The spine--also referred to as the backbone--curves naturally as it extends from the skull to the hips. Kyphosis is a medical term for a condition involving an unnatural curvature of the spine. With kyphosis, the spine causes a bowing of the back. Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, trauma to the bones in the spine and Scheuermann's disease cause the kyphosis. Boys experience kyphosis more often than girls, according to the Merck Manual of Health Information, and it usually begins during adolescence. Mild forms of the curvature may cause no symptoms and do not require treatment.
Humpback
As the spine begins to curve out at the thoracic section of the spine, it begins to bow out. For a diagnosis of kyphosis, the rounding of the spine should cause a deformity of more than 50 degrees in the spine, according to the Mayo Clinic. This bowing causes the back to develop a humpback appearance. This is the hallmark symptom associated with kyphosis. An addition to the humpback, the shoulders take on a rounded shape and appearance. The curvature of the spine and changes in the bone structure of the skeleton are also visible on a spinal X-ray.
Fatigue
Some individuals with a kyphosis experience symptoms of fatigue, according to Medline Plus. The fatigue includes an increased feeling of sleepiness and difficulty staying awake as well as a lack of energy. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities may also occur. Fatigue does not go away with adequate rest and sleep.
Breathing Difficulty
Severe cases of kyphosis may cause breathing difficulties for the affected individual. As the spine changes from the natural curve to an exaggerated one, it causes a smaller area for the lungs to expand. This decreased lung capacity makes taking a deep breath or breathing naturally more difficult. Symptoms associated with the diminished lung space include labored breathing, increased respiratory rate and feeling short of breath.
Pain
Mild cases of kyphosis do not cause pain for most people, but may cause slight back pain. The pain can include tenderness when touched or with movement of the spine. Other people with severe kyphosis may experience disabling back pain. The spine may also feel stiff during movement.
