A hunched back is known as a kyphosis in medical terms. It is a spinal disorder resulting in excessive curve with the abnormal rounding of the upper back. This condition is most often rounded back and, in severe cases, known as hunched back. The condition involves the appearance of a slight natural curve in the upper back and thoracic region of the spine. The spine shows curvature in the neck, upper back, and lower back to help in absorbing shock and supporting the weight of the head. The condition exerts excessive pressure on the spine that causes pain and breathing difficulties as the pressure increases on the lungs.
Who is affected by a hunched back and spine?
Kyphosis (hunched back and spine) primarily affects teenagers whose bones are rapidly growing. But it may also affect individuals of any age. It affects the elderly population due to ageing, their vertebrates lose flexibility and the spine bends slightly forward. The best treatment for Hunched Back and spine is available at Manipal Hospitals, book an appointment today.
Cause of hunched back and spine
The condition of a hunched back and spine shows more curve in the middle portion of the spinal cord (thoracic vertebrae) as compared to the normal curve. This may happen for the following reasons:
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Poor posture
It include slouching, leaning backwards in a chair, and carrying heavy loads on the back stretch the supporting muscles and ligaments, increasing spinal curvature.
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Abnormally shaped vertebrae
The abnormal development of vertebrae results in the disposition of vertebrae.
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Fractures
Broken vertebrae cause the spine to curve. Compression fractures, caused by weaker bones, are the most common fractures.
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Osteoporosis
Weak bones cause a curvature in the spine, mainly in the case of compression fractures. It mostly affects older females and people who have taken corticosteroids for a longer duration.
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Disc degeneration
The spinal vertebrae consist of soft, circular discs in the form of cushions. With age, these discs get flattened and shrink, which worsens the condition of the hunched back and spine.
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Other issues
It includes the abnormal development of spinal bones before birth and within the womb the evolving fusion of two or more vertebrae together.
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Age
With age, the spinal curvature increases.
Treating a hunched back and spine
The treatment for hunched back and spine entirely depends upon the extent of spine curvature along with the occurrence of any additional symptoms such as severe back pain and other underlying causes. Some of the treatment approaches are illustrated below:
Non-surgical treatment
It helps in the prevention of the appearance of any curve from getting worse and focuses on improving the postural condition of the hunched back and spine. This treatment is recommended in case the spinal curve is found to be less than 70-75 degrees. It mainly involves:
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Observation: In mild cases, the doctor waits to observe the progression of any further spinal curve. If it does not worsen or cause any symptoms, no further treatment is recommended.
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Physical therapy: It involves performing physical exercises that improve the strength of the backbone and core muscles and may be effective in improving posture.
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Bracing: If the vertebrae are abnormally developed, the doctor recommends the use of a spinal brace if the spine still continues to show curvature. Spinal braces support the back and the spine grows in an appropriate position, preventing any curving.
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Treatment for underlying conditions: The doctor recommends treatment for weak spine underlying conditions that stops the continued curving of the spine. The supplementation of vitamin D, weight-bearing exercises, and hormone therapy for females is recommended by the doctors.
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): It is effective in reducing pain caused due to hunched back and spine.
Surgical treatment
It aims to reduce the spinal curve and related symptoms such as pain. Spinal fusion is the most common type of surgery that involves the welding of different vertebrae together, forming a single bone segment. The surgical procedures often include the insertion of rods, metal screws, and plates into the spine, which will help in stabilizing the spine and increasing the fusion rate for bone grafting. It helps in reducing the curvature of the upper spine. Consult with our Spine specialist in Goa to know more about the treatment procedures.
Consultant - Spine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals, Goa
