Kyphosis
Kyphosis can usually be diagnosed by examining your spine and taking an X-ray.
During the examination, your GP may ask you to do a number of exercises to assess whether your balance and range of movement are affected.
Your GPmay also ask you to lie down so they can see whether the curvature of your spineis caused by bad posture or a structural problem.
Although it'snot always the case, if yourspine straightens when you lie down, it'slikely that your kyphosis is caused by poor posture (postural kyphosis).
However, if your spine stills curves while you're lying down, it's likely that kyphosis is caused by a problem with the structure of your spine, asfound in the Scheuermann's or congenital types of kyphosis.
An X-ray can usually confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of the kyphosis.
Further scans are usually only required if complex treatment, such as surgery, is being planned, or if you have additional symptoms that suggest yournervous system has been affected, such as numbness in your arms or legs.
If you need additional scans you'll probably have a:
If you develop kyphosis in adulthood, you'll usually need some additional tests to determine the underlying cause.
The tests you'll be referred for depend on any additional symptoms you have. They may include:
Kyphosis is a condition where the top of the back is excessively curved and appears more rounded than normal.
Kyphosis is often caused by poor posture during childhood. It can also be the result of abnormal shaped vertebrae or developmental problems with the spine.
Kyphosis can usually be diagnosed by examining your spine and taking an X-ray.
Postural kyphosis can usually be corrected by improving your posture. Scheuermann's kyphosis usually improves once you're fully grown.