Kyphosis

Question 1

Define Kyphosis

Answer 1

an exaggeration of the thoracic curve; that is, it has increased flexion.

Question 1

What typical alignments can we see with kyphosis?

Answer 1

• increased flexion in the thoracic spine
• typically hold their head forward with their cervical spine in hyperextension.
• shoulders are held forward of their ideal position
• scapulae tend to be abducted.
• their chest then assumes a depressed or ‘sunken’ position.

Question 2

What are some causes of kyphosis? (3)

Answer 2

• tuberculosis of the spine, the vertebral bodies may partially collapse, causing an acute angular bending of the vertebrae.
• In elderly clients, degeneration of the intervertebral discs leads to kyphosis.
• commonly found in women with advanced osteoporosis.

Question 3

How can a nutritional deficiency cause kyphosis?

Answer 3

especially during childhood, a vitamin D deficiency can result in rickets. This softens the bones and causes curving of the spine and limbs under the child’s body weight.

Question 4

What is Scheuermann’s disease and how does it cause kyphosis?

Answer 4

Scheuermann’s disease, or osteochondritis of the spine is a congenital condition that involves abnormal epiphyseal plate development of the vertebrae.

Poor posture and muscle imbalance are common causes of this condition, particularly for mild kyphosis, often referred to as being ‘round-shouldered’.

Question 5

How is the body’s shoulder position altered with kyphosis?

Answer 5

• the shoulder joint moves anteriorly caused by tightness in the anterior structures pulling the shoulder forward.

As the weight of the arm moves further from the upper body’s centre of gravity, the leverage forces transmitted to the thoracic spine are dramatically increased, eventually increasing kyphosis. This reduces the intercostal spaces, leading to shortened intercostal muscles, and a depressed chest position. This may be exacerbated by tightness in the upper and lateral fibres of the internal obliques.

Question 6

How is the body’s scapulae position altered with kyphosis?

Answer 6

Tightness in the pectoralis minor muscle pulls on the coracoid process causing the scapula to tilt forward and downward. Combined with lengthening of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior this can cause excessive abduction and downward rotation of the scapulae, although the serratus anterior may be tight.

Question 7

How is the body’s humerus position altered with kyphosis?

Answer 7

Tightness in the adductors and internal rotators of the shoulder (that is the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and so on), and lengthening of the lateral rotators can result in the humerus becoming internally rotated.

When viewed from above, the crease of the elbow would appear to be more forward and inward when the humerus is held in internal rotation.

Question 8

What are some other muscle imbalances associated with kyphosis?

Answer 8

• weakness and lengthening of the thoracic spine extensors and the mid and low trapezius.
• the serratus anterior, pec minor and upper trapezius may all be tight, with the mid and low trapezius lengthened.

Question 9

How can we reduce the risk of injury in someone with lordosis,kyphosis

Answer 9

by correctly conditioning the gluteal and hip complex, we can reduce or prevent excessive pronation throughout the lower body which allows greater force production and reduces the risk of injury.

Question 10

Those with lordosis and kyphosis can experience what in relation to their height

Answer 10

they may lose height due to exaggerated curves of the spine