Learn about kyphosis, including its causes, symptoms, and the latest treatment approaches for managing this condition.
Table of Contents
What Is Kyphosis?
How frequently has spending too much time sitting down caused you to discover that your posture is more hunched? Does stretching provide momentary respite from the pain on your shoulders and neck muscles? Or is your back and shoulders tense and painful as a result of bad posture? People have often experienced musculoskeletal problems that might impact the neck, shoulders, and back—the three frequently affected body parts. Kyphosis is a spinal disorder that may result from prolonged hunching. Degenerative alterations in the intervertebral discs may be the cause of kyphosis, which is an increase in the forward curve of the spine that affects the thoracic location. (Lam & Mukhdomi, 2025) People who have kyphosis will notice that their upper back becomes rounded or they have a hunchback, which might impact their posture and general musculoskeletal situation. The symptoms may vary from severe stiffness and soreness to breathing problems, depending on the degree of kyphosis. However, many people may discover other therapy choices to manage this spinal illness if they have a better grasp of the environmental variables that lead to its development and the symptoms that go along with it.
Environmental Factors Contributing to Kyphosis
Kyphosis may occur as a result of a number of environmental factors. The reason behind this is because a lot of individuals engage in physically demanding activities that put a lot of strain on the spine. But with time, the spine matures along with the body, which may result in kyphosis. The following are some environmental variables that might cause kyphosis:
- Uncomfortable Standing
- A lifestyle that is sedentary
- Improper lifting techniques and heavy objects might cause osteoporosis.
- Conditions & Injuries to the Spine
Kyphosis Symptoms & Its Effects on the Musculoskeletal System
Since kyphosis may impact both the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine, it can result in a number of musculoskeletal issues.When kyphosis begins to damage the cervical region, it may result in referred neck pain, which puts more tension on the soft tissues in the back. This forces the head to cope with a mechanical imbalance, which leads to muscular strain and exhaustion. (Ogura and others, 2021). Low bone density and lower extremity dysfunction in older persons are risk factors for kyphosis, which impairs mobility when it first affects the thoracic spine. (Lorbergs et al., 2017) Additional musculoskeletal problems linked to kyphosis include:
- Stiffness and Pain in the Upper Back
- Restricted Flexibility & Mobility
- Pain Referred
- Weakness and Fatigue of the Muscles
- Digestive and Breathing Problems
Understanding Long-Lasting Injuries- Video
Treatment Approaches For Kyphosis
If the spinal curvature has become so bad, many people have chosen to undergo surgery to manage the symptoms of kyphosis. However, since nonsurgical treatments are noninvasive and cost-effective, many patients have chosen them. Nonsurgical therapies may take many different forms and are intended to enhance a person’s posture and lessen the difficulties associated with kyphosis. (Jenkins et al., 2021) People’s mobility and postural control will significantly improve after they begin using nonsurgical therapies to lessen cervical kyphosis. (Oakley et al., 2024)
Chiropractic Care & More
For those with kyphosis, chiropractic adjustments are a non-invasive treatment option that may help reduce pain and realign the spine. In addition to stretching and strengthening tense, weak muscles, chiropractic therapy uses spinal manipulation to realign the spine to its natural position. By increasing the neck’s range of motion, chiropractic adjustments may alleviate overlapping risk profiles, such as headaches and kyphotic neck discomfort. (Norton and others, 2022). In order to avoid a slouched posture, chiropractors may also create a personalized treatment plan for those with kyphosis that offers substantial comfort from the neck to the back. In 2017, Fortner et al. For those with kyphosis, chiropractic therapy may provide the following advantages:
- Spinal adjustments may improve posture by realigning the vertebrae and minimizing excessive curvature.
- Postural Training: For improved support, chiropractors may provide exercises that build core and back strength.
- Pain management: Techniques for spinal decompression and manual therapy may ease tense muscles and lessen transferred pain.
- Increased Flexibility & Mobility: Mobility exercises and stretching help increase range of motion and avoid stiffness.
Additional Treatments For Kyphosis
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, various kyphosis management techniques may assist increase spinal stability and stop the deterioration of spine curvature. These further treatments consist of:
- Physical Therapy
- Postural Ergonomics Bracing
Final Thoughts
Even though kyphosis may cause pain and suffering, quality of life can be greatly enhanced with early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Better posture, less discomfort, and more mobility may result from proactively treating kyphosis, whether via physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or lifestyle changes.
Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic
We associate with certified medical providers who implement the importance of the causes and symptoms of kyphosis. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate small changes into their daily routine to reduce the effects of kyphosis from affecting the cervical and thoracic areas. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
References
Fortner, M. O., Oakley, P. A., & Harrison, D. E. (2017). Treating ‘slouchy’ (hyperkyphosis) posture with chiropractic biophysics((R)): a case report utilizing a multimodal mirror image((R)) rehabilitation program. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1475-1480. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1475
Jenkins, H. J., Downie, A. S., Fernandez, M., & Hancock, M. J. (2021). Decreasing thoracic hyperkyphosis – Which treatments are most effective? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, 56, 102438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102438
Lam, J. C., & Mukhdomi, T. (2025). Kyphosis. In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32644371
Lorbergs, A. L., Murabito, J. M., Jarraya, M., Guermazi, A., Allaire, B. T., Yang, L., Kiel, D. P., Cupples, L. A., Bouxsein, M. L., Travison, T. G., & Samelson, E. J. (2017). Thoracic Kyphosis and Physical Function: The Framingham Study. J Am Geriatr Soc, 65(10), 2257-2264. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15038
Norton, T. C., Oakley, P. A., & Harrison, D. E. (2022). Improving the cervical lordosis relieves neck pain and chronic headaches in a pediatric: a Chiropractic Biophysics((R)) (CBP((R))) case report with a 17-month follow-up. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 34(1), 71-75. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.34.71
Oakley, P. A., Gage, W. H., Harrison, D. E., & Mochizuki, G. (2024). Non-surgical reduction in thoracolumbar kyphosis and sagittal vertical axis corresponding with improved sensorimotor control in an older adult with spinal deformity: a Chiropractic Biophysics((R)) case report. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 36(11), 756-764. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.36.756
Ogura, Y., Dimar, J. R., Djurasovic, M., & Carreon, L. Y. (2021). Etiology and treatment of cervical kyphosis: state of the art review-a narrative review. J Spine Surg, 7(3), 422-433. https://doi.org/10.21037/jss-21-54
