Types of Kyphosis
There are three different types of kyphosis. The kyphotic spine treatment options available may depend on the type of kyphosis your child has.
Postural Kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is the most common and is not associated with structural deformities in the spinal column. It usually becomes apparent during adolescence in the form of poor posture or “slouching,” and is caused by the spinal muscles and ligaments pulling out of their proper alignment.
With postural kyphosis, since there’s no vertebral deformity, the rounding of the back is flexible in nature and generally resolves when the child is asked to “stand up straight.” It is more common in girls than boys, and does not typically cause pain or problems into adulthood.
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is characterized by changes in the shape of the spinal vertebrae, meaning it’s structural rather than posture-related in nature.
Normal vertebrae are rectangular in shape. However, in cases of Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, the vertebrae have a more triangular shape, which makes the bones “wedge” together. This wedging causes a sharper, more angular curve to develop in the upper back.
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The curve is rigid, not flexible, so it won’t resolve when the patient changes posture.
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Symptoms typically include a painful upper back, stiffness when sitting, muscle cramps, and reduced flexibility. The upper back is often more painful after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is more common in boys than girls, and it usually appears in teens. Scheuermann’s Kyphosis can be diagnosed by x-ray.
Congenital Kyphosis
With congenital kyphosis, the child is born with a spinal defect caused by improper development of the spinal column in the womb. The vertebrae fail to grow fully or they fuse together, which can cause pain and a curve in the upper back.
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The condition may not be noticeable immediately, although some children are born with a spinal curve or postural abnormalities.
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As the child grows, the vertebrae can compress the spinal cord, which may cause motor defects and nerve damage if left untreated.
Congenital kyphosis often worsens over time.
Treatment for Kyphosis
With a kyphotic spine, treatment depends on the underlying cause.
In cases of postural kyphosis, doctors may choose to simply monitor your child over time as they work on practicing good posture. Periodic x-rays may be taken to ensure the condition isn’t worsening. Dr. Baig can provide postural kyphosis treatment in Phoenix.
In moderate cases, Dr. Baig may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles that support the spine and to relieve tension in areas affected by misalignment. If your child is experiencing pain, appropriate pain medications can be prescribed. Children who are still growing may benefit from a back brace to encourage proper development.
Spinal surgery may be necessary in more severe cases, or to correct congenital kyphosis to reduce the risk of spinal cord compression.
Dr. Baig is skilled and experienced in many types of spinal fusion surgery, including minimally invasive techniques. As kyphosis can often be treated conservatively, surgery will only be recommended if Dr. Baig is certain your child will benefit.
To find out more about kyphosis surgery in Phoenix, kyphosis correction options, or postural kyphosis treatment, contact Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center today.
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Chronic back pain can be debilitating and leave you feeling hopeless. When Craig wasn’t getting the care he felt he deserved, he reached out to Dr. Baig to get the help he needed.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem: People suffering from back pain see a doctor, get diagnosed with some type of “chronic” condition, obtain a prescription and perhaps go to a few physical therapy appointments. They feel a bit better for a time, but the root of the problem is never diagnosed or properly treated. This is how back pain can become chronic, and this is why people ultimately seek the help of Desert Spine and Scoliosis center, expert back surgeons in Phoenix.
Dr. Baig, one of the most respected back surgeons in Phoenix, helped Craig identify his problem by relying on his years of expertise as a spine specialist in Phoenix. With the proper treatment, Craig’s condition improved and he was able to get back into life without the terrible pain that had dragged him down for so long. This is what patients should reasonably expect from our team of Phoenix spine surgeons.
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For an active 39 year old who participates in Jiujitsu, having a spinal fusion would not have been the right thing for her. We were able to get her back on the mat after a successful disc replacement and she is back living her life
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"Dr Baig and his team are phenomenal. I had a compressed nerve due to a bulging disc and was able to be seen relatively quickly. Surgery was quick and flawless and I have no complaints at all. I truly appreciated how fast they worked to get me seen and out of all the pain I was in! Highly recommend them."
A.H. ~ Actual Patient
"Dr Baig literally changed my life for the better. I had a severely pinched nerve in my neck and needed to get surgery. Immediately at my first consult I felt comfortable and in good hands. I even walked away with a smile on my face during that scary time.
Surgery day couldn’t have gone better. The team he had also had a great bedside manner and helped keep me calm.
After the surgery and in the recovery room, he came in and checked on me and made sure I was all good before releasing me."
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Consult Our Back Surgeons in Phoenix
Back pain can often be a result of an accident, injury, or congenital conditions such as scoliosis. Certain forms of back pain can be a result of the natural aging process, including conditions such as disc protrusion and spinal stenosis.
Today, advancements in imaging, and non surgical techniques have led to more treatment options than ever before, allowing us to return our patients the life they once knew…usually without the need for invasive spine surgery.
Typically, back surgeons in Phoenix offer one type of help, even though there are many others available. When you work with Dr. Baig at the Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, you can rest assured that everything is on the table when it comes to potential treatments that are accepted by the medical world.
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Kyphosis Treatment Options in Phoenix
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a deformity of the spine where the curve of the upper back is excessively pronounced, creating a hump or “hunchback.” The term kyphosis also describes the natural outward curvature of the spine in the upper back region. An excessive curve in this area is technically called hyperkyphosis, but in both medical and lay speech is routinely referred to simply as kyphosis.
Kyphosis is very common during adolescence. The vast majority of cases of kyphosis do not require surgical treatment. Mild kyphosis often resolves with simple measures to improve posture. DR. BAIG WILL DISCUSS ALL KYPHOSIS TREATMENT OPTIONS WITH YOU SO YOU CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION BASED ON WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD.
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