Treatment for Thoracic Kyphosis in New Jersey
The thoracic region of your spine acts as a foundation for your rib cage and shoulders. It normally features a small amount of curvature to provide optimal support while allowing you to sit and stand upright. When the thoracic spine features an excess amount of curvature, it is called thoracic kyphosis or hyperkyphosis. Also known as hunchback or roundback, this spinal deformity causes a forward hunched posture. It may also cause muscle stiffness and pain.
With locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute serves New Jersey with non-invasive treatments and minimally invasive spine surgery. We treat back pain of all types, including kyphosis, to help patients achieve long-term relief.
What Causes Thoracic Kyphosis?
Identifying the cause of thoracic kyphosis requires a spine specialist. There are many forms of kyphosis, with each type having its own set of potential causes. The most common include:
- Broken vertebrae resulting from traumatic injury
- Spinal stress from repetitive movement
- Poor posture
- Muscle weakness
- Birth or genetic defects
- Thoracic deformity
- Spondylosis and other forms of arthritis
- Other degenerative diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Certain cancer treatments
- Post-surgical complications
- Scheuermann’s disease, a common source of back pain in young people
Age is a major risk factor for thoracic kyphosis. Diagnoses are most common between ages 13 and 16 due to the rapid bone growth teenagers undergo. The condition is also common in older adults as the spine loses flexibility. Kyphosis is not completely tied to age, however. Congenital forms appear before birth, and stress- or injury-related kyphosis may appear at any age.
What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Kyphosis?
The symptoms of thoracic kyphosis vary depending on the condition’s severity. Mild cases may only result in a forward-leaning posture and some pain. In severe cases, there may be a visibly humped back and a variety of other complications as well. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Rounded shoulders
- A curve or hump in the upper back
- Back pain or stiffness
- Tight thigh muscles
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Balance issues
- Extreme fatigue
- Motor skill impairment
- Digestive problems
- Bladder or bowel incontinence
- Difficulty breathing
Thoracic kyphosis can seriously hamper your life, interfering with your favorite activities and potentially reducing your career opportunities. Many patients also experience body image issues and a drop in self-esteem. This is why proper diagnosis and treatment are so important. A spine specialist can identify the root cause of your kyphosis and help you make lifestyle changes that will improve your spine health and overall quality of life.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Thoracic Kyphosis?
Before treating thoracic kyphosis, doctors must first confirm the diagnosis. Kyphosis is most often detected using a Debrunner kyphometer. This tool is used during a physical exam to measure the angle of your back, letting doctors check whether the curvature is more extreme than normal. Dr. Branko Skovrlj, the board-certified neurosurgeon at NU-Spine, may also review your medical history to identify any risk factors, such as injuries or genetics, that might impact your condition.
What Are Thoracic Kyphosis Treatment Options?
Once the NU-Spine team has diagnosed thoracic kyphosis, we can develop a personalized treatment plan. Our first strategy typically involves non-invasive treatment options focused on relieving pain, building muscle strength, and encouraging proper posture. Methods may include:
- Physical therapy with targeted exercises
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Supportive back brace
Most cases of thoracic kyphosis will improve with conservative treatments. If these treatments fail to produce positive results, or if the kyphosis is severe, you may require surgery. Spinal fusion involves the precise placement of screws and plates to readjust the angle of your spinal column. Recovery takes between four to six weeks and helps achieve a fully corrected back.
Improvements after surgery do not always last indefinitely. Depending on the cause or your condition, thoracic kyphosis may return. After the procedure, the NU-Spine team recommends taking steps to prevent the condition from returning. Strategies may include:
- Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Maintaining good posture while sitting and standing
- Stretching every morning and before exercising
- Incorporating core-strengthening exercises into your routine
- Avoiding activities that add stress to your spine
- Wearing a supportive brace
With appropriate treatment and the right prevention strategies, most patients experience long-term improvements in their physical health. They may also feel a greater sense of emotional well-being as they return to their active lifestyles.
Find Treatment for Thoracic Kyphosis at NU-Spine
If you or a loved one has thoracic kyphosis or a similar spinal condition, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with the spine experts at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today for an initial consultation, or to visit one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, or Holmdel, NJ.
