Brief Overview: According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, kyphosis is a “type of spinal deformity, defined as a curvature of the spine measuring 50 degrees or greater on an X-ray. A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. However, a spine affected by kyphosis shows evidence of a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving an abnormally rounded or “humpback” appearance.”
Prevalence: According to UpToDate, hyperkyphosis affects an estimated “range between 20 and 40 percent among community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years.”
Etiology: According to Mayo Clinic, “Kyphosis happens when the vertebrae in the back become more wedge shaped. The shape of the vertebrae can be changed by fractures, osteoporosis, disc degeneration, Scheuermann’s disease, congenital anomalies, etc.”
Risk Factors:
- Age
- Female
- Family history
- Osteoporosis
Commonly Associated Conditions:
- Osteoporosis
- Degenerative disc disease
Common Medications:
- NSAIDs, Tylenol
- Pain management if needed
- Medication to treat osteoporosis, if needed
Common Labs, Imaging, and Tests:
- X-ray , CT, MRI
- DEXA scan if osteoporosis present or suspected
Common Symptoms:
- Back pain
- Stiffness
- Hunched or rounded back
- Neck or hip pain
Common Treatments:
- Physical therapy
- Brace
- Surgery may be indicated for severe cases
Physical Findings:
- Rounded/hunched posture, prominent upper back curve
- Forward head posture, compensatory lumbar lordosis
- Reduced spinal extension
- Tenderness over affected vertebrae
- In severe cases: restrictive chest movement, abdominal protrusion
Potential Complications and Contraindications:
- Impaired pulmonary function
- Impaired physical function
- Falls, balance difficulties
- Difficulty swallowing, acid reflux
General Health and Lifestyle Guidance:
- Try to engage in weight-bearing exercise (walking, strength training). Ask your healthcare provider what/how much exercise is safe and recommended for you.
- Ask your healthcare provider if there are any posture corrections or ergonomic modifications that you can work on
- Maintain adequate calcium and vitamin D intake as recommended by your healthcare provider
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol
- Use supportive chairs, avoid prolonged slouching
- Fall prevention strategies
- Breathing exercises if lung restriction present – ask your healthcare provider if you should be doing anything specific
Suggested Questions to Ask Patients:
- How long have you noticed your posture changing?
- Do you experience back pain, stiffness, or fatigue?
- Has your height decreased?
- Any recent fractures or osteoporosis diagnosis?
- Any breathing problems, weakness, or numbness?
- How does your back affect your daily activities (ADLs, work, hobbies)?
- What are your goals (pain relief, posture improvement, activity)?
Suggested Talking Points:
- Most cases can be managed conservatively without surgery.
- Pain management is important, but treating underlying bone health is equally critical.
- Maintaining mobility and strength is important.
- Regular follow-up and monitoring can help try to prevent complications.
Sources:
- UpToDate
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/kyphosis-in-adults-the-basics?search=kyphosis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~94&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hyperkyphosis-in-older-persons?search=kyphosis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~94&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17671-kyphosis
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/kyphosis
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kyphosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374205
This content was generated with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.