Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine, while scoliosis is a lateral curvature. When they occur together, it is known as kyphoscoliosis. Treatment options include bracing, physical therapy, and surgery.
Both kyphosis and scoliosis refer to curvatures or deformities of the spine. Simply put, kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine, giving the appearance of a hunchback. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature in which the spine curves laterally in both directions. These conditions can be found independently of each other, but when they occur together, it is known as kyphoscoliosis. This would be seen as both a forward and lateral bend of the spine.
Kyphosis and scoliosis are two fairly common conditions of the spine; they can be congenital and appear at birth, or they can appear over time, typically in adolescence. Scoliosis is slightly more common than kyphosis, and although kyphosis can be found in people of both genders, it is slightly more common in men. A kyphotic curve is often seen in older people with osteoporosis, although osteoporosis is not truly kyphosis.
There are different types of kyphosis and scoliosis, which must be determined by a doctor. For example, kyphosis can be postural or structural. Postural kyphosis occurs frequently in adolescents who simply practice poor posture; the spine appears to be curved from the outside of the body, but x-rays will reveal that it is structurally normal. This can usually be corrected with physical therapy exercises. Structural kyphosis occurs when an actual deformity occurs in the spinal cord; in Scheuermann’s kyphosis, for example, the individual vertebrae of the spine are wedge-shaped, causing the spine to become rounded.
One of the major differences between kyphosis and scoliosis is seen in the treatment options for the condition. Bracing is commonly used to treat both kyphosis and scoliosis, but in kyphosis it is generally only effective in preventing curve progression, not reducing an existing curve. Conversely, the scoliosis treatment brace may be effective in reducing the curve. Physical therapy is also often used to increase spinal flexibility, to strengthen the spinal support muscles, and to reduce pain caused by the condition.
For extreme cases, surgery may be performed to correct the condition. The type of surgery will vary depending on the structural issues and desired outcome, although spinal fusion surgery with or without instrumentation is common. Any questions about the diagnosis or treatment of these conditions should be directed to a doctor, as kyphosis and scoliosis can only be diagnosed through an x-ray examination.
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