Kyphosis Surgery and Treatment in New Jersey

What Is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a type of spine deformity in which the curvature of the upper back is excessive, measuring 45 degrees or greater. This condition causes the spine to have an abnormally rounded form and can also lead to neck pain and strain. When looking at a patient from the back or side, the “humpback” appearance is often visible. If the degree of the curvature is 45 degrees or more, it is considered kyphosis. If the curvature is 50 degrees or more, it is considered hyperkyphosis.

A healthy spine has a slight curvature along the neck area (cervical vertebrae) and lower back (lumbar vertebrae). When looking at a healthy spine from behind, it will still appear straight. It can bend from 20 to 40 degrees in the upper back. In patients with spinal deformities, the spine is out of alignment, often visible to the naked eye. For example, in patients with scoliosis, a common spine deformity, the spine can often be seen curving to the left or the right.

People may experience kyphosis at any age. Hyperkyphosis is most common after age 40 and can be due to osteoporosis or age-related wear and tear. Typically, kyphosis is more common in women than men, but both can develop it.

Types of Kyphosis

There are four main types of kyphosis:

• Scheuermann’s kyphosis: Also known as Scheuermann’s Disease, the entire back is rounded because during puberty, the posterior side of the vertebral grows faster and higher than the anterior side of the vertebrae.
• Postural kyphosis: Postural kyphosis is related to poor posture throughout development but can be improved with intense strengthening and posture exercises.
• Structural kyphosis: Structural kyphosis results when the thoracic vertebrae develop a wedge shape, usually from a fracture or cancer.
• Congenital kyphosis: Congenital kyphosis is diagnosed at birth and features an abnormal shape in the thoracic vertebrae that may or may not become more noticeable.

The symptoms and treatment of kyphosis will depend on its type and severity, as well as the patient’s age and medical history.

Signs and Symptoms of Kyphosis

Since kyphosis is a spinal deformity, the first sign typically is the hunchback or rounded appearance of the upper spine. This often is the only sign of kyphosis for many patients. However, in more severe cases, the deformity can put increased pressure on the neck and spine, leading to the following symptoms:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Differences in shoulder height or position
• Rounded shoulders
• Stiffness in the upper back
• Head leaning forward
• Tight hamstring muscles

In severe cases of kyphosis where the thoracic vertebrae are severely curved, patients can experience shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties because of reduced lung capacity.

Risk Factors and Causes of Kyphosis

The causes and risk factors of kyphosis typically depend on the type. If a person has congenital kyphosis, it may be genetic. This type may be evident in early years or develop later in adolescence or adulthood. Patients with postural and structural kyphosis often are diagnosed between the ages of 13 and 16 because bones are growing quickly, but these types can develop at any age.

An underlying medical condition also may increase a person’s risk of developing kyphosis later in life. Examples include:

• Osteoporosis (low bone density)
• Metabolic problems
• Neuromuscular conditions
• Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
• Spina bifida
• Spinal tumors
• Disc degeneration

These conditions cause the weakening of the bones and make them more susceptible to breaking, curving, and deformities.

Diagnosing Kyphosis

The process of diagnosing kyphosis varies depending on its type and cause. Diagnosis may include:

• Taking a patient’s health and family history to gain insight into genetics and previous conditions
• A physical examination to detect curvatures in the spine and see whether other symptoms are present
• Neurological and musculoskeletal tests to determine any nerve abnormalities or weakness
• A bone density test to determine underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis, which may increase a patient’s risk
• Imaging scans like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to visualize the spine and the degree of curvature

A patient will be diagnosed with kyphosis if the imaging shows a curve of 40 degrees or more. Diagnosing kyphosis early is important, especially in children or adolescents, because it can get worse if untreated. An early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment and can prevent some patients from needing spine surgery.

Non-Surgical Kyphosis Treatments and Kyphosis Surgery

The treatment plan for each patient with kyphosis will depend on the severity of the case and the symptoms they experience. Most mild cases of kyphosis do not cause many symptoms besides the hunchback appearance and minor pain, so they can be treated with at-home or non-surgical care. Severe cases of kyphosis that cause breathing problems or limit mobility may require surgical treatment. Options for kyphosis treatment include:

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Physical therapy or an exercise regimen can help provide relief from pain and improve posture for patients with mild cases of kyphosis. A physical therapy or exercise program for kyphosis typically will focus on strengthening core and back muscles and improving flexibility. This helps provide a strong core for proper posture.

Physical therapy is one non-surgical treatment offered at CNSO. Experienced physical therapists use a range of techniques to help patients with kyphosis manage their pain and reduce their curvature. These include strength training, manual therapy, massage, and more.

Pain Management

Moderate to severe cases of kyphosis can lead to pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications help provide relief, as well as specific pain management techniques. CNSO offers opiate-free pain management to help patients return to living without pain.

Surgery

Patients with severe kyphosis affecting their breathing, mobility, or pain levels often will need spine surgery. Spinal fusion surgery is one of the main surgical treatments for kyphosis. This procedure involves fusing deformed vertebrae into a single bone. This fusion helps reduce the curvature of the spine and provides stability. Spinal fusion surgery involves:

• Making an incision in the middle of the back where the deformity is
• Preparing the spinal bones for fusion
• Placing titanium screws in the pedicles (bone stems on the vertebrae)
• Inserting chrome rods through the screws and locking them down to hold the bones in the correct place
• Taking a bone graft from the patient’s rib and placing it in the spaces between the vertebrae, where it will fuse over time
• Closing the area with stitches or sutures

The goal of spinal fusion is to reduce curvature as safely as possible. Depending on the degree of the correction, the operation can take between three to six hours. The recovery time for a spinal fusion can take as long as six weeks, and even longer for complete recovery and a return to all activities. Patients may experience some pain and stiffness during the healing process.

These are the most common treatment options for kyphosis, enabling patients to reduce the degree of their spinal curvature and related symptoms. Wearing a supraclavicular brace or Milwaukee brace may also be a treatment option for some patients, particularly adolescents.

Why Choose CNSO for Kyphosis Surgery?

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics is a trusted place to go for both non-surgical and surgical treatment options in New Jersey. For patients with kyphosis, CNSO offers a range of treatments, from pain management and physical therapy for mild cases to spine surgery for more severe cases.

The dedicated team of surgical and non-surgical specialists at CNSO includes neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and more. The team collaborates to provide coordinated and comprehensive care for each patient. CNSO takes a conservative approach to treatment, prescribing non-surgical options before resorting to surgical measures. Whether non-surgical or surgical treatment is the patient’s best option, CNSO works to provide high-quality care.

Find Kyphosis Treatment at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics understands that kyphosis and other spinal deformities can have a large impact on a patient’s confidence, mobility, and lifestyle. Whether a patient with kyphosis needs mild or more complex treatments, they can access high-quality care at CNSO. With multiple office locations in northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, and Hudson counties, CNSO is convenient and accessible for patients of all ages. To learn more about kyphosis surgery and other treatments, contact CNSO today.