BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuKyphosisScheuermann disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis; Neck pain - kyphosisKyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back. This leads to a hunchback or slouching posture. Causes Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.A type of kyphosis that occurs in young teens is known as Scheuermann disease. It is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of this condition is unknown. Kyphosis can also occur in young teens who have cerebral palsy.Cerebral palsyCerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that involve the brain. This affects nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In adults, kyphosis can be caused by:Degenerative diseases of the spine (such as arthritis or disk degeneration) ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fractures caused by osteoporosis (osteoporotic compression fractures) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Injury (trauma) Slipping of one vertebra forward on another (spondylolisthesis)SpondylolisthesisSpondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine moves forward out of the proper position onto the bone below it.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other causes of kyphosis include:Certain hormone (endocrine) diseases EndocrineEndocrine glands release (secrete) hormones into the bloodstream. The endocrine glands include:AdrenalHypothalamusIslets of Langerhans in the pancrea...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Connective tissue disorders Infection (such as tuberculosis) TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscular dystrophy (group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue) Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neurofibromatosis (disorder in which nerve tissue tumors form) NeurofibromatosisNeurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) is an inherited disorder in which nerve tissue tumors (neurofibromas) form in the:Upper and lower layers of the skinNerves ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Paget disease (disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth) Paget diseasePaget disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth. This results in deformity of the affected bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Polio PolioPolio is a viral disease that can affect nerves and can lead to partial or full paralysis. The medical name for polio is poliomyelitis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scoliosis (curving of the spine often looks like a C or S when viewed from behind) ScoliosisScoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Your spine is your backbone. It runs straight down your back. Everyone's spine naturally curves a b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spina bifida (birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal don't close before birth) Spina bifidaMyelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close fully before birth. The condition is a type of neural tube de...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tumors Symptoms Pain in the middle or lower back is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include any of the following:Round back appearance Tenderness and stiffness in the spine Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty breathing (in severe cases) Exams and Tests Physical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curve of the spine. The provider will also look for any nervous system (neurological) changes. These include weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation below the curve. Your provider will also check for differences in your reflexes.Tests that may be ordered include:Spine x-ray Spine x-rayA thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary function tests (if kyphosis affects breathing) Pulmonary function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI (if there may be a tumor, infection, or nervous system symptoms) MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bone density test (to check for osteoporosis) Treatment Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:Congenital kyphosis needs corrective surgery at an early age. Scheuermann disease is treated with a brace and physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is needed for large (greater than 60 degrees), painful curves. Compression fractures from osteoporosis can be left alone if there are no nervous system problems or pain. But the osteoporosis needs to be treated to help prevent future fractures. For severe deformity or pain from osteoporosis, surgery is an option. Compression fracturesCompression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones of the spine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kyphosis caused by infection or tumor needs prompt treatment, often with surgery and medicines.Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery is needed if nervous system symptoms or constant pain develop. Outlook (Prognosis) Young teens with Scheuermann disease tend to do well, even if they need surgery. The disease stops once they stop growing. If the kyphosis is due to degenerative joint disease or multiple compression fractures, surgery is needed to correct the defect and improve pain.Degenerative joint diseaseOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications Untreated kyphosis can cause any of the following:Decreased lung capacity Disabling back pain Nervous system symptoms, including leg weakness or paralysis Round back deformity Increased self-consciousness or body awareness Prevention Treating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in older adults. Early diagnosis and bracing for Scheuermann disease can reduce the need for surgery, but there is no way to prevent the disease.Open ReferencesReferencesMagee DJ, Manske RC. Thoracic (dorsal) spine. In: Magee DJ, Manske RC, eds. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 8.McClincy MP, Olgun ZD, Dede O. Orthopedics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 22.Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.AllVideoImagesTogSkeletal spine - illustration The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.Skeletal spineillustrationKyphosis - illustration Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, such that the apex of the angle points backwards leading to a hunchback or slouching posture.KyphosisillustrationSkeletal spine - illustration The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.Skeletal spineillustrationKyphosis - illustration Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, such that the apex of the angle points backwards leading to a hunchback or slouching posture.KyphosisillustrationRelated Information Osteoporosis(Condition)Arthritis(Condition)Spondylolisthesis(Condition)Pulmonary tuberculosis(Condition)Neurofibromatosis-1(Condition)Muscular dystrophy(Condition)Myelomeningocele(Condition)Endocrine glands(Special Topic)Paget disease of the bone(Condition)Polio(Condition)Osteoporosis - InDepth(In-Depth)Osteoarthritis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 9/20/2022 Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. 