Different types of spinal curvatures, including scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, can cause pain and breathing difficulties. Treatment varies depending on severity, with options ranging from physical therapy to surgery.
There are different types of spinal curvatures, some of which are congenital diseases and others which develop as the spine grows, most often appearing in adolescence. Different terms may be used for the same spinal condition; for example, an exaggerated curve of the thoracic spine, giving a stooped appearance, may be called hyperkyphosis or simply kyphosis. A lateral curve of the spine, placing the spine in an “S” shape with two curves or a “C” shape with one curve, is known as scoliosis. An exaggerated concave curve in the lower back is known as hyperlordosis or simply lordosis. These spinal deformities can appear independently of each other or together with other spinal deformities.
Scoliosis is one of the most common spinal curvatures. This occurs when the spine curves sideways to one side or the other, rather than growing straight up the middle of the back, and can vary in severity. Some individuals will simply have a curve in the spine, making it appear in a “C” shape when viewed from behind; others will have an “S” curve in their spine, with a curve in the upper back going one side and a curve in the lower back going the other. Additionally, scoliosis can also cause the vertebrates themselves to twist, which can change the shape of the ribs and chest, and cause one shoulder or side of the collarbone to lift higher than the other.
Kyphosis is another possible curvature of the spine, giving the upper back a curved and rounded appearance. This can occur when thoracic spine vertebrates grow into an abnormal wedge shape, known as Scheuermann’s kyphosis, or it can simply be a postural problem that can be corrected with physical therapy. Lordosis is often seen in conjunction with kyphosis, as the lumbar spine attempts to overcompensate for the upper curvature, but it can also be seen on its own and gives the lower back a sloping appearance.
Each of these spinal curvatures can cause pain, and scoliosis and kyphosis can also impact the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. Treatment for each will vary depending on the type and severity of the curve. In some cases, bracing and physical therapy may be sufficient, while in severe cases with higher degree curves, surgery will be required. An orthopedic surgeon can make this determination by examining an X-ray of the spine and measuring the size of the spinal curvatures.
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