Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Skeletal spine Kyphosis

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Kyphosis

Alternative Names: Scheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis Symptoms: Mild back pain Fatigue Tenderness and stiffness in the spine Round back appearance Difficulty breathing (in severe cases) Signs and tests: Physical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curvature of the spine. The doctor will also look for any neurologic changes (weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation) below the level of the curve. Text Continues Below A spine X-ray will be done to document the severity of the curve and allow serial measurements to be performed. Occasionally, pulmonary function tests may be used to assess whether the kyphosis is affecting breathing. If there is any question of a tumor, infection, or neurologic symptoms, then an MRI may be ordered.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.