The Mayo Clinic says that kyphosis is a condition in which the upper part of the back actually assumes a rounded position. Sometimes, this is referred to as a hunchback. Certain medical conditions that affect the bone, connective tissue and brain or spinal cord can lead to kyphosis. Fortunately, some causes of kyphosis have specific treatments.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones in the body are extremely fragile. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of osteoporosis include kyphosis, a loss of height, bone fractures, bone pain, low back pain and neck pain.
In fact, osteoporosis is known as the most common bone disease. It typically develops in postmenopausal women who experience a dramatic decrease in estrogen. Chronic rheumatoid arthritis, taking corticosteroid medications and being bedridden can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. MedlinePlus says that some other risk factors for osteoporosis include drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking and having a low body weight.
Treatment involves taking such drugs as bisphosphonates, calcitonin, estrogen therapy, raloxifene and teriparitide to manage symptoms of osteoporosis. Consuming foods rich in calcium such as ice cream, cheese or yogurt and taking part in weight-bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and playing tennis can help strengthen the bones.
Marfan Syndrome
The Mayo Clinic states that Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disease that affects the skeleton, blood vessels, eyes and heart. Specific symptoms of Marfan syndrome can include kyphosis, a curved spine, heart murmurs (abnormal sounds) and a slender and tall physique. This condition can also lead to long fingers, arms, toes or legs. Other symptoms of Marfan syndrome include nearsightedness and crowded teeth.
Marfan syndrome typically results from a mutation in the gene that is supposed to make the protein needed to give connective tissue strength and elasticity, says the Mayo Clinic.
No specific treatment exists for Marfan syndrome, but each of its symptoms can be managed. For example, medications and surgery can manage any heart problems while a back brace can help treat spinal curvature (scoliosis). Also, surgical procedures are available to treat glaucoma (high eye pressure), a dislocated lens and cataracts (clouding of the eye lenses).
Myelomeningocele
Myelomeningocele refers to a condition in which the backbone and spinal cord fail to close before birth, says MedlinePlus. Symptoms of myelomenigocele can include kyphosis, a lack of bowel or bladder control, weak hips or legs, hair at the sacral (lower back) region and a buildup of fluid in the skull (hydrocephalus).
Unfortunately, the cause of myelomeningocele is unknown, but decreased levels of folic acid can contribute to its development.
Surgery can be utilized to repair this condition.
