The term kyphosis refers to an abnormal outward rounding of the upper back that is sometimes called a hunchback or question mark posture. In elderly women, kyphosis can be due to long term poor postural habits, compression fractures from osteoporosis or changes in the spine due to arthritis. It is important to take steps to prevent this postural change and to treat it in the early stages. There are complications from kyphosis in elderly women that can become severe and affect quality of life.
Back Pain
A common complication from kyphosis in an elderly woman is chronic back pain, claims the Mayo Clinic. As the upper back, or thoracic region, and shoulders round forward and the head juts forward, there is increased pressure on the low back. The upper back muscles become weak and overstretched and the chest muscle become tight. All of these changes can pull on muscles, ligaments and tendons in the spine and cause chronic pain in the back, neck and shoulders. The pain can be a general achiness or become disabling.
There are some forms of arthritis that cause the vertebra to fuse in this position. However, in many cases, there is no fusion. This means that performing exercise to strengthen and stretch the back muscles can help to correct kyphosis.
Trouble Breathing
If kyphosis becomes severe it may interfere with the ability to breathe properly, warns the National Institute of Health. This postural change can make it difficult for the ribs to move and the lungs to fully expand. It can also make the abdomen push outwards. These changes can limit the amount of air that can enter the lungs, and it may restrict the ability to fully empty the lungs. In some cases, breathing may become painful or uncomfortable and if breathing is limited, it may lead to feeling fatigued and weak.
Neurological Problems
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, kyphosis can develop when osteoporosis causes the vertebra to become week and collapse. This can create postural changes and a loss of height. In severe cases, this collapsing of the vertebra can place pressure on nerves that run through the upper back. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms or hands, and it can disrupt bladder and bowel control. In some patients, nerve compression can interfere with signals reaching the digestive and other major organs. If osteoporosis is caught in the early stages, there are medications and lifestyle changes that can be used to help prevent fractures and their related complications.
