A normal spine is upright and vertically shaped. But a spine affected by kyphosis appears to be curved when viewed from behind. In typical circumstances, a kyphotic back measures more than 50 degrees on an X-ray. That means electromagnetic energy beams are needed to conduct Shrewsbury kyphosis diagnosis test at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine. If you or someone you know is living with this condition, consider the following factors.
What Having Kyphosis Feels Like
The spine starts from the skull and it runs all the way to your pelvis. It consists of up to 24 bones known as vertebrae which are stacked on top of each other. On each vertebra, some discs prevent your spine from succumbing to shock and trauma. And since the vertebrae rely on robust bands of tissues such as ligaments, the spine becomes strengthened.
In the case of kyphosis, the thoracic vertebra, which is the central section becomes arched. While curving of the back is a symptom of an abnormal alignment in the spine, everyone has some amount of arching to allow for space for some organs including the heart and the lungs. However, not all curvatures are normal. Excess curvature is a sign of kyphosis.
The Causes Of Spine Curvature
Kyphosis or excessive spine curvature can be caused by:
Poor Posture
If you are suffering from kyphosis, there is a high chance that you had a poor posture during your childhood. You were carrying a heavy school bag or were left to sit on a chair for long. This may have caused your ligaments and muscles to stretch beyond their normal positions, causing kyphosis.
When vertebrae develop abnormally A normal vertebra is rectangular or box-shaped. If it has other shapes, then it can lead to Shrewsbury kyphosis. It gets to a point where the vertebra becomes thicker, causing further complications. What causes the typical formation of the spine has been established, but there are theories claiming that insufficient blood supply to the vertebrae could be the leading cause.
Spinal Injuries Before Birth
Before birth, a baby's spine should be fully developed. But when something interferes with developing a baby's spine, the chances of vertebrae fusing are quite high. This condition is known as congenital kyphosis. The causes of this condition are still unknown. But some studies suggest that hereditary facts may cause it. This means that if your parents or any member of your family is affected by the condition, you are likely to inherit it.
An Orthopedic Spine Specialist Can Assist You
Having kyphosis does not mean that it is the end of life. You can still enjoy your quality of life, but only when you consult the right people. At CFRS, you will meet with spine specialists under the leadership of Steve Paragioudakis, MD, and Marc Menkowitz, MD. Once you confirm your visit to the facility, they will take you through the diagnosis process and hopefully tailor an ideal medical plan for you. To find out whether you qualify for kyphosis surgery, book an appointment online today.