Kyphosis, defined by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons as more than a 50-degree curvature of the thoracic spine, has many causes. Kyphosis can be congenital and can be present from birth or acquired later in life. Kyphosis from Scheuermann's disease commonly develops in children under age 11 and affects males and females equally. Scheuermann's disease stabilizes when the person stops growing, Medline Plus,a publication of the National Institutes of Health, states. that kyphosis from osteoporosis occurs most commonly in older women, and postural kyphosis affects adolescents, with girls more affected than males. Kyphosis can cause physical and mental complications.
Pain
Kyphosis can cause pain that can become severe and disabling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Severe pain may require surgical treatment that fuses spinal bones together. Spinal surgery carries a high risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, arthritis and deterioration of the discs, the Mayo Clinic warns. Spinal fusion also stops growth in the area of the fusion, although other areas of the spine and the legs continue to grow normally, so height isn't overall affected. Injection of a cement-like substances into the vertebrae, known as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, may also help decrease pain.
Cardiopulmonary Complications
Compression of the lungs and heart in severe kyphosis can cause significant cardiopulmonary difficulty. Shortness of breath from decreased lung capacity may occur, according to the University of Washington. Heart failure and other cardiac problems related to compression can worsen lung disease by causing blood to back up into the lungs, further restricting lung volume, according to a 2008 article in the journal "Nursing."
Nerve Damage
In rare cases, the deformity from kyphosis puts pressure on nerves in the back and legs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Leg weakness as well as paralysis can result from severe nerve damage.
Other Complications
Poor self image and self esteem from the physical deformity may complicate kyphosis, especially in adolescence. Many people with kyphosis also suffer from fatigue.
