Causes of Kyphosis in Edina, MN

We describe the various causes of kyphosis.

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There are several types of kyphosis.  Some types are easily corrected, while others can be very difficult or impossible, but might still benefit from management.

Postural kyphosis is the most common form.  This most often impacts adolescents, but can continue on into adulthood.  As the name implies, this form of kyphosis is the result of chronic poor posture, such as what one sees with people in front of computers and using cell phones.

Scheuermanns kyphosis is similar to scoliosis in that it tends to develop during adolescence and is of no known cause.  The end plates of the vertebrae form improperly and cause a wedging that then rounds the posture.

Congenital kyphosis is the result of vertebrae being malformed at birth.  When such occurs the mid back tends to be rounded and the curve tends to get worse over time.

Osteoporosis is also a common cause of kyphosis. As people age some of them tend to lose the minerals in their bones, and then the bones become more brittle and prone to fracture. This is called “osteoporosis”.  Sometimes bones will become so weak in people with osteoporosis that the vertebrae (spinal bones) can collapse, become wedge shaped, and then cause kyphosis.

  • Postural kyphosis is the most common and results from poor posture over time.
  • Sitting at computers and working on cell phones promotes postural kyphosis.
  • There are other forms due to birth, development and fracture that are less easily corrected.

Each of the different types of kyphosis presents unique challenges.  Postural kyphosis is the easiest to correct. The other types, because they involve actual spinal deformity, are more difficult.  Even with these latter types, there is much that can be done to relieve pain, prevent progression and even improve the postural deformity.

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