3-rx.comCustomer Support
3-rx.com
   
HomeAbout UsFAQContactHelp
News Center
Health Centers
Medical Encyclopedia
Drugs & Medications
Diseases & Conditions
Medical Symptoms
Med. Tests & Exams
Surgery & Procedures
Injuries & Wounds
Diet & Nutrition
Special Topics



\"$alt_text\"');"); } else { echo"\"$alt_text\""; } ?>






You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Kyphosis
      Category : Health Centers > Bones, Joints, and Muscles

Kyphosis

Alternate Names : Roundback, Humpback, Hunchback, Scheuermann's Disease, Dowager's Hump, Pott's Curvature

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

Kyphosis is the abnormal forward bending of the spine. In kyphosis, the curve of the spine is abnormal, forming a hump.

What is going on in the body?

The normal spine rounds slightly in the chest area, with arching in the lower back and neck regions. Excessive kyphosis can occur mainly in the chest area of the spine, causing the roundness of the back to appear exaggerated.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Kyphosis is generally caused by an abnormal posture. Other possible causes include:

  • a significant fracture of the vertebra, which can cause the back to angle forward
  • spinal surgery
  • Scheuermann's disease, which results in wedging of the vertebrae. This disease is usually seen in teenage boys, and its cause is unknown.
  • Pott's disease, which refers to kyphosis due to collapse of the vertebra when tuberculosis infects the spine
  • osteoporosis in elderly women, which causes a type of kyphosis known as dowager's hump
  • spinal tumors, or surgery to remove them
  • nerve disorders

  •    

    Next section

       

    Kyphosis: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: John A.K. Davies, MD
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 04/09/01



    \"$alt_text\"');"); } else { echo"\"$alt_text\""; } ?>





    Home | About Us | FAQ | Contact | Advertising Policy | Privacy Policy | Bookmark Site