Kyphosis

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Kyphosis

Skeletal spine

Scheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis

• Mild back pain
• Fatigue
• Tenderness and stiffness in the spine
• Round back appearance
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Physical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curvature of the spine. The doctor will also look for any neurologic changes (weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation) below the level of the curve.

A spine x-ray will be done to document the severity of the curve and allow serial measurements to be performed.

Occasionally, pulmonary function tests may be used to assess whether the kyphosis is affecting breathing.

If there is any question of a tumor, infection, or neurologic symptoms, then an MRI may be ordered.

Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.