WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR KYPHOSIS?
Kyphosis is an extended curvature of the upper back in the thoracic vertebrae. Due to the spine’s exaggerated curve, it is nicknamed “hunchback” or “round back.” Events such as spinal injuries, cancer, or other illnesses can contribute to the development of kyphosis. The three main types of kyphosis are postural, Scheuermann’s, and congenital.
- Postural kyphosis: This is the most common type of kyphosis and usually occurs in adolescent females. Poor posture causes the vertebrae to stretch out of their normal position and curve the spine.
- Scheuermann’s kyphosis: Named after the radiologist who discovered this type, Scheuermann’s kyphosis is best defined as structural complications in the spine. Vertebrae are usually rectangular, but in this case, they are wedge-shaped, causing the bones to curve forward and therefore round the back. This type is very common in adolescent males.
- Congenital kyphosis: Congenital kyphosis occurs when the spine improperly develops before birth. The bones may be malformed or fused. As the child grows, their condition may get worse and require braces or surgery.
Your medical provider will determine the best treatment for you depending on your age, medical history, kyphosis type, and level of severity. Treatment options include monitoring the curvature with regular X-rays, taking pain medication, practicing physical therapy and daily exercises, wearing a back brace, or undergoing surgery.
IS KYPHOSIS REVERSIBLE?
Postural kyphosis has a higher chance of reversing its path if the patient is young and can be treated for muscle imbalances. For older people, the case of kyphosis reversing is less likely; however, light exercise and a healthy lifestyle never hurt. Your medical provider can suggest exercises to strengthen and improve your postural kyphosis.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis is more structural and therefore cannot be reversed naturally. The vertebrae are abnormally shaped and can cause tremendous pain. Many patients choose to undergo surgery as young adults to correct this.
Since congenital kyphosis is a birth defect, surgical treatment may be necessary. Of course, there are potential risks involved with attempting to reverse the defect. Even after receiving treatments for kyphosis, it has the potential to return.
DOES KYPHOSIS GET WORSE WITH AGE?
It’s natural to have a curvature in your spine. What isn’t natural is a curvature of more than 45 degrees. This is considered excessive and potentially life-altering, as it can worsen over time. As the human body ages, the bones become more brittle. Therefore, chances for vertebral fractures increase, and one’s chances of correcting the kyphosis grow slimmer.
WHAT ORGANS ARE AFFECTED BY KYPHOSIS?
At first, you might not think a hunchback would affect much except for your back. If severe enough, however, kyphosis can disturb vital organs such as the lungs, bladder, and bowels.
At an excessive angle, the spine presses against the airways, causing breathing trouble. Constantly bending causes the organs to squish in and obstruct each other. This leads to bladder or bowel incontinence due to a lack of control.
Other health conflicts include numbness or tingling in the legs, which means the spine is pressing on certain nerves. Patients sometimes experience balance problems because they are not able to stand upright in a healthy posture.
WHAT HAPPENS IF KYPHOSIS IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Leaving your kyphosis untreated can lead to health problems such as difficulty breathing and digesting. Overall, you will experience a poor quality of life as simple tasks become much more difficult and your stamina decreases.
Unfortunately, unless treated early, severe kyphosis and its effects will become part of everyday life. It has the power to limit your mobility and independence. Specifically, with Scheuermann’s kyphosis, the spinal curvature can progress to 70 degrees or more. The sooner you seek treatment, the better.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MEDICAL CENTER FOR KYPHOSIS TREATMENT
With so many medical providers available, it’s overwhelming trying to pick which one best suits your needs. Sometimes you won’t know if it’s the right place until you try it. The following are some tips to keep in mind when searching for a medical center for kyphosis treatment.
- Physical exam: Call a few offices to compare doctors’ physical exam checklists for kyphosis. You want to be sure your consultation for a kyphosis treatment is as thorough as possible and that the doctor has considered every possibility and outcome.
- Hospitable staff: Staff can make or break a practice. If they’re not friendly, don’t treat you like royalty, and won’t kindly answer questions, it’s time to go somewhere else. You deserve the best care you can receive.
- Excellent rating: Read online reviews and testimonials about a medical center you’re considering for treatment. Research specific departments and look for recent reviews. A testimonial from 20 years ago won’t necessarily be the most accurate one.
- COVID-19 precautions: Make sure your medical center is taking extra safety measures such as wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing surfaces often.
- Local distance: Save time and gas money by choosing a local medical practice within regular driving distance. Distance and time are relative, but the bottom line is that you feel safe and well taken care of while you receive medical advice and treatments. Keep in mind you may have to make a few follow-up appointments, and it would help if you were fairly close.
GET TREATED FOR YOUR KYPHOSIS TODAY AT NEW YORK SPINE SPECIALIST – NEW YORK’S CENTER FOR SPINE EXCELLENCE
Kyphosis occurs in about 0.04% to 10% of school-age children, which is about one in 10 children. While some cases are genetic or injury-related, studies show that just 20 minutes of poor posture can significantly affect your spinal curvature and lead to spinal deformity.
Call (516) 355-0111, book an appointment online, or email info@spinesurgeon-nyc.com to speak with a member of New York Spine Specialist today.
New York Spine Specialist has multiple locations for your convenience:
- Queens
- Manhattan
- Long Island
- Lake Success
- Bronx Fordham Heights
- Brooklyn Shore Parkway
- Brooklyn Montague Street
