Curvature of the spine
Nonsurgical treatment is recommended for patients with postural kyphosis. Your child's doctor will consider several things when determining treatment for kyphosis, including:
![curvature of the spine curvature of the spine](https://www.hudsonvalleyscoliosis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/normal-lordosis-and-kyphosis-of-the-spine.jpg)
The goal of treatment is to stop progression of the curve and prevent deformity. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, or if the curve changes quickly over time, your child's doctor may order neurologic tests or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. In patients with congenital kyphosis, progressive curves may lead to symptoms of spinal cord compression, including pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower body. These tests will help determine if your child's breathing is restricted because of diminished chest space. If the curve is severe, the doctor may order pulmonary function tests. A curve that is greater than 50 degrees is considered abnormal however, it does not necessarily indicate the need for invasive treatments. X-rays will also help measure the degree of the kyphotic curve. Your child's doctor may order X-rays from different angles to determine if there are changes in the vertebrae or any other bony abnormalities. X-rays. X-rays provide images of dense structures, such as bone. The doctor may also ask your child to lie down to see if this straightens the curve - a sign that the curve is flexible and may be representative of postural kyphosis. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010 Reproduced from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4. This irregular shape causes the vertebrae to wedge together toward the front of the spine, decreasing the normal disk space and creating an exaggerated forward curvature in the upper back. In a patient with Scheuermann's kyphosis, an X-ray from the side will show that, rather than the normal rectangular shape, three or more consecutive vertebrae have a more triangular shape. Scheuermann's kyphosis is caused by a structural abnormality in the spine. However, Scheuermann's kyphosis can result in a more severe deformity than postural kyphosis. Like postural kyphosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis often becomes apparent during the teen years. Scheuermann's kyphosis is named after the Danish radiologist who first described the condition. It is rarely painful, and, because the curve does not progress, it does not usually lead to problems in adult life. Postural kyphosis is more common in girls than boys. The curve caused by postural kyphosis is typically round and smooth and can often be corrected by the patient when they are asked to stand up straight. It is noticed clinically as poor posture or slouching but is not associated with severe structural abnormalities of the spine.
![curvature of the spine curvature of the spine](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/patientinstructions/en/images/scoliosisCropped_a_enIL.jpg)
Postural kyphosis, the most common type of kyphosis, usually becomes noticeable during adolescence. The three that most commonly affect children and adolescents are: