Your upper back naturally curves forward to support your head, shoulders and spine. When this curve becomes more pronounced than expected, it’s called kyphosis. Some people have a mild curve that causes few or no symptoms, while others may have pain, stiffness or trouble with posture and movement.
Kyphosis can affect children, teens and adults for different reasons. At Banner Health, our adult and pediatric spine specialists diagnose the cause of kyphosis and create personalized treatment plans based on your age, symptoms, the type of curve and whether it is getting worse.
Kyphosis is a condition where the spine curves outward more than usual. This extra curve causes the upper back to bend forward.
Some upper back curvature is normal. The upper back (called the thoracic region) can normally bend between 20 and 45 degrees. With kyphosis, the curve is 50 degrees or more, which can be seen on an X-ray. People with kyphosis often look hunched, stooped or slouched. Sometimes, it’s called a “hunchback” or “roundback.”
Not everyone with kyphosis experiences pain or needs treatment. Care depends on the cause, severity and whether the curve is progressing.
Kyphosis comes in different forms. Some types can be improved by changing how you sit or stand, while others are caused by structural changes in the spine. Understanding the type of kyphosis helps guide treatment.
Postural kyphosis is the most common type of kyphosis. It is a bend in the spine that is flexible and often caused by sitting or slouching for a long time or by weak muscles, rather than a problem with the spine.
It may:
This type of kyphosis usually does not cause serious spine issues. It often gets better with physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles and improvements in posture.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis is a condition where the spine develops a rounded curve during puberty. Instead of being straight, several vertebrae (the bones in the spine) become wedge-shaped.
It may:
Children and teens with Scheuermann’s kyphosis should see a spine specialist. The curve can get worse while they are still growing.
Age-related kyphosis develops later in life as the spine changes over time. In many cases, it is related to osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures or age-related changes in the spinal disks and joints
It may:
Treatments can include physical therapy, pain relief, medicine for osteoporosis and sometimes surgery.
Less common types of kyphosis include:
Though kyphosis usually affects the upper (thoracic) part of the spine, it can also happen in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar).
Some people notice only a change in the shape of their upper back. Others develop pain, stiffness or difficulty with movement.
Symptoms may include:
As kyphosis becomes more severe, it may also affect:
Seek emergency care if you experience sudden weakness, loss of coordination or changes in bladder or bowel function.
Kyphosis can develop for many reasons. In some cases, it’s related to posture or normal aging. In other cases, it results from changes to the bones, disks or the spine’s structure.
Possible causes of kyphosis include:
A curve may be more likely to be posture-related if it improves when the person stands straighter or changes position. A structural curve may be more likely if the curve remains when you try to stand straighter.
See a health care provider right away if you experience a chronic or worsening curve.
Diagnosis starts with reviewing your symptoms, medical history and when you first noticed the curve.
During your physical exam, your provider may:
Imaging tests may include:
Learn more about spine testing and diagnosis.
Treatment varies depending on the type of kyphosis, how severe the curve is, your symptoms, your age and whether the curve is getting worse.
Mild curves that are not causing significant symptoms may only require regular monitoring.
For children and teens, providers may monitor:
Physical therapy may help:
Exercise can improve symptoms and function but it may not correct a rigid structural curve.
Bracing might be suggested for some children and teens who are still growing, especially those with Scheuermann's kyphosis or a curve that keeps getting worse. The type of brace and how long they need to wear it depends on their age, growth and the shape of the curve.
When kyphosis is related to osteoporosis or compression fractures, treatment may also include:
Most people with kyphosis do not need surgery.
Surgery may be considered if:
If surgery is recommended, your spine specialist will discuss the most appropriate procedure based on your condition.Learn more about spine surgery types and treatments.
It depends on the cause.
Postural kyphosis may improve with:
Structural kyphosis usually cannot be corrected simply by sitting or standing straighter.
For adults, identifying and treating osteoporosis may help reduce the risk of additional compression fractures that could worsen kyphosis.
Learn more about how to prevent and treat kyphosis.
Talk to your child's health care provider if you notice:
Schedule an evaluation if:
Banner Health’s spine specialists offer specialized care for spinal deformities in children and adults. Depending on your needs, your care team may include orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, pediatric orthopedic specialists and physical therapists.
We provide thorough evaluations, advanced imaging, personalized treatment plans and ongoing monitoring to help you stay mobile, reduce pain and prevent further problems whenever possible.
Our services include:
Make an appointment or seek a second opinion today.
Kyphosis is when the upper spine curves forward too much. Some types are flexible and caused by posture, while others involve changes in the bones of the spine.
Yes, everyone has a natural curve in their upper back. Kyphosis is a problem when the curve is much bigger than normal, gets worse over time or causes pain or trouble moving.
Poor posture can lead to a flexible kind of curvature called postural kyphosis. But fixed types like Scheuermann's kyphosis or fractures are not just caused by slouching.
This is a fixed form that usually starts during the teenage years. Some of the small bones in the spine become wedge-shaped, making the curve more rigid.
Yes. Weak bones from osteoporosis can break easily, leading to fractures that can make the upper back rounder.
No. Most people with kyphosis do not need surgery. Treatments such as watching, exercises, pain relief or braces may help. Surgery is usually only for serious or worsening cases.
No. They are different problems. Kyphosis makes the spine curve forward, while scoliosis makes it curve to the side. They can happen at the same time but one does not cause the other.
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