How Often Can I Exercise With Kyphosis?

Exercise is often excellent therapy for those with injuries or certain medical conditions, and in some cases, can actually lend to the treatment of the condition. This is the case with many back conditions and injuries, and with proper diagnosis and clearance from your doctor, alleviating pain or discomfort from back issues can come from simple exercises and stretching programs.

Kyphosis Defined

Kyphosis results from an imbalance of alignment in the pelvis and trunk. This deviation is seen most frequently in older adults and is a result of a constant forward bending of the body's thoracic area. Visually it results in a hunchback type of position and is clinically described as having an exaggerated anterior-posterior curvature of the spinal column. This condition is also known as flat-back -- due to the excessive curvature of the thoracic area, the lumbar region has a reduction in what should be its natural curvature.

Muscle Imbalances

Two categories of muscle imbalances exist with kyphosis: tight muscles, including shoulder adductors (pectorals and latissimus) and internal obliques, and weak muscles, including the mid and lower trapezius muscles and the erector spinae of the thoracic spine. Left untreated, this condition leads to extremely weakened abdominal muscles and very tight hamstring muscles as well.

Exercise Frequency

Exercising regularly is a benefit to kyphosis and can help to lessen the curvature and pain associated with it. Stretching exercises are particularly helpful with this condition, and should be done daily. Stretching exercises focusing on the chest and hamstring area are imperative, so participating in yoga or Pilates is an excellent way to incorporate this into your daily fitness routine. When performing abdominal exercises, make sure you complete the full range of motion of the exercise. Kyphosis has also been linked to the repetitive motion of performing crunches through a shortened range of motion, but having a strong core helps with all types of muscle and posture deviations.

Considerations

Those whose job or lifestyles require a lot of sitting are more at risk for this condition, and a general lack of good posture contributes to this problem as well, which is why there has been a rise of this issue in younger individuals. Kyphosis is also associated with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and having extremely rounded shoulders. Having your body checked for postural deviations and muscular imbalances can help you to detect early issues with this condition and begin daily lifestyle practices to aid in prevention. Exercising and stretching, along with practicing good posture, are some key remedies.