Roberto Nieto
Mr. Montoya
Anatomy & Physiology Period 1
16 December 2014
Kyphosis
There are so many diseases in the world that affect many people. Many diseases occur in the skeletal system affecting bones and joints. One disease that affects the skeletal system is called kyphosis. It affects the thoracic spine (upper back) which has a normal outward curvature, but this disease is a condition in which the spine in the upper back has an excessive curvature.
The upper back, or thoracic region of the spine, is supposed to have a slight natural curve. The spine naturally curves in the neck, upper back, and lower back to help absorb shock and support the weight of the head. If you have kyphosis, you may have a visible hump on your upper back.
From the side, your upper back may be noticeably rounded or protruding. In addition, people with hunchback appear to be slouching and have noticeable rounding of the shoulders.
Symptoms may include back pain, muscle fatigue, and stiffness in the back. Most often, these symptoms remain fairly constant and do not become progressively worse with time. Mild cases of kyphosis may produce no noticeable signs or symptoms. In more severe situations, the patient may notice their symptoms worsening with time. The kyphosis can progress, causing a more exaggerated hunchback.
This deformity can be caused by a variety of problems, including:
● Osteoporosis. This bonethinning disorder can result in crushed vertebrae.
Osteoporosis is most common in older adults, particularly women, and in people who have taken high doses of corticosteroids for long periods of time.
● Disk degeneration. Soft, circular disks act as cushions between spinal vertebrae.
With age, these discs dry out and shrink, which often worsens kyphosis.
● Scheuermann's disease. Also called Scheuermann's kyphosis, this disease typically begins during the growth spurt that occurs before puberty. Boys are affected more often than are girls. The rounding of the back may worsen as the child finishes growing. An increased curve in the upper spine also can be caused by slouching. Called postural kyphosis, this condition doesn't involve any deformities in the spine. It's most common in teenagers. As to symptoms and how kyphosis is formed, there is medical help to treat this disease.
Pain relievers is one medical treatment such as: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin IB, or Aleve.
If overthe counter medicines don't help there is stronger medication
