Overview

A visible forward curve in the upper part of the spine is the primary sign of kyphosis, a term derived from the Greek word 'kyphos', meaning hunch. It gives the upper back a curved appearance with the shoulders rounded forward. The thoracic spine has a normal forward curvature known as "kyphosis " that ranges from 20 to 50 degrees. This forward curvature is mirrored by reverse curvatures (known as "lordosis") in the cervical spine (the neck) and lumbar spine (the lower back). 

The spine's combination of forward and reverse curves allows people to sit and stand upright. Technically kyphosis refers to any exaggerated rounding of the forward curvature of the upper back but the term "kyphosis" is commonly used to refer to the clinical condition of excess curvature of the upper back greater than 50 degrees resulting in a stooped forward posture.

Causes

Congenital kyphosis: Doctors are unsure why some children are born with this condition. 

Postural kyphosis: This occurs in many people, particularly those who spend a lot of time looking down, such as at schoolwork or on a phone. 

Scheuermann's kyphosis: Runs in families. 

Cervical kyphosis (military neck): This occurs when the cervical spine curves towards the front rather than its natural curve to the back. 

Hyperkyphosis: This is a severe forward curvature of the spine. The curve is more than 50 degrees long. Occurs more after the age of 40.

Symptoms

Rounded shoulders are the most common kyphosis symptoms.

• A hump or curve in your upper back. Hamstring strain (muscles in the back of your thighs). 

The following symptoms may be caused by severe kyphosis: 

• Back and shoulder blade pain or stiffness. 

• Legs that are numb weak or tingly. 

• Extreme exhaustion. 

• Concerns about balance. 

• Incontinence of the bladder or bowel.

• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.

Ayurvedic View

Kati gata vata- In this disease, when aggravated vata dosha reach to spine and causes dushti of asthi (bone and supporting structures) leading to change in normal curvature of spine, this is kyphosis. Ayurveda way of approach is to correct dosha imbalance, nourish the dhatus (bone ligament,tendon,muscle) and bring back the lost normal curvature of spine and reduce the associated complaints arising due to this disease, by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and local treatment done to kati (spine).

Ayurvedic Treatments

Matra vasti   Abhyangam   Kashaya vasti   Churna pinda swedanam   Patra pinda swedanam.   Navara pinda swedanam   Prishta vasti  Pizzhichal 

Naturopathy Treatments

Spinal Bath   Spinal spray   Immersion baths   chiropractic   Physiotherapy   Electrotherapy   Cupping therapy   Dorn therapy