Kyphosis
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Kyphosis
| Name: Kyphosis |
| Also known as: |
| Abnormal curvature of the back which normally curves gently from front to back in a double S-shape. It curves in at the neck, out over the back of the chest, in at the small of the back, and out again between the buttocks. |
Causes of Kyphosis
Osteoporosis in older women, compressed and collapsed vertebrae, ankylosing spondylitis in the elderly, tuberculosis, tumors, constant muscle spasm in spastics, and a number of less common diseases. |
Symptoms of Kyphosis
An excessive outward curve of the spine at the back of the chest, that may vary from a slightly increased prominence to a severe hunchback deformity. |
Tests for Kyphosis
Diagnosis confirmed by X-rays of the spine, which may show the cause at the same time. |
Treatment for Kyphosis
Treat the cause, if possible. Otherwise exercise, physiotherapy, braces and rarely surgery are used to correct the deformity.
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Complications of Kyphosis of its treatment
The pinching of nerves as they leave the deformed back may cause severe pain. |
Likely Outcome of Kyphosis
Many patients have remarkably pain free backs despite quite horrendous deformities. |
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