Lumbar Kyphosis Treatments in New Jersey
Kyphosis, or roundback of the spine, is a term that describes an abnormal curve of the back. There are a variety of causes and presentations of this spinal deformity in people both young and old. But whatever its cause, lumbar kyphosis can become worse as we age.
The founder and lead neurosurgeon at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, Branko Skovrlj, MD, specializes in treating deformities of the spine in New Jersey. We can provide a thorough examination and diagnosis of conditions that cause back pain and recommend appropriate treatments and procedures. Our offices are conveniently located in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.
What Is Lumbar Kyphosis?
Lumbar kyphosis is a lumbar deformity that falls under the umbrella of flat back syndrome. Kyphosis of the mid-back thoracic region of the spine may be called hunchback, while this spinal deformity in the neck or cervical region of the spine is sometimes called military neck.
Our spines contain normal curves, but when the inward curve known as lordosis, or the outward curve known as kyphosis, is measurably abnormal, back pain and other complications can develop. When the inward or outward curves are considered structurally abnormal, they are referred to as hyperlordosis and hyperkyphosis.
These spinal conditions include the following:
- Cervical kyphosis
- Thoracic kyphosis
- Lumbar kyphosis
The spine bears the weight of our bodies and allows us to move and flex. Spinal deformities, such as the extreme outward curve of lumbar kyphosis, can cause pain and interfere with locomotion and the activities of daily living. At NU-Spine, the medical team has experience with complicated spinal conditions. Using state-of-the-art surgical equipment and years of experience, Dr. Skovrlj and the medical team are focused on reducing or eliminating back pain. We offer minimally invasive spine surgery procedures that address lumbar kyphosis, including spinal fusion.
What Are Some Symptoms of Lumbar Kyphosis?
People with lumbar kyphosis experience spinal malalignment, which can affect balance and posture. The excessive curvature forces a forward bend. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of lumbar kyphosis:
- Low back pain, which usually worsens over time
- Limited mobility, including difficulty walking and twisting
- Compromised balance, often necessitating the use of walkers and canes for stability
- Difficulty standing
- Spine stiffness
- Fatigue
- Sensation of falling forward
- Spinal curves that exceed normal limits
With spinal pressure pushing forward on the body, the movements of the extremities are affected, and it can become difficult to perform daily activities, such as washing dishes and cooking, maintaining personal hygiene, running errands, working at your job, or even sleeping comfortably.
There often are other symptoms that develop over time, which can be related to lumbar kyphosis. These include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty when taking deep breaths
- Digestive disorders
- Tingling and numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Tight hamstrings (muscles in the back of the thigh)
- Low self-esteem, tendency to isolate, and depression
- Loss of control of bladder and bowel functions
Back pain can affect every aspect of our lives, including our mental health. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of lumbar kyphosis, or have persistent back pain, medical advice can help. Find out how minimally invasive spine surgery and other noninvasive treatments may be able to help you at NU-Spine.
What Causes Lumbar Kyphosis?
Spinal deformities are widespread throughout the U.S. population and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. While most people with kyphosis do not experience problems that require treatment, when back pain develops you must see a spine specialist. Severe signs and symptoms of this spine condition can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment provide patients and their physicians with more options for treatment and can help avoid worse problems in the future. At NU-Spine, our medical team is experienced with spinal deformities and offers experience treating these painful conditions.
You may have heard that lumbar kyphosis is related to agricultural occupations or other types of manual labor that require the worker to bend and crouch. However, this is not accurate. Spine conditions and situations that may lead to treatment for lumbar kyphosis include the following.
- Postural Kyphosis: Often appearing during adolescence, and sometimes related to slouching or poor posture, this type of kyphosis occurs when the muscles that support the spine develop differently as they adjust to imbalance. There is a higher incidence of postural kyphosis in females. Often the patient can straighten when asked, and postural therapy can help.
- Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: Named after a radiologist, and first noticeable in teenagers, Scheuermann’s kyphosis is related to structural abnormality. Vertebrae in one area of the spine form a triangular shape, affecting the curve of the spine, as well as reducing the amount of space between vertebral discs. This spinal deformity is more common in males and can progress with growth spurts.
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Patients with this brittle bone disease can experience vertebral breaks and fractures. Depending on how easily bones break, this can lead to a lack of strength in the structure of the spine. Lumbar kyphosis can develop due to a lack of spinal support.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome: Young children who are diagnosed with these conditions experience misalignment of the spine, which can lead to the development of hyperkyphosis or hyperlordosis.
- Trauma to Vertebrae: There are a wide variety of reasons for increased pressure and compression of the spine. Some patients who experience lumbar myelopathy, or compression fractures due to traumatic injuries, also may develop abnormal spinal curves as the body attempts to regain strength and balance.
- Spina Bifida: This complex spinal deformity appears at birth. The spine and spinal cord do not form properly, and the patient must receive medical attention.
- Neuromuscular Conditions: When muscles are unable to support the spine, curvature can develop.
- Osteoporosis: Low bone density can lead to fractures and breaking more easily. This can lead to pars defect or lumbar spondylolysis. If osteoporosis is untreated, it can also enhance the development of any kyphosis, or abnormal outward spine curvature.
- Cancer and Cancer Treatments: When cancers or treatments for cancer weaken the bones, this can affect the bones of the spine and may create extreme curvatures, such as lumbar kyphosis.
What Is the Best Lumbar Kyphosis Treatment?
If you have been prescribed pain medications, physical therapy, or back braces, but are still experiencing back pain, the medical team at NU-Spine in New Jersey may recommend spinal fusion. This is the most common surgical procedure for addressing lumbar kyphosis. The first step is to consult with a spine specialist at NU-Spine. We will review your medical history and may order medical tests to determine whether there are any co-occurring conditions, such as infections and tumors. These may include:
- Imaging tests, including MRI, CT scans, and X-rays
- Bone density tests, to determine the overall strength of your skeletal system
Using the latest methods of minimally invasive spine surgery, we have options for introducing advanced techniques, such as TLIFÂ or XLIF/X-LIF. With an experienced neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal deformities, there can be positive, long-lasting results from these surgical procedures.
Find Innovative Lumbar Kyphosis Treatment at NU-Spine
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is in New Jersey, with offices in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel. For more information about treatments for lumbar kyphosis and other spinal deformities, contact us today.