Physiotherapy treatment at Vitalis, Sinnamon Park
Conditions we treat

Spinal Kyphosis Treatment in Sinnamon Park

Spinal kyphosis refers to an abnormal, forward-rounding curve of the back, colloquially referred to as hunchback. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we specialise in kyphosis treatment to:

Improve Strength Increase Range of Movement Reduce Pain
About the condition

What is Spinal Kyphosis?

Spinal kyphosis is a broad term referring to an exaggerated forward curve of the upper vertebrae. This can give a ‘hunchback’ appearance and is considered a spinal deformity. Typically, a normal spine can bend between 20 and 45 degrees of curvature, however kyphosis is determined by curvature over 50 degrees. The medical term for this curvature is actuallyhyperkyphosis,though kyphosis is most commonly used in lieu.

Types of Spinal Kyphosis

The main types of spinal kyphosis include:

  • Congenital kyphosis– Present at birth, caused by incorrect spinal development. If detected early, surgical intervention may help.
  • Post-traumatic kyphosis– Occurs when spinal vertebrae fracture after an accident, severe fall, etc., causing the bones in the spinal column to collapse and curve.
Causes

What are the causes?

Females are more likely to develop kyphosis than males, and diagnosis can vary depending on age. Some common causes of kyphosis include:

Differential diagnoses of Scheuermann’s Disease,vertebral fractures,disc disease, infections, tumour, osteoporosis, etc., can mimic or cause kyphotic (hunched) symptoms.

  • Poor sitting/standing posture
  • Prolonged periods of laborious activity or repetitive bending movement
  • Traumatic injury (onset of symptoms may be delayed)
  • Anatomical/birth defects
  • Neuromuscular conditions
  • Osteoporosis
  • Mental health conditions, e.g., depression/anxiety
Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

  • Appearance of an obvious curve to the upper spine
  • Gradual change in posture
  • Pain in the mid-back area
  • Difficulty breathing or taking a deep breath
  • Difficulty getting up from a chair/bed/bathtub/etc.
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Balance issues
  • Slower/difficulty walking
  • Fatigue
  • Vertebral fracturesorslippage
Treatment

Treatment for Spinal Kyphosis

As the type, cause and symptoms of kyphosis vary, it is important to see a medical professional if you notice any signs of the condition. You may be referred for scans to detect and accurately determine diagnosis. Typically, severe kyphosis cannot be surgically corrected, however physical therapy can greatly improve the degree of curvature and reduce symptoms.

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck or back support (braces), or a suitable pillow.

  • Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
  • Stretching exercises
  • Restoring range of movement
  • Postural improvement
  • Dry needling
  • Taping
  • A unique home exercise program
  • Graded Exposure to load program
Where to find us

Treating Spinal Kyphosis in Sinnamon Park

Sinnamon Park Village, 3/58 Oldfield Road — ground floor, parking at the door. Patients come to us from across Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Sinnamon ParkJindaleeMount OmmaneySeventeen Mile RocksRiverhillsMiddle ParkWestlakeSumnerDarraOxleyCorindaJamboree Heights

Can’t get to the clinic? We also offer home visits. Not sure this is what you have? See all conditions we treat.

Get it assessed properly

The sooner this is looked at, the shorter the recovery usually is. Book online in under a minute, or call and describe what is going on.

No referral needed — bring one only if you are claiming through Medicare, DVA or WorkCover.