Kyphosis vs Scoliosis: Understanding the Key Differences

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the details of kyphosis, the main types of presentations that cause issues, and commonly associated symptoms. We’ll also include information about how to differentiate it from other spinal conditions.

If you suffer from any symptoms of spinal conditions, it’s important to understand the key differences between scoliosis and kyphosis and how best to treat specific health issues. Let’s start exploring kyphosis.

What Is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a medical term referring to the natural curvature of the spine observed as a rounded shape, particularly in the upper back (thoracic region), when viewed from the side.

This natural curvature plays a critical role in allowing the body to absorb the forces of gravity. In contrast, lordosis describes the spine’s natural inward curve, usually found in the lower back (lumbar region).

A healthy spine exhibits both kyphotic and lordotic curvatures to some degree.

While kyphosis itself is a regular aspect of spinal anatomy, complications can arise if the curvature becomes excessively pronounced (hyperkyphosis) or insufficiently curved (hypokyphosis). 

In this blog, we’ll focus on hyperkyphosis.

 

Hyperkyphosis Details

Now you know the spine has a slight natural curve; however, hyperkyphosis is characterized by an excessive curvature that can affect a person’s ability to sit, stand, and perform activities.

Hyperkyphosis can affect people of any age for various reasons, ranging from degenerative diseases to poor posture. Furthermore, the severity of hyperkyphosis varies widely. Understanding hyperkyphosis begins with recognizing its types, each with unique causes and implications.

 

3 Variants of Hyperkyphosis Manifestation 

Postural Hyperkyphosis

The most common form of this spinal condition is postural hyperkyphosis, often simply referred to as postural kyphosis. It emerges from poor posture and slouching. Over time, these habits can weaken the back muscles, leading to changes in muscle length and tension, creating symptoms such as neck, back, and shoulder pain. 

Postural hyperkyphosis is often seen in adolescents and young adults, manifesting as a mild, rounded appearance of the back without any structural changes to the spine. Maintaining good posture and strengthening back muscles through exercises can help prevent or manage this condition effectively.

 

Structural Hyperkyphosis

Structural hyperkyphosis causes an exaggerated curve in the upper spine region similar to postural hyperkyphosis; however, these two types of hyperkyphosis differ in their underlying causes.

People suffering from structural hyperkyphosis experience physical changes to their spine’s vertebrae, leading to vertebral wedging and pronounced rounding. On the other hand, postural hyperkyphosis is caused by muscular imbalances, rather than the bones themselves. 

Despite these differences, both types of hyperkyphosis can lead to similar symptoms: neck, back, and shoulder pain. This is due to the strain placed on a person’s musculoskeletal system as it attempts to compensate for the increase in spinal rounding spinal curvature.

 

Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is a specific presentation of structural hyperkyphosis. This condition is characterized by three or more adjacent vertebrae becoming wedge-shaped from the side view. The vertebrae become shaped more like a trapezoid instead of the natural rectangular shape, leading to a sharper, more pronounced curve. 

This presentation of hyperkyphosis typically develops during the growth spurt before puberty.

In most cases, the wedged vertebrae have small indents at the bottom and top where the spinal discs press into the bone. If these spots are present on X-ray views, then they’re referred to as Schmorl’s nodes. The combination of the adjacent wedged vertebrae and Schmorl’s nodes is what most refer to as Scheuermann’s disease.  
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Symptoms and Causes of Kyphosis

What are Hyperkyphosis Symptoms?

While symptoms vary for each patient based on factors like the severity, age, and activity level, there are some prominent symptoms of kyphosis that you can watch out for:

• Rounded shoulders
• Pronounced rounding of the upper back
• Tight hamstrings
• Pain or stiffness in your back or shoulder areas
• Weaker, tingling or numb legs
• Balance issues

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on your spine and help alleviate symptoms.

 

What Causes Hyperkyphosis?

There are many different causes of hyperkyphosis, primarily dependent on the severity and presentation of hyperkyphosis a person suffers from. The causes could include postural imbalances, structural abnormalities of the spinal bones, atypical bone growth, previous spinal injury, and a person’s age. 

 

Comparing Kyphosis

Kyphosis vs Scoliosis

Both kyphosis and scoliosis are medical terms referring to a spine’s condition. That said, kyphosis refers to the natural forward curvature of the spine, while scoliosis involves an unnatural side-to-side curvature. 

As you now know, hyperkyphosis results in excessive spinal curves, while Scoliosis can occur at any part of the spine and often presents as a “C” or “S” shape. These conditions differ significantly in appearance and implications, with hyperkyphosis characterized by an unnatural forward-rounded posture.

We often come across people asking whether kyphosis can turn into scoliosis, or vice versa. These two conditions both impact your spine, but are two separate health issues and can impact someone simultaneously.

Since people can experience both conditions concurrently and this mix of presentations is unique to each person, receiving individualized treatment is essential. In seeking a healthcare professional, it’s vital that they consider the spine’s three-dimensional characteristics. A holistic approach ensures a more accurate assessment and effective management of spinal conditions.

 

Kyphosis vs Lordosis

As we mentioned before, lordosis is another medical term for the natural curve of the spine, but in the lumbar region. Similarly to kyphosis, lordosis is necessary for a healthy spine. Individuals start to experience challenges when they suffer from hyperlordosis or hypolordosis.

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Unlike hyperkyphosis, which rounds the upper spine forward unnaturally, hyperlordosis accentuates the spine’s curve at the lower back, leading to a swayback appearance. Both conditions can cause discomfort and mobility issues but stem from different abnormalities in spinal alignment.

Treating Hyper- Or Hypo- Kyphosis 

Like scoliosis, lordosis or kyphosis related issues can be treated in several ways. The options available will vary based on a person’s symptoms and severity of the condition.

The standard treatments are quite similar to those of scoliosis:

• Physical therapy can help strengthen the back muscles, alleviate discomfort, and improve good posture.
• Pain medication like anti-inflammatory drugs can ease back pain or discomfort.
• A support back brace for some cases, especially in growing children with Scheuermann’s kyphosis, may help the condition.
• Corrective surgery to diminish the unnatural spinal curve

Learn about the physical therapy treatment we provide for scoliosis patients

 

Treat Your Spinal Condition

Kyphosis, with its various forms and complexities, stands as a unique condition, separate from other similar spinal conditions, like scoliosis and lordosis. When considering kyphosis vs scoliosis, it’s essential to recognize the distinct symptoms and treatment approaches required for each. Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing symptoms, seeking appropriate treatment, and managing the condition effectively

Do you think you or a loved one might be experiencing symptoms of hyperkyphosis? Or are you trying to figure out whether it’s kyphosis or scoliosis? Now that you understand the condition in more depth, it’s essential to consult a professional about symptom management. 

If you’re looking for physical therapy and a holistic approach to managing your spinal condition, specifically scoliosis, talk to our knowledgeable team at The ScoliClinic. Our focus is providing high-quality, specific services to help you lead healthy, active lives.

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