KYPHOSIS (Hunchback)

KYPHOSIS (Hunchback)

WHAT IS IT?
It usually referred to an abnormally curved spine. It usually causes the upper part of a person’s back more rounded than normal. Note that everyone has some degree of curvature in their spine, however if it more than 45 degrees is considered excessive.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

1. Abnormal posturing; leaning back in chairs, slouching and carrying heavy bags can stretch supporting muscles and ligaments, which can increase the spines curvature
2. Abnormal development of the spine in the womb (congenital kyphosis), thus the individual is born with it.
3. Abnormally shaped backbone (vertebrae), thus they can end up being out of position.
4. Ageing; as people get older, there is an increase in the spine curvature, this especially happens in menopausal women.
5. It can also develop as a result of injury to the spine
6. Other medical conditions that may affect the back bone such as osteoporosis, spondylosis, muscular dystrophy, tuberculosis, cancer among others.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Sometimes aside the abnormally curved symptoms, it does not cause any signs and symptoms. However in some cases it causes:
• Back pain
• Tiredness
• At times can lead to difficulty in breathing and eating
• Occasional can lead to weakness or numbness of the arms or legs with other signs when the spine becomes compressed.
NOTE that it can lead to emotional issues especially in older children, who may feel embarrassed about it.

CAN IT BE TREATED?
YES!!
Mild to moderate cases can be controlled with painkiller for the pain, exercises (physiotherapy), Bracing in growing children (using back brace until the spine stops growing thus around 14 or 15 years).
Severe cases are treated with surgery. Seek early medical intervention.
Dr. Ato K Sagoe