Kyphosis Surgery in Plano, TX
Specialties
If you’re dealing with severe kyphosis—a painful, forward curvature of the spine— kyphosis surgery in Plano, TX, can help you regain comfort and mobility. As this curve progresses, it can lead to persistent back pain, muscle weakness, and other health problems. At the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, we offer surgical options to treat kyphosis and restore your spine’s alignment.
When non-surgical treatments like physical therapy don’t bring relief, a consultation with board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Courtney can help determine if surgery is the right step. Our team will perform a complete physical exam and use diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to assess your condition and recommend the best treatment.
Don’t let severe kyphosis disrupt your life any longer. With over 28 years of experience helping patients like you, Dr. Courtney at Advanced Spine Center can provide the solutions you need. Call (972) 499-5457 or contact us online to request an appointment today.
Surgical Treatment for Kyphosis, AKA Roundback or a Dowager’s Hump
Surgical treatment for kyphosis—often called roundback or dowager’s hump—is usually considered when the spinal curve causes pain, movement difficulties, or other health issues in your body. When kyphosis is this severe, your doctor may suggest surgery to correct the curvature.
One common surgical option is spinal fusion surgery, which uses metal rods, screws, and bone grafts to straighten and stabilize the spine. This procedure can relieve pain, improve posture, and prevent kyphosis from worsening. Before surgery, your doctor will discuss the potential benefits as well as the risks that can occur, such as infection or complications related to general anesthesia.
Patients with conditions like congenital kyphosis, Scheuermann’s kyphosis, or degenerative kyphosis due to osteoporosis or compression fractures may require surgery to address their symptoms effectively.
What Is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is a spinal condition marked by an excessive forward curve in the upper spine, which creates a rounded or hunched appearance.
Often affecting the thoracic spine (upper back), kyphosis can result from several factors, such as poor posture, age-related changes in spinal bones, or conditions like osteoporosis and Scheuermann’s disease. In some cases, kyphosis is present at birth (known as congenital kyphosis) or develops during adolescence. While mild kyphosis may cause few symptoms, more severe cases can lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and limited mobility, especially when you bend forward.
So, how is kyphosis diagnosed? Doctors usually perform a thorough physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays to determine the type and severity of kyphosis, which helps them recommend the best treatment options.
Scoliosis, Lordosis, and Kyphosis
Scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis are all spinal conditions that involve unusual curves in the spine, though each one affects it differently.
- Scoliosis: defined by a sideways curve, often resembling an “S” or “C” shape. Most often diagnosed during adolescence, although adult scoliosis can develop as well.
- Lordosis: involves an excessive inward curve in the lower back (lumbar spine), which can lead to posture problems and back pain.
- Kyphosis involves an exaggerated forward curve in the upper spine, creating a rounded or hunched appearance in the upper back.
Each condition can vary from mild to severe and may require treatments such as physical therapy, wearing a back brace, or, in some cases, spinal surgery to improve alignment and relieve pain or other symptoms.
Kyphosis Symptoms
If you have kyphosis, your symptoms may vary depending on how much your spine curves forward and if it affects areas around the spinal cord. You might notice a slight rounding in your upper back or even a visible hump, especially when bending forward. In more serious cases, kyphosis can cause constant back pain, stiffness, or muscle weakness in the back and neck.
Maintaining good posture can become challenging, and in advanced cases, the curve can put pressure on the spinal cord, leading to tingling in the arms or legs. It may even impact breathing or digestion by compressing internal organs.
Types of Kyphosis
Kyphosis can show up in different ways, with each type affecting a specific part of the spine and having its own unique causes. Knowing the exact type of kyphosis is important for finding the right treatment since each kind can have its own symptoms and rate of progression.
Here, we’ll look at the main types of kyphosis, including lumbar, cervical, thoracic, thoracolumbar, postural, and congenital kyphosis.
Lumbar Kyphosis
Lumbar kyphosis is a less common but serious type of kyphosis that affects the lower spine. This condition creates an abnormal curve in the lower back, causing discomfort, difficulty moving, and extra strain on nearby muscles. It often develops due to conditions like osteoporosis or spinal fractures, which weaken the spine. People with lumbar kyphosis may feel pain that travels down the legs, making activities like standing or walking more challenging.
Cervical Kyphosis
Cervical kyphosis affects the cervical spine