Dorsal kyphosis: symptoms, treatments and corrective exercises

The spine can suffer some alterations depending on various factors or causes, among them poor posture, dorsal kyphosis is a deviation of the spine in which the body generally leans forward, it usually manifests itself with intense pain, and although this problem When it arises, it rarely reflects any specific symptoms, it is a severe condition to treat that requires prompt attention to avoid the complications that suffering from dorsal kyphosis implies. This FastlyHealarticle will discuss dorsal kyphosis: symptoms, treatments, and corrective exercises.

Dorsal kyphosis: common causes

The back is one of the central parts of our body, which allows us to stand upright. For this reason, this is one of the areas most prone to pain and injury. One of these lesions is dorsal kyphosis or hyperkyphosis. Medically, kyphosis is defined as the curvature of the upper back that is sometimes referred to as a hump.

Although dorsal kyphosis does not discriminate against age, the truth is that it is much more common in women, especially older ones. This spinal condition occurs when the vertebrae at the top of the spine become more curved or wedged.

Some of the common causes of dorsal kyphosis are:

• Poor posture: dorsal kyphosis is often known as postural kyphosis, and it usually becomes evident during adolescence. This represents the first reason why dorsal kyphosis can occur. According to a study [1] in which a postural evaluation and prevalence of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis were carried out in 80 male elementary school students, hyperkyphosis was prevalent in 25.7%.
• Osteoporosis: this degenerative disease is also related to the appearance of dorsal kyphosis; osteoporosis is responsible for weakening the bones and causing a shortening or crushing of the vertebrae pronouncing the kyphosis of the spine. Osteoporosis is generally linked to old age; for this reason, it is expected that after approximately 50 years of age, a pronounced curvature of the spine (kyphosis) begins to appear, forming what many know as a hump.
• Cancer: this disease weakens the spinal column, revealing the deviation of the spine or dorsal kyphosis.
• Genetic causes: genetic inheritance is also related to the appearance of dorsal kyphosis. This is usually evidenced in the adolescent stage and is generally maintained and progressed during adult life; it is what, in medical terms, is called Scheuermann’s kyphosis.
• On the other hand, dorsal kyphosis has an emotional component. Indeed, our mood can influence posture modification; being depressed or sad can produce this alteration.

Symptoms of dorsal kyphosis

The primary and obvious symptom of dorsal kyphosis is the postural and aesthetic alteration that occurs with this alteration of the spine. However, all of them are related to the severity of the kyphosis so that it can be evidenced:

• Visible hump that can trigger muscle pain.
• Rounded shoulders.
• Fatigue.
• Stiffness of the spine.

As the dorsal kyphosis becomes even more pronounced, pain and contractures will progressively be generated both in the deviation area and in the rest of the spine that tries to compensate for the exaggerated kyphosis.

Dorsal kyphosis usually affects the lungs and nerves, generating much more intense pain and severe complications in severe cases.

Finally, in severe cases, a symptom that can manifest itself in respiratory distress is because the curvature of the spine can put pressure on the lungs, reducing their respiratory function.

Dorsal kyphosis: diagnosis and treatment

The specialist doctor must make the appropriate diagnosis of this condition. The doctor usually performs a complete physical examination of the patient before indicating the necessary tests:

• First of all, the X-ray will be helpful to visualize the spine from different angles; in addition, it allows to measure the degree of the dorsal kyphosis.
• On the other hand, the lung function test will be indicated if it manifests itself in symptoms that interfere with normal respiratory function.
• Finally, an MRI may be indicated if the doctor requires a tumor diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis is established by the specialist doctor, he usually indicates the ideal treatment; this is generally divided into non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. Treatment will always depend on the degree of dorsal kyphosis and the symptoms with which this fraction is manifesting in the person; the important thing is to avoid complications after the presence of this condition.

Non-surgical treatment options may include:

• Medical surveillance implies that the doctor maintains constant observation of the curvature to make sure that there is no progress to it.
• Practicing stretching exercises improve the flexibility of the spine and, in turn, reduces the pain that is usually manifested with this condition.
• Pharmacological treatment with analgesics is usually not beneficial unless the doctor indicates some other much more powerful prescription.

Finally, surgical treatment is recommended in dorsal kyphosis cases at birth, which has not improved with non-surgical treatment.

Corrective exercises for dorsal kyphosis

To prevent kyphosis from progressing alternately between the morphology of the spine and affecting lung capacity, it is essential to perform corrective exercises in the case in which they may be helpful:

• The first recommended exercise is easy to perform at home; only a stick is required as a tool; this should be placed behind the back to maintain a good position for as long as possible, this is done by trying to join the bones of the back or scapulae bringing the shoulders back.
• The second recommended training is the face pull; this allows to work the muscular part and strengthen them. An elastic band is required to perform this practical corrective exercise. The elastic band must be fixed at one end to a fixed surface; we take the excess end and flex the arms backward to stretch the elastic band; this exercise also allows us to join the scapulae; once it reaches the position of maximum support, it must be counted up to 5 and return to the starting position. This exercise allows you to strengthen the muscles that can be affected after presenting the condition of dorsal kyphosis.
• Another practice that can be easily performed is called the lobster pose; lying face down on a blanket on the floor, we proceed to stretch the arms and legs upwards. Keeping our eyes straight ahead, it is recommended to hold this position for about 30 seconds.
• You can also perform another exercise; this requires a flat or horizontal surface, such as a stretcher. One of the arms is dropped off the surface by turning the neck to the opposite side; this exercise allows the muscles to be stretched.

All these exercises are beneficial for the body, improving posture and muscle strengthening. However, it is essential to consider a consulting specialist who can provide you with valuable tools to enhance kyphosis if you have doubts about performing an exercise. Dorsal.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Dorsal kyphosis: symptoms, treatments and corrective exercises , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, joints and muscles .

Alivia Nyhan

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.