Kyphosis: What it is, symptoms, and more advanced treatments

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, usually in the thoracic region. While a slight forward curvature is normal, when this curvature exceeds 50 degrees, it is considered a pathology. Cases can range from mild postural problems to severe deformities that affect quality of life.

Esta condición no discrimina edades: puede afectar a niños, adolescentes y adultos mayores. Un ejemplo común es la enfermedad de Scheuermann, una forma de cifosis que se desarrolla durante la adolescencia.

Common causes of kyphosis

Kyphosis can occur for a variety of reasons:

1. Congenital malformations: Problems in the development of the spine before birth.
2. Degenerative diseases: Such as osteoporosis, which weakens bones and causes fractures.
3. Traumas or injuries: Fractures or accidents that alter the structure of the spine.
4. Incorrect posture: Especially in young adults and teenagers, due to long hours in front of the computer.

In our experience, the most frequent consultations tend to be related to incorrect posture or degenerative diseases, where physical therapy is essential to avoid major complications.

Symptoms of kyphosis

Symptoms of this condition can vary, but the most common include:

• Persistent back pain.
• Stiffness in the spine.
• Muscle fatigue.
• In severe cases, difficulty breathing due to pressure on the lungs.
• Since we primarily treat mild cases in our clinic, patients often initially consult with complaints that affect their daily activities, such as work or exercise.

Diagnosis: How to identify kyphosis

To diagnose kyphosis, a detailed physical examination is essential. Specialists typically evaluate:

• Postura del paciente: Observando la curvatura de la espalda mientras el paciente está de pie o inclinado.
• X-rays: To measure the angle of the curvature and determine the severity.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: In more complex cases, to rule out problems in soft tissues or nerves.



At Biziondo, we emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, especially if kyphosis is accompanied by chronic pain or functional limitations.

Treatments available for kyphosis

1. Physiotherapy: The first line of treatment

In most cases, physical therapy is sufficient to improve posture and relieve pain. Strengthening exercises and specific stretches help stabilize the spine and prevent the curvature from worsening.

Our unit recommends personalized sessions tailored to each patient's needs, prioritizing techniques that reduce pain and improve functionality.

2. Use of orthopedic corsets

In young patients with moderate kyphosis, a brace can prevent the curve from progressing. This method is less common in adults.

3. Surgical treatments for severe cases

When the curvature exceeds 70 degrees or there are complications such as severe pain and functional limitations, spinal fusion surgery is recommended. This procedure stabilizes the spine using bone grafts and screws.

Although surgery is not common in our clinic, we are trained to handle these cases with specialized equipment and the most advanced techniques.

Prevention and recommendations

Preventing kyphosis involves adopting good habits:

• Maintain a correct posture when sitting.
• Perform back strengthening exercises.
• Consult a specialist if you experience pain or stiffness in your spine.

In our experience, small adjustments to your daily routine can make a big difference in spinal health. For example, we've seen patients who combine physical therapy with home exercises achieve noticeable improvements within just a few weeks.