A normal, reversed c-shaped curvature of your spine is called “kyphosis”. However, sometimes this normal curvature may increase, and cause some problems. The excessive outward curve of the thoracic spine may result in abnormal rounding in the upper back area. This condition is also known as “slouching posture or hunchback”.

Kyphosis which may occur in any age level, commonly starts during adolescence. It affects joints and all of the soft tissues such as muscles and tendons around your spine. For this reason, it causes back pain, stiffness, discomfort in daily activities and fatigue. Sometimes, patients consult with cosmetic complaints. If the condition is severe, it may lead to breathing difficulties accompanied by chest pain.

The role of this curvature is to stabilize the spine in standing position and to balance the body against gravity. With any change in this curve, your posture can appear abnormal.

How can you understand you are likely to have kyphosis? If your shoulders are rounded, you have a visible hump on your back, mild to moderate back pain or tightness, you should consult to a physio. Even though the onset of kyphosis can’t be stopped, the progression may be prevented by doing correct exercises and using correct braces if needed.

Physical therapy focuses on mobilizing the ribcage into normal alignment, postural correcting exercises with the help of directional breathing and maintaining the good posture as much as possible in daily living activities.

You don’t need to live with a rounded back, consult one of our physios to get some help for your back.

By: Irem Akinci
Physiotherapist