Kyphosis
-
- Tweet
McNulty Spine
Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon located in Las Vegas, NV
Do you feel like you cannot stand up straight? Do you feel like your spine is hunched over? This is kyphosis or loss of lordosis. Kyphosis affects our mid back. Loss of lordosis typically affects your neck or low back. Life can be very unsatisfying and unhealthy if you are unable to stand up straight and comfortably walk about. At McNulty Spine in Las Vegas, Patrick S. McNulty, MD, FABSS, FABOS, a double board-certified, award-winning orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, offers expert treatments to correct kyphosis and loss of lumbar lordosis. He is a member of the prestigious Scoliosis Research Society, the premier international society for spinal deformity surgeons. This attests to his additional commitment and expertise in this area. If you’re concerned about kyphosis or loss of lordosis, call McNulty Spine or make an appointment online today.
Kyphosis
What is kyphosis?
Kyphosis is a condition in which your spine curves forward. This can be due to kyphosis affects your mid back, or loss of lordosis which affects your neck and low back. This commonly occurs with aging. The disks in your spine are 25% of the length of your spine. As we get older, our disks will commonly narrow. This is what commonly causes kyphosis or loss of lordosis. Just because it occurs does not mean it has to be accepted. Some people accommodate this change with life well, others do not. Kyphosis or loss of lumbar lordosis can be something that affects children, but is most commonly involved with adults as the age.
Some of the common signs of kyphosis or loss of lordosis include:
- Difficulty with prolonged standing or walking, feeling like you cannot stand up straight
- A noticeable hump on your back
- Back pain
- Spine stiffness
- Tight hamstrings
- Fatigue
- Round back
- Cannot hold your head up to look straight ahead
If the abnormal curve of your spine is severe, you may also have weakness or tingling sensations in your legs or shortness of breath. Severe kyphosis can also cause digestive problems such as acid reflux and problems swallowing.
What causes kyphosis?
- Compression fractures
- Osteoporosis fractures
- Disc degeneration and narrowing
- Scheuermann's disease
If you, your child, or someone you know is showing signs of kyphosis or loss of lordosis, make an appointment at McNulty Spine for evaluation and customized treatment.
How is kyphosis treated?
Following a thorough evaluation to confirm your diagnosis, Dr. McNulty creates a customized treatment plan to correct your kyphosis. Some of the factors that contribute to your treatment plan include your age, the type of kyphosis, and the severity of the curve in your spine.
If your kyphosis isn’t too severe, Dr. McNulty may recommend physical therapy or bracing to correct your posture and the alignment of your spine.
However, in more severe cases, these are structural issues would typically do not respond to conservative measures. Dr. McNulty may choose spinal fusion surgery to correct the abnormal curve of your spine. He uses bone grafts, rods, and screws/cable band anchors to correct the alignment of your spine and create stability. He is also well versed in making sure your bone is strong enough to undergo effective spinal deformity surgery.
Dr. McNulty provides a thorough evaluation to identify the best treatment for your kyphosis. He explains your treatment options and answers your questions to empower you to make the best decision about your health care.
If you’re concerned about kyphosis or loss of lordosis, call McNulty Spine or make an appointment online today.
