Kyphosis is a condition that is most typically identified by a humped mid to upper back. It can be frustrating to find yourself diagnosed with kyphosis, both due to the unusual appearance it causes and the physical discomfort that can come with the condition. Fortunately, chiropractic offers a variety of treatment options for kyphosis that are non-invasive, drug-free and quite effective. With the right approach, it should be possible to get significant relief for your symptoms through chiropractic care.
Causes of Kyphosis
Many times kyphosis is caused by poor posture. Years of hunching your back can cause the body to change the way the vertebrae sit atop one another—leading to stretching of soft tissues and a resting position that is hunched instead of upright.
Not all cases of kyphosis are the result of poor posture, however. There are some people who are born with kyphosis. There are also those that develop kyphosis following trauma or due to disease. One of the most common diseases that result in kyphosis is Scheuermann’s disease.
Chiropractic can often help resolve kyphosis that is caused by poor posture. If your kyphosis is due to trauma or other issues, chiropractic can still provide much-needed relief from many of your symptoms—including pain and stiffness.
How Chiropractic Can Help Kyphosis
Diagnose the Cause
Your first visit to the chiropractor will begin with a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of your condition. An accurate diagnosis is a key to developing an effective treatment plan. The examination will most likely include imaging tests like an x-ray or MRI. It may also include a physical examination to figure out how your body currently moves, where you are tender and/or in pain, etc.
Offer a Treatment Plan
Your chiropractor will never move forward with treatment until he or she has explained your options and gotten your permission to begin. The treatment plan you are offered may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Massage therapy
- Spinal decompression
- Targeted physical therapy exercises
- Electrical stimulation
- Ultrasound
Improve Alignment
The joint in the human body, particularly the spinal joints, have an ideal alignment where everything fits together best. The more you can achieve and maintain this alignment, the less pain, stiffness and other disruptions you can expect to experience. Chiropractic adjustments aim to bring your body back into alignment.
Regular adjustments should help to improve your spinal alignment and straighten your back. In the case of poor posture, adjustments can aid you in learning how to improve your posture and keep those improvements over the long term.
Increase Mobility
The curving of the back typical of kyphosis can lead to a lot of stiffness in the spine and surrounding soft tissues. Lack of mobility makes everything you do more difficult, so it makes sense to try and increase your mobility when possible.
Chiropractic adjustments and complementary therapies are ideal for relaxing the soft tissues that may have become stiff as the kyphosis developed. One of the great things about improving the mobility of the spine is that it allows you to improve your posture. Over time, it should become easier to keep your back in a more healthy alignment.
Lessen Pain
Pain is common with kyphosis. The spine is not meant to hump as it does with kyphosis, which explains why pain is so typical with the condition. Chiropractic is very useful for decreasing pain related to spinal issues. Many patients get relief immediately following their first adjustment.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are suffering from kyphosis, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our chiropractic team is standing by to answer your questions and help you get treatment for your condition.