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KyphosisScheuermann disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis; Neck pain - kyphosisKyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back. This leads to a hunchback or slouching posture. Causes Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.A type of kyphosis that occurs in young teens is known as Scheuermann disease. It is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of this condition is unknown. Kyphosis can also occur in young teens who have cerebral palsy.Cerebral palsyCerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that involve the brain. This affects nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In adults, kyphosis can be caused by:Degenerative diseases of the spine (such as arthritis or disk degeneration) ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fractures caused by osteoporosis (osteoporotic compression fractures) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Injury (trauma) Slipping of one vertebra forward on another (spondylolisthesis)SpondylolisthesisSpondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine moves forward out of the proper position onto the bone below it.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other causes of kyphosis include:Certain hormone (endocrine) diseases EndocrineEndocrine glands release (secrete) hormones into the bloodstream. The endocrine glands include:AdrenalHypothalamusIslets of Langerhans in the pancrea...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Connective tissue disorders Infection (such as tuberculosis) TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscular dystrophy (group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue) Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neurofibromatosis (disorder in which nerve tissue tumors form) NeurofibromatosisNeurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) is an inherited disorder in which nerve tissue tumors (neurofibromas) form in the:Upper and lower layers of the skinNerves ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Paget disease (disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth) Paget diseasePaget disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth. This results in deformity of the affected bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Polio PolioPolio is a viral disease that can affect nerves and can lead to partial or full paralysis. The medical name for polio is poliomyelitis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scoliosis (curving of the spine often looks like a C or S when viewed from behind) ScoliosisScoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Your spine is your backbone. It runs straight down your back. Everyone's spine naturally curves a b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spina bifida (birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal don't close before birth) Spina bifidaMyelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close fully before birth. The condition is a type of neural tube de...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tumors Symptoms Pain in the middle or lower back is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include any of the following:Round back appearance Tenderness and stiffness in the spine Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty breathing (in severe cases) Exams and Tests Physical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curve of the spine. The provider will also look for any nervous system (neurological) changes. These include weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation below the curve. Your provider will also check for differences in your reflexes.Tests that may be ordered include:Spine x-ray Spine x-rayA thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary function tests (if kyphosis affects breathing) Pulmonary function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI (if there may be a tumor, infection, or nervous system symptoms) MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bone density test (to check for osteoporosis) Treatment Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:Congenital kyphosis needs corrective surgery at an early age. Scheuermann disease is treated with a brace and physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is needed for large (greater than 60 degrees), painful curves. Compression fractures from osteoporosis can be left alone if there are no nervous system problems or pain. But the osteoporosis needs to be treated to help prevent future fractures. For severe deformity or pain from osteoporosis, surgery is an option. Compression fracturesCompression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones of the spine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kyphosis caused by infection or tumor needs prompt treatment, often with surgery and medicines.Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery is needed if nervous system symptoms or constant pain develop. Outlook (Prognosis) Young teens with Scheuermann disease tend to do well, even if they need surgery. The disease stops once they stop growing. If the kyphosis is due to degenerative joint disease or multiple compression fractures, surgery is needed to correct the defect and improve pain.Degenerative joint diseaseOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications Untreated kyphosis can cause any of the following:Decreased lung capacity Disabling back pain Nervous system symptoms, including leg weakness or paralysis Round back deformity Increased self-consciousness or body awareness Prevention Treating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in older adults. Early diagnosis and bracing for Scheuermann disease can reduce the need for surgery, but there is no way to prevent the disease.Open ReferencesReferencesMagee DJ, Manske RC. Thoracic (dorsal) spine. In: Magee DJ, Manske RC, eds. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 8.McClincy MP, Olgun ZD, Dede O. Orthopedics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 22.Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.