Kyphosis

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Bones of the spine

Kyphosis

Scheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis

• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
• Fatigue
• Mild back pain
• Round back appearance
• Tenderness and stiffness in the spine

Physical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curve of the spine. The doctor will also look for any nervous system (neurological) changes (weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation) below the curve.

Other tests may include:

• Spine x-ray
• Pulmonary function tests (if kyphosis affects breathing)
• MRI (if there may be a tumor, infection, or neurological symptoms)

Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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