When viewed from the side, the human spine has anatomically consecutive reverse curvatures (in the neck, back, waist and pelvis). Kyphosis is most common in the back area. Orthopedics, Scoliosis and Spine Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Şevki Erdem expresses his views on the subject.
When kyphosis patients are viewed from the side, the head is seen more forward than the body. The protrusion is also visible when looking at the back from the side. There is also an increase in the waistline in some patients. These changes may not be noticed in most patients when they are wearing clothes.
Kyphosis at an early age
Kyphosis, although very rare, may occur during growth in the womb. Abnormalities that may occur during the growth of the spine, especially in the first 3 months, may cause a hunchback in the baby. Along with the deformation of the vertebrae, their adhesion to each other may also form the basis for the onset of hunchback.
Symptoms of kyphosis in babies; It is a condition of abnormal arms and legs, unequal shoulders, legs and arms, disproportionate trunk, balance disorders and a hunchback that can be clearly seen when bending forward. Children and babies with signs of kyphosis at an early age should be examined by a specialist doctor without delay.
With the examination to be performed by the specialist doctor and the treatment method decided thereafter, further progression of kyphosis in subsequent years is prevented and the spinal curvature is tried to be brought to normal dimensions. Early diagnosis and early treatment are very important during the treatment phase. The most effective treatment method for hunchback that occurs at an early age is kyphosis surgery. With kyphosis surgery, the patient's spinal curvature is not reset, it is treated by bringing it to normal dimensions.
It is recommended to wait until the age of 1 for early kyphosis surgery. Any person with kyphosis who is 1 year of age or older can be treated with kyphosis surgery.
Kyphosis in adults
Kyphosis can be seen as the congenital curvature in adults progresses in later years. . The degree of hunchback that is not intervened at an early age has a structure that can renew itself by bending more.
There are 3 types of treatment methods for kyphosis in adults. Although it should not be forgotten that there is a suitable treatment method for every degree of kyphosis, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor for the appropriate kyphosis treatment method.
Kyphosis treatment types; kyphosis physical therapy exercises, kyphosis corset and kyphosis surgery. The degree of hunchback is very important in determining which treatment method will be applied to eliminate the hunchback. Exercise is used for kyphosis between 50 and 55 degrees, corset is used for kyphosis between 55 and 70 degrees, and surgery is applied for kyphosis at 70 degrees and above. The degree of kyphosis is determined after a detailed examination by a specialist doctor.
It should not be forgotten that there is an appropriate treatment method for each degree of kyphosis.
Causes of kyphosis
Kyphosis, also known as hunchback, may be congenital or may occur due to later causes. Kyphosis, which is defined as the spine curving forward more than 50 – 55 degrees, should be treated with the appropriate treatment method.
Known causes of kyphosis;
• Degeneration of the spine due to external factors. • Bone resorption, • Spine fractures, • Inflammations occurring around the spine, • Tuberculosis and spinal infections, • Cancer diagnoses that may affect the spine, • Benign tumor diagnoses, • Failure of growth nuclei in the front of the spine to grow sufficiently in children of developmental age, • Paralysis diagnoses. can be explained.
Can kyphosis be prevented? What can be done to prevent it?
Exercises to prevent kyphosis may generally be due to poor posture. It is necessary to lengthen the short abdominal, chest and leg muscles and also strengthen the muscles around the spine. Surgical treatment should be applied in patients whose slope increases too much. While the hunchback is corrected by surgical operation, the progression of the slant can also be prevented.
Serious back pain and hunchbacks, especially in women, can cause both difficulty in breathing and psychological problems.
Initially, this hunchback may cause posture. Although it is thought to be dependent on the condition, it can progress over time and become permanent.
It is very important for those who have back pain that does not go away and persists for a long time, and in cases where the complaint of hunchback is high, to measure the hunchback and keep the shoulder under surveillance.
Apart from this, there are certain simple measures that can be taken for back pain and hunchbacks that occur due to sedentary life. Among these, exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles and swimming are very important.
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