Kyphosis symptoms are most visible in appearance itself, with the top arch of the back appearing excessively rounded, creating a hunchback or hump-like appearance. However, this is not the only symptom and patients may also observe the following:

• Recurring back pain

• Loss of flexibility and stiffening of the spine

• Muscle fatigue and feelings of weakness

• In rare cases, nerve compression can cause loss of control over bladder and bowel movements, loss of sensation, and so on

CAUSES

Kyphosis can occur for a variety of reasons, including disc degeneration, osteoporosis, or postural problems. The most common causes of kyphosis include the following:

• Osteoporosis, which causes bone loss and weakening, can result in crushing of the vertebrae, or compression fractures

• Normal disk degeneration that occurs with age can exacerbate kyphosis

• Kyphosis may be caused by a rare condition that develops just before puberty, called Scheuermann's disease. The condition primarily affects boys.

• In some cases, kyphosis can result from prenatal developmental problems that prevent proper spinal bone formation.

• Spine cancer can cause severe weakening of the vertebrae, increasing the risk of compression fractures and bone damage. This can cause or exacerbate kyphosis symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS 

• X-rays
  A standing lateral spine X-ray is the gold standard for diagnosing kyphosis. The doctor measures the Cobb's angle, which is the angle between the superior and inferior endplates of the vertebrae that form the curve. A curve greater than 50 degrees is considered abnormal. 

• Physical exam
  The doctor will observe how the patient walks and moves, and may ask the patient to bend in different directions. The doctor may also press on the spine to check for tenderness. 

• Other tests
  Additional tests may include:

  • MRI: A magnetic resonance imaging scan can show any abnormalities in the spinal cord. 

  • CT scan: A computed tomography scan uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the spine. 

  • Nerve tests: These tests indicate if nerves are being pinched or irritated. 

  • Bone density test: This test checks for osteoporosis. 

  • Pulmonary function tests: 

  • These tests are used if kyphosis affects breathing. Kyphosis is a condition where the spine curves outward more than it should, causing the upper back to bend forward. It can make it look like the patient is hunched over or slouching.

TREATMENT

Chiropractic care can help with kyphosis by improving spinal alignment and motion, and relieving pain and tension. Chiropractors can use spinal manipulation techniques to:

• Open up joint space

• Restore communication between the nervous system and the muscles and ligaments of the spine

• Re-train muscles and ligaments to hold good alignment 

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Some techniques chiropractors use to treat kyphosis include:

• Flexion-distraction technique: A gentle, non-thrusting spinal manipulation technique used for kyphosis associated with degenerative disc disease or motion restrictions in the thoracic spine

• Instrument-assisted manipulation: Another non-thrusting spinal manipulation technique 

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Other treatments for kyphosis include:

• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, improve posture, and relieve pain.