“What are the treatment options for kyphosis?”
I was diagnosed with kyphosis. What are the treatment options for kyphosis?
3 Answers
Dr. Ivan Edwards
Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
San Antonio, TX, TX
The treatment options for kyphosis depend on the severity of the condition, its underlying cause, and your overall health. Here’s an overview:
Non-surgical Treatments:
1. Physical therapy:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve posture, spinal flexibility, and muscle support.
- Core-strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine.
2. Bracing:
- For children or adolescents with Scheuermann's kyphosis, wearing a brace during growth spurts can help slow progression.
3. Pain management:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Prescription medications for severe pain or underlying conditions like osteoporosis.
4. Lifestyle modifications:
- Maintaining good posture and avoiding activities that strain the spine.
- Incorporating calcium and vitamin D-rich foods to support bone health.
4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions:
- Addressing osteoporosis with medications like bisphosphonates to strengthen bones.
- Managing any associated conditions, such as arthritis or spinal infections.
Surgical Treatments:
1. Spinal Fusion:
- A common procedure for severe kyphosis, where metal rods and screws are used to correct and stabilize the spine.
2. Decompression Surgery:
- In cases where kyphosis compresses the spinal cord or nerves, surgery may relieve pressure and improve symptoms.
Extra things to know:
- Regular follow-ups with a spine specialist are essential.
- Use of assistive devices, if needed, can be used to improve mobility and reduce strain.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Non-surgical Treatments:
1. Physical therapy:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve posture, spinal flexibility, and muscle support.
- Core-strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine.
2. Bracing:
- For children or adolescents with Scheuermann's kyphosis, wearing a brace during growth spurts can help slow progression.
3. Pain management:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Prescription medications for severe pain or underlying conditions like osteoporosis.
4. Lifestyle modifications:
- Maintaining good posture and avoiding activities that strain the spine.
- Incorporating calcium and vitamin D-rich foods to support bone health.
4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions:
- Addressing osteoporosis with medications like bisphosphonates to strengthen bones.
- Managing any associated conditions, such as arthritis or spinal infections.
Surgical Treatments:
1. Spinal Fusion:
- A common procedure for severe kyphosis, where metal rods and screws are used to correct and stabilize the spine.
2. Decompression Surgery:
- In cases where kyphosis compresses the spinal cord or nerves, surgery may relieve pressure and improve symptoms.
Extra things to know:
- Regular follow-ups with a spine specialist are essential.
- Use of assistive devices, if needed, can be used to improve mobility and reduce strain.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Kyphosis is the result of strained muscles/fasciae (in the sequence of importance) in abdomen, rib cage including pectoral muscles, neck flexors and upper back where the hump is. It has nothing to do with the vertebrae except for obvious fracture or defect. Therefore the only effective treatment is to loosen the tightened muscles by light touch, but never stretching or traction. It may take 3-4 hours to correct kyphosis. Surgery with insertion of rod in the spine is a terrible thing to do. Not only does it destruct normal bone structure into irreversible alteration, but also it severely affects daily life into disability by limiting movement/function of the spine. The same is applicable to scoliosis.
This is detailed in my book “NO MORE PAIN All Pain Considered - A Breakthrough”. Please visit my website: NoMorePainClinic.com
This is detailed in my book “NO MORE PAIN All Pain Considered - A Breakthrough”. Please visit my website: NoMorePainClinic.com
Chiropractic care. Through adjustments and rehab exercises Chiropractors have great success with kyphosis. At least I do.
