Rounded SpineKyphosis is an excessive rounding off of the vertebrae in the upper back. The vertebrae develop into a wedge type shape.

Causes of this condition include osteoporosis, disc degeneration, Scheuermann’s disease (also known as Juvenile Kyphosis, a deformity of the spine in children), birth defects, and slouching (this type of kyphosis is brought on by poor posture).

Symptoms include back pain and muscle tightness. Treatments include physical therapy, back braces, exercises to treat scoliosis, chiropractic treatment, and surgery. Diagnostic tests include x-rays, CT scan, MRI, lung function test.

Kyphosis Symptoms:

Scoliosis Symptoms:

Lordosis Symptoms:
I’ve noticed that my back seems rounded. I experience fatigue and mild back pain. Sometimes the area around my spine is tender and sore. Occasionally I may even have difficulty breathing. I’ve noticed an abnormal curve of my spine or someone else’s. My clothes appear to not fit as well as they use to, seeming uneven. I’m experiencing pain in my back and spine that makes moving difficult. When lying on my back on a hard surface, there is a large space beneath my lower back and the surface.

Kyphosis of the spine:

Scoliosis of the spine:

Lordosis of the spine:
Kyphosis of the spine is a common condition resulting in an exaggerated forward rounding of your upper back, or thoracic region. A normal spine curvature would be 20-50 degrees, kyphosis would be a curve greater than 50 degrees. This curvature causes you to hunch over and appear like you are slouching. Kyphosis is most common with older women because they are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens the spinal bones, which in return leads to the development of kyphosis. To learn more about kyphosis click here. Scoliosis is a condition of the spine that causes it to curve to the side. The curve can make the spine look like the shape of an “S” or “C”. It can curve at any point in the spine, but most commonly the thoracic and lumbar regions. Most often the cause of scoliosis is unknown. It is most common in adolescent girls. There are many different forms of scoliosis including idiopathic (cause is unknown), neuromuscular (associated with diseases like cerebral palsy), and syndromic (associated with diseases like myopathic dystrophy). Lordosis of the spine is also commonly known as “swayback”. It’s a condition in which the spine and the lower back have an excessive curvature. There is a natural curve in the spine when lordosis occurs the lower back’s natural curve is much greater. The curvature of the spine that occurs from lordosis is usually visible, often forming a “C” like shape. A person with lordosis may appear to be sticking out their stomachs or buttocks.
Kyphosis can be caused by a variety of different health problems including:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Disk degeneration
  • Birth Defects – spine not growing properly in the womb
  • Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation
 There are a variety of things that may cause Scoliosis including:

  • Bone abnormalities present at birth – Congenital scoliosis
  • Abnormal muscles or nerves – neuromuscular scoliosis
  • Previous back injuries – degenerative scoliosis
  • Traumatic injuries or illnesses – degenerative scoliosis
  • Unknown causes- Idiopathic scoliosis
 Often the cause of lordosis is unknown usually appearing in children. Other potential reasons include:

  • Poor posture
  • Kyphosis
  • Obesity
  • Discitis- a disk disorder between the spinal vertebrae
Treatment options include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Kyphosis back braces are great ways to ease the pain.
  • Exercises and stretches to strengthen the area.
  • Surgical procedures may be an option in severe cases.
 Treatment options include:

If you think you or someone you know has scoliosis consult with a doctor right away. Treatment options for scoliosis include medical braces and surgery.

 Treatment options include:

  • Medication to reduce pain
  • Physical therapy
  • Yoga to increase the flexibility of the body
  • Surgical procedures may be an option in severe cases- for more information consult with a doctor