With the use of a standing lateral, full-spine X-ray, the doctor or radiologist measures the angle of the spinal curve. This test is used to measure and evaluate the curve.
![curvature of the spine curvature of the spine](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19463.jpg)
A diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film. Developmental delays may require further medical evaluation.ĭiagnostic procedures may include the following: The doctor will also ask about developmental milestones, since some types of kyphosis can be associated with other neuromuscular disorders. If the patient is a child, the doctor obtains a complete prenatal and birth history of him or her and asks if other family members are known to have kyphosis. The doctor makes the diagnosis of kyphosis with a complete medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests. Two risk factors for developing kyphosis are having osteoporosis or low bone density, or having a family member with the condition. Parents and loved ones may comment on the child’s “poor posture” or use the words “humpback” or “hunchback” to describe the child’s posture. When bending forward, the height of the upper back appears higher than normalīack pain may be present, but rarely is it significant enough to impact normal activity The head bends forward compared to the rest of the bodyĭifference in shoulder blade height or position However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The following are the most common symptoms of kyphosis. Kyphosis is more common in females than males. Exercise is used to help correct posture. Postural kyphosis: the most common type of kyphosis it generally becomes noticeable in adolescence and can be associated with slouching versus a spinal abnormality. Scheuermann’s kyphosis: a condition that causes the vertebrae to curve forward in the upper back area the cause of Scheuermann’s kyphosis is unknown and is commonly seen in males. Osteogenesis imperfecta, also called brittle bone disease a condition that causes bones to fracture with minimal force. Kyphosis can be congenital (present at birth) or due to acquired conditions that may include the following: This curve may become more noticeable with growth. The child is noted at birth to have an outward curve of the spine. Congenital KyphosisĪ diagnosis of congenital kyphosis assumes a difference in the shape of one or more vertebrae. This occurs in 0.4 percent of the population, with males and females affected equally.
![curvature of the spine curvature of the spine](https://vhscollector.com/sites/default/files/vhsimages/22481_b1_0.jpg)
This type of kyphosis is more rigid and can worsen with growth. Scheuermann’s kyphosis refers to a type of kyphosis where the vertebrae have developed a wedge shape. This type of kyphosis is flexible and often improves with exercises. Postural kyphosis, or postural roundback, is thoracic kyphosis greater than 50 degrees with normal-shaped vertebrae. What are the different types of kyphosis? Postural Kyphosis