Physical Therapy Treatments For Kyphosis

Have people told you not to slouch, but you find that you can’t adjust your posture even when you try really hard?

Have you noticed that your spine appears to be hunched or curved near the top?

Are you experiencing back pain and rounded shoulders, or breathing difficulties?

If so, you may have kyphosis.

But what is kyphosis, and what can you do if you have it?

We offer gait training physical therapy treatments here at Capitol Physical Therapy that can help.

Keep reading to find out more.

What Is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a health condition where your upper spine has an excessive curvature.

The condition is also sometimes known as “hunchback” or “roundback.”

A healthy spine is naturally curved in the neck, upper back, and lower back areas.

This curved shape helps to help absorb shock and support the weight of your head, and is considered good posture.

But when this natural arch is larger than normal, it’s called kyphosis.

If you have kyphosis, you may have a visible hump on your upper back, which may also be visible from the side.

This makes it, in a way, the opposite of hyperlordosis – where your lower back has the excessive curvature

What Are The Symptoms Of Kyphosis?

The most noticeable symptom of kyphosis is the appearance of a rounded back.

It’s not a change that you’d recognize immediately, and it’s possible that your friends and family may notice before you do because it’s a gradual change.

You might also notice that your clothes fit differently over time, or when you notice that it takes a lot of effort to stand or sit up straight.

If you notice a sudden increase in the curvature of your back, you should call your doctor as soon as possible because a sudden change in the curve of the spine could be a sign of another health problem.

Kyphosis doesn’t typically cause chronic pain except in severe cases, so it’s a good idea to get your condition treated before it gets to this point.

What Causes Kyphosis?

Kyphosis can affect people of any age; however, It rarely occurs in newborns since poor posture is usually the cause.

It usually first appears in adults 40 and over.

As a result, physical therapy for seniors tends to be more likely to focus on kyphosis the older a patient gets.

Kyphosis from poor posture is called postural kyphosis.

Muscle weakness in the upper back, arthritis or other bone degeneration diseases, osteoporosis, or other losses of bone density can also cause kyphosis.

It’s also possible for spinal injuries, herniated discs, and scoliosis to lead to kyphosis.

What Is Hyperkyphosis?

Hyperkyphosis is the medical term for a spinal curve that measures greater than 40°.

A doctor can diagnose hyperkyphosis with a visual inspection of your back and then by measuring your spinal curve with a flexible ruler or X-ray.

Your doctor might ask for imaging tests like further X-rays or an MRI scan of that part of your back to determine whether you have a more uncommon problem that affecting your posture.

If you have advanced hyperkyphosis, you may have trouble breathing even if you don’t have a history of heart or lung disease.

You may also notice that there is lessening of the distance between your lowest ribs and your pelvic bones.

In this case, the functionality of your lungs may be tested to measure whether your hyperkyphosis is restricting your breathing.

How Can Physical Therapy Treat Kyphosis?

There are a number of different ways that physical therapy can treat kyphosis.

A physical therapist can help rehabilitate the postural changes associated with kyphosis, as well as approach the condition holistically, reviewing your medical history.

They will have a conversation with you about the challenges you’re experiencing now and can work with your primary physician on a treatment plan for you.

If you’re interested in possible treatment plans, keep reading.

1. Postural Alignment Exercises

These are stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce the spinal curvature, decrease pain, and prevent your condition from advancing.

These exercises are designed for you to be able to do them at home while going about your daily life.

2. Pain Management

There are various options for pain management, and you’ll be able to choose one that works for you and meets your needs.

Methods such as heat, ice, and/or electrical stimulation are available.

You’ll have the opportunity to work with your physical therapist to determine which one would be best for you.

3. Gait Training

Gait training is the practice of strengthening your walking.

It’s often accompanied by physical therapy for balance.

Both of these methods increase your endurance and can improve your safety by reducing the risk of falls.

4. Education

The more you know about kyphosis, the better positioned you are to make decisions that you know are best for your body and health.

Your physical therapist can help you learn more about your condition and supply you with in-depth resources and knowledge that you can’t get anywhere else.

Your physical therapist can teach you how to safely get in and out of bed, in and out of the bathtub, or out of a chair, and how to bend and walk with more ease.

Book Your Appointment With Capitol Physical Therapy Today

If you’d like to get started on a path to better managing your kyphosis or hyperkyphosis, we can help.

In your first appointment, you’ll meet your qualified physical therapist who has experience and training in working with kyphosis.

Your physical therapist will ask you questions to learn more about your specific posture and movement goals, and to get to know you and you medical history so that they can put together a treatment plan with the best exercises for you to do at home.

From there, you’ll meet with your physical therapist regularly so that they can administer treatments at the clinic and so they can help track your progress.

Be sure to bring any questions you have about kyphosis or about the treatment process and your licensed physical therapist will be happy to answer them.

Book an appointment at Capitol Physical Therapy, and start working on your health goals today.