Kyphosis is an abnormal forward curve of the upper spine. With it, children have what looks like a rounded or "hunchback" appearance. This condition is also called "dowager's hump."
Some children are born with kyphosis, but most develop it during their childhood. While some degree of front-to-back curve of the spine is normal and healthy, if a child’s spine curves forward 50 degrees or more, they should be seen by a spine specialist.
Shriners Children's physicians have treated thousands of children with kyphosis, including those with the most challenging cases. While most cases are mild, a child with kyphosis should be closely monitored by your Shriners Children's physician until they have stopped growing. Many will not require treatment. However, if the forward curve becomes severe, it could lead to pain and deformity that can compress the lungs and make breathing difficult.
If your child has severe kyphosis, they will likely need be treated with bracing and also may require surgery and halo traction. Our spine specialists perform hundreds of spine surgeries each year with the utmost care and precision.
A diagnosis of kyphosis can be stressful for the entire family. Those stressors can include fears about your child's future and insecurity about making the right decisions. Be reassured that if your child is diagnosed with kyphosis, you'll have a Shriners Children's care team to guide you. Your child’s surgeons, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other care providers understand the concerns of children and parents navigating this journey.
We’ve seen children with kyphosis successfully progress through childhood, as they become active preschoolers, elementary school gymnasts, and teens confidently socializing with friends and succeeding in life. Here you can learn more about pediatric kyphosis and the treatment options that are available.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Kyphosis can be caused by different things. In many cases, the exact cause is not known.
One type, Scheuermann’s kyphosis, tends to run in families. Other types of kyphosis can be caused by neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Spinal infections and tumors can weaken the vertebrae, causing the spine to collapse forward. Treatments for spinal tumors, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can also lead to kyphosis.
Factors that increase a child’s risk of developing kyphosis include:
Not all symptoms of kyphosis are visible, so it might talk some good listening to your child's symptoms to become aware of a problem.
Some visible signs:
If your child has severe kyphosis, symptoms they might express to you include:
Congenital kyphosis: Your child could be born with the condition, though it may not be immediately noticeable. The condition starts when your child’s spinal column does not develop properly in the womb. Congenital kyphosis usually gets worse as your child grows. Many children with congenital kyphosis need spine surgery at some point during childhood.
Postural kyphosis: This is the most common, and usually least serious, type of kyphosis. It becomes noticeable in adolescence. Poor posture, including slouching in front of a computer or over a phone for long periods, can increase the risk that your child’s spine and surrounding muscles will not develop properly. Postural kyphosis is not a structural deformity, not painful and most often does not get worse over time. Physical therapy and, in some cases, bracing can help.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis: Also known as juvenile kyphosis; this type occurs when several vertebrae in the upper part of the spine develop a triangular shape rather than rectangular. The wedge-like shape causes the spine to bend forward at a sharp angle. A child with Scheuermann’s kyphosis cannot correct their curve by trying to stand up straight. This can be the most severe kind of kyphosis
Certain types of kyphosis are not preventable, but there are things you could do before your child is born to help. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, proper nutrition, prenatal care and vitamins – especially folic acid – may help reduce the risk of your child being born with a birth defect. If your family has a history of kyphosis, a geneticist may be able to help.
Some types of kyphosis are preventable. You can help your child by encouraging them to:
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age and general health.
The goal of treatment at Shriners Children's is to stop the curve from getting worse and prevent deformity so your child can live a happy, independent life.
Treatment options may include:
Without the help of Shriners Children’s, I literally wouldn't be alive. Now I walk a lot taller and straighter. I can breathe clearly, and I have confidence in myself that I thought I'd never have.
