Kyphosis is a rounding of the upper back when viewed from the side. While a slight curve is normal, a significant curve can lead to pain, self-consciousness, and other issues if left untreated. Some patients can be treated with exercise, while some will need bracing. Severe cases may need surgery. Our aim with bracing is to avoid the need for surgery.
After clinical examination & x-ray your orthopaedic surgeon will determine the type of kyphosis and the treatment pathway.
Postural Kyphosis: This can be caused by poor posture habits. Prolonged periods of slouching, such as sitting at a desk, looking down at a smartphone, or carrying a heavy backpack can weaken the back muscles and lead to an exaggeration of the normal postural kyphosis. This type is generally flexible and can be corrected with postural awareness, exercise, and targeted physiotherapy.
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: This is a more serious, structural form of the condition. It typically develops during the adolescent growth spurt and is caused by an abnormal wedging of the vertebrae in the thoracic spine. Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is a fixed deformity and cannot be corrected by simply improving posture. It responds very well to appropriate bracing.
Congenital Kyphosis:
This is a rare form of kyphosis where the vertebrae do not develop correctly. This type of kyphosis is often detected at birth or in early childhood and can be more complex to treat.
Bracing is a highly effective treatment for moderate Scheuermann’s Kyphosis in growing children and teens.
A carefully designed brace worn for the prescribed number of hours per day will remodel the vertebrae as the child grows, resulting in a spine with a more natural kyphosis.
The brace works by applying gentle, constant pressure to the spine, encouraging the spine to grow into a more upright position.
The brace is designed to be adjustable, depending on what the child is doing.
For example, if the child needs to be able to lean forward for a particular task, such as in art class or technical drawing at school, the support arms of the brace can be loosened to facilitate this.
The brace is usually incorporated into daily life fairly comfortably.
It is not visible under loose-fitting clothing.
It is important to stay active to avoid weakening of the spine muscles while wearing the brace. The brace can be removed for sports.
It is important to remember that bracing is not required for ever.
The brace will only be worn while the child is still growing and can be retired once the skeleton is fully grown.