Kyphosis
Causes
Kyphosis occurs when there is abreakdown in the vertebrae of the spine, and deformities occur, turning them into a wedge-like shape – normally, the vertebrae are in a cylindrical shape. This deformity can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Kyphosis occurs when there is abreakdown in the vertebrae of the spine, and deformities occur, turning them into a wedge-like shape – normally, the vertebrae are in a cylindrical shape. This deformity can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Birth Defects: In many cases of kyphosis, babies are born with poorly developed spinal bones. This is a major cause of kyphosis, especially in young babies and newborns.
- Compression Fractures: Due to some form of injury or trauma, the vertebrae in the spine can become crushed or broken – creating an abnormal curvature in the spine.
- Disc Degeneration: As we age, and the discs in between our vertebrae begin to breakdown over time, they dry out and shrink – creating an improper curve in the spine.
- Osteoporosis: This is one of the most common reasons for kyphosis, in older women, especially those who have taken corticosteroids for an extended period of time. As the bones thin and weaken (in some cases causing compression fractures), an abnormal curve may develop.
- Cancer & Radiology Treatment: In some spinal cancer patients, the vertebrae become very weak and are prone to compression fractures, and thus an abnormal curvature in the spine. In addition, cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiology, weakens the spine as well.
