes the victim unattractive, either curving or using back support to improve the condition. In extreme circumstances, this can lead to exclusion from the social environment.
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