Kyphosis

Up to 40% of adults over 60 have hyperkyphosis, affecting the curvature of their spine. With offices in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, Robert H. Cho, MD, diagnoses and treats kyphosis to improve posture and ease any pain. Schedule an appointment with orthopedic surgeon Robert Cho, MD, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.  

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a severe forward curve of the spine, causing you to lean forward as if you're hunched over. 

It causes your upper back to bend forward and can lead to stiff muscles and back pain when left untreated. An early diagnosis and treatment can help correct kyphosis before it worsens. Robert H. Cho, MD, offers surgical and nonsurgical kyphosis treatments. 

Which symptoms can kyphosis cause?

Kyphosis can cause:

• Back pain
• Stiff muscles 
• Appearing hunchback
• Slouching
• Tight hamstrings
• Rounded shoulders
• Hump or curve in your upper back
• Numb, tingling, or weak legs
• Stiffness or pain in your shoulders and back
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Balance problems
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Difficulty walking
• Acid reflux
• Trouble swallowing

Several types of kyphosis exist. Some are present at birth, while others develop during the teenage years or adulthood. Kyphosis can affect your self-confidence. 

What are the risk factors for kyphosis?

Kyphosis risk factors may include:

• Age
• Spinal injury
• Bone growth abnormalities
• Poor posture
• Structural abnormalities in the spinal bones
• Fractures
• Disc degeneration 
• Osteoporosis
• Genetics

The risk of kyphosis increases with age because bone density is often lower, and spinal discs can weaken. 

How is kyphosis diagnosed?

Diagnosing kyphosis with Robert H. Cho, MD, requires a review of your medical history, physical exam, and a test requiring you to bend forward. 

You might undergo spine X-rays or a CT scan to measure the curve in your spine. Kyphosis is characterized by a spinal curve of more than 50 degrees. You might be a candidate for lung function tests, nerve tests, bone density tests, or an MRI.

Scoliosis is a similar condition that also causes a curvature in the spine. However, a scoliosis curve is sideways (left to right) rather than front to back.

How is kyphosis treated?

Your personalized kyphosis treatment plan may consist of:

• Back bracing
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Surgery

Dr. Cho offers surgery to reduce a severe curvature in the spine. An example is posterior spinal fusion surgery, in which he fuses vertebrae together. However, you might not need surgery.

Ways to help reduce the risk of kyphosis include strengthening your back and abdominal muscles, maintaining good posture, and maintaining a healthy body weight. See Dr. Cho at the first sign of kyphosis. 

Schedule a kyphosis evaluation with Robert H. Cho, MD, by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.