Thoracic kyphosis is a condition where the upper back becomes rounded, causing stiffness, tenderness, and difficulty maintaining proper posture. There are three types of thoracic kyphosis, each with different treatment options including exercises, physical therapy, back braces, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgery.
Also known as thoracic spine kyphosis, thoracic kyphosis is a condition in which the upper back becomes rounded. A condition like this goes beyond the amount of rounding some people experience from poor posture. With a kyphotic thoracic spine, the amount of rounding usually exceeds forty to forty-five degrees. In popular culture, people with the condition are sometimes referred to as hunchbacks.
There are several symptoms that indicate the development of thoracic kyphosis. Stiffness or tenderness in the spine is very common. Even mild back pain that seems to start in the upper back and work its way down to the lower back is also often associated with an emerging case of thoracic kyphosis. The individual will also find that it is more difficult to maintain proper posture while sitting at a desk or even while standing. However, it is important to note that not all people with this condition will experience signs or symptoms until the condition is well established.
There are actually three different types of thoracic kyphosis. Postural kyphosis is usually mild and does not progress beyond a certain point. With this type, the use of thoracic kyphosis exercises can often help relieve any back pain that is present. In addition to using exercises to strengthen your back muscles, sleeping on a firm mattress sometimes helps manage pain. Over-the-counter medications can also be used to ease the pain that results from the condition.
With structural thoracic kyphosis, there is usually some type of abnormality in the development of the spine and upper back. The exact range of treatment will depend on the age and gender of the patient, as well as the stiffness present in the curvature of the spine. Physical therapy can provide pain relief, along with a range of exercises performed on a regular basis. The use of a back brace can also be a factor in treating this type of kyphosis. Anti-inflammatory drugs can prove helpful in pain management.
A third form of thoracic kyphosis is known as osteoporosis-related kyphosis. Here, there is a series of compression fractures present in the back, usually due to low bone density. The bones are unable to provide adequate support, leading to a curvature in the upper back. The extent of treatment will depend on the severity of the bone density problem. In some cases, exercises and physical therapy can actually do more harm than help.
In some cases, surgery is recommended to treat thoracic kyphosis. This is true when the degree of curvature does not respond to other treatments, or when severe pain or paralysis begins to occur. If there is an indication that a tumor is the reason for the kyphosis, surgery to remove the tumor can help relieve many of the symptoms and allow other treatments to begin having a positive impact on the patient’s condition.
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