Treatment And Diagnosis Of Upper Back Kyphosis

Diagnosis Of Upper Back Kyphosis

The presence of an exaggerated upper back kyphosis is a common finding. If you are concerned about your posture, patients should consider consulting their primary healthcare practitioner. Such as a GP, physiotherapist, chiropractor or other spine specialist. These medical and allied health professionals can assist in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. And the relevance for any intervening treatment.

Assessment Builds Understanding, Helping Treatment Planning

Diagnosis of a relevant, increased thoracic kyphosis in regard to someone’s symptoms is gained through gathering some key information. Information gained from patient history, as well as physical examination of the thoracic spine and associated areas. Coupling this information with appropriate, diagnostic imaging such as postural X-rays, or EOS scanning can be beneficial in assessing the significance of any upper back kyphosis. Taking a medical history will assess potential causes of thoracic kyphosis. Such as osteoporosis, or trauma. The use of X-rays or EOS scanning are helpful in measuring curvature of the spine. And in detecting abnormalities such as fractures, or other disease processes. Imaging can also be utilized to monitor progression of spinal curves over time if indicated.

Treatment Of Upper Back Kyphosis

Treatment can depend on several factors such as:

• The patient’s age.
• The size of the curve (kyphosis).
• Symptoms experienced.
• The underlying cause of the upper back kyphosis.

Often physiotherapy, and similar treatment is the first port of call when looking to manage upper back kyphosis symptoms. With most patients being monitored with regard to their symptoms, or curve changes over time. Physiotherapy treatment typically involves in some shape or form, an active exercise program. A program directed at increasing strength and mobility in varying amounts dependent on individual needs. Strengthening postural muscles, and improving mobility in relevant joint, and soft tissues can have a combined result of working to relieve symptoms and/or “straighten” the spine if a postural kyphosis is present.

Non-Physio Based Treatment Options For Thoracic Kyphosis

With mild upper back kyphosis and symptoms. Generally more formal, or invasive treatment is not required. With mild symptoms or spinal curve changes, a physiotherapy based (active management approach) is frequently beneficial. However, patients with severe kyphosis, significant pain, or stiffness may benefit from other interventions. Options such as bracing (the use of a Boston Brace) may be considered. The goal of a rigid thoracic brace is to prevent spinal curves from getting bigger during developing years. And although they may be beneficial during a child’s developmental years. Such bracing is seldom used in adults, who have structural maturity, and a fixed structural kyphosis. The majority of patients do not require surgical intervention. Surgery is usually recommended for patients whose curvatures continue to progress, or cause significant symptoms despite prior non-operative treatment. Disclaimer: Sydney Physio Clinic provides this information as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific advice or assistance on Treatment And Diagnosis Of Upper Back Kyphosis should consult his or her physiotherapist, general practitioner or otherwise appropriately skilled practitioner.