Roundback, also known as kyphosis, is a condition where the spine curves forward, causing a hunched appearance. It can affect anyone and has various causes, including developmental issues, degenerative disease, and compression fractures. Symptoms include fatigue, back pain, and breathing difficulties. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and tests such as MRI scans and spinal x-rays. Treatment options include exercise, medication, physical therapy, back braces, and surgery.
The term roundback refers to a medical condition also known as kyphosis. A curve in the spine causes the back to round forward, making a person appear to be hunched over or hunchbacked. There are several causes of this condition, as well as types. Treatment options exist and depend on the cause, type and severity of the condition as well as the age of the affected person.
In general, roundback affects anyone of any age, although it is rarely seen at birth. In children and adolescents, developmental issues can cause the condition to occur. Different types of roundbacks found within this age group are congenital kyphosis, postural kyphosis, and Scheuermann’s kyphosis. In adults, causes of the condition include degenerative disease and compression fractures due to osteoporosis. Some other causes include infections, injuries, and illnesses.
Early, mild cases of roundback sometimes produce no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can come in the form of fatigue, mild back pain, and stiffness or tenderness in the spine. Physically, the afflicted person may display a hunched posture or a hunchbacked appearance. In severe cases, breathing difficulties may occur.
A physical exam is one way to diagnose roundback. During this test, the doctor may ask the patient to lean forward so that he can inspect the curve of the spine from the side. This is because in this bent position, the condition becomes more apparent. Additionally, your doctor might also check for changes in your nervous system. Sensation changes, paralysis, and weakness are signs of problems occurring in the nervous system as a result of roundback.
Other tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, pulmonary function tests, and spinal x-rays. Unlike a physical exam, these tests diagnose or confirm specific problems. For example, an MRI scan helps confirm an infection, tumor, or nervous system problem. Pulmonary function tests help investigate any breathing difficulties. Spinal X-rays determine the specific type of roundback that is affecting the patient.
Complications, such as deformities and paralysis, can occur from roundbacks, but treatment options are available. Exercise, as well as medications and physical therapy, can help relieve pain. Severe cases might require more aggressive forms of treatment such as a back brace or surgery. Usually, surgery is last in the line of treatment options as spinal surgery is a complex and risky procedure.
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