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- Kyphosis
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that occurs when the bones of the spine grow abnormally and result in a curve like the one you see to the right. This can also cause a hump or what is called a gibbus on the back.
What are the symptoms?
- Round back appearance
- Mild back pain
- Tenderness and stiffness in the spine
- Stretch marks over the area of curvature
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
- Fatigue
What causes kyphosis?
- Metabolic disorders
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)
- Spina Bifida
- Scheuermann’s Kyphosis - has no known cause
- Postural Kyphosis - common in teen years, associated with slouching
How is it diagnosed?
- X-rays
- Physical Exam
- Patient history and symptoms
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