Cervical and Lumbar Kyphosis
Kyphosis is one of the most common bone malformations of the spine. In this section, you will find all the information you need to identify the signs of kyphosis and know when it is essential to visit a spine specialist.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Cervical Kyphosis
Cervical kyphosis is the appearance of a pronounced deformity in the upper part of the spine (cervical area). Kyphosis causes the cervical vertebrae to lose their natural position, creating a bony curve in the shape of a “c” to the outer side of the back of the neck.
Cervical kyphosis can be mild or severe, depending on the degree of curvature the patient has. Advanced kyphosis can cause the vertebrae to pinch the spinal cord, which could lead to severe problems in the body from nerve damage.
Symptoms of Cervical Kyphosis
The characteristic signs of cervical kyphosis are:
Abnormal curvature in the back of the neck.
Difficulty going up, down, and turning the head.
Pain behind the neck.
When the curve is too pronounced and nerve involvement is already present, symptoms of cervical kyphosis may include:
Numbness.
Weakness.
Lack of sensitivity.
Limitation in the mobility of the arms or legs.
Incontinence.
Lumbar Kyphosis
Lumbar kyphosis is caused by an alteration in the lower part of the spine, which causes the lumbar curve to be forced to change its normal static due to the internal displacement of the vertebrae.
Symptoms of lumbar kyphosis
Symptoms that indicate the presence of lumbar kyphosis usually appear when the bone malformation is advanced, these may include:
Pain in the lower back (lower back).
Accentuated lumbar curvature.
Vertebral stiffness.
Treatment of Kyphosis
The treatment of cervical, dorsal and lumbar kyphosis is very similar; however, the cause and severity of the disease will be determining factors in choosing the right treatment.
In most cases, conservative treatment begins with medications, which can be both analgesics to control pain and drugs to strengthen bones (if kyphosis derives from other bone diseases such as osteoporosis). The use of braces and physical therapy are also part of the initial treatment for kyphosis.
Corrective surgery is necessary in the following cases:
- In children and adolescents with congenital kyphosis.
- In people with curvatures greater than 60°.
- When compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots has occurred.
- The disease shows accelerated progression.
- The pain is intense, persistent, and does not subside with conservative treatment.
Causes of Kyphosis
Kyphosis can occur from childhood to old age depending on its origin. Some children may develop kyphosis from birth, this is known as congenital kyphosis. Childhood kyphosis can also be caused by other medical conditions such as: skeletal dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, spina bifida, neurofibromatosis type 1, tumors, infections, spinal injuries, etc.
In young people and adults, the alteration of the spine can come from:
Vertebral compression fractures.
Bone weaknesses from diseases such as osteoporosis.
Degeneration of the vertebral discs due to aging.
Scheuermann's disease, which occurs mainly in young people in puberty.
Diagnostic process - What to do in the event of a symptom?
The symptoms of kyphosis usually go unnoticed until the spine reaches a considerable curvature, which is why it delays its early diagnosis. A physical examination by a spine specialist is imperative to detect signs that something is not right at the spinal level.
Additionally, the doctor may require imaging tests (X-ray and/or CT scan of the spine), bone density tests and neurological studies, to corroborate the progression of kyphosis; as well as the bone and nerve damage that it could have generated.
Prevention of kyphosis: Can it be avoided?
There is no way to prevent the appearance of kyphosis; however, children and adults previously diagnosed with osteoporosis or Scheuermann’s disease have a better prognosis when they receive early diagnosis and treatment.
Risk factors
Kyphosis cases that are not treated properly and timely can trigger additional problems, including:
Disabling back pain.
Impaired lung capacity.
Body limitation due to bone weakness or nerve damage.
Failures in the digestive system due to compression of the internal organs.
Visible deformity in the back that often generates in the patient a poor perception of their body image.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Contact me
I invite you to schedule a medical appointment with me; In this way, I will be able to carefully evaluate your condition and offer you the best treatment or surgery alternatives to eradicate back pain and recover your general well-being.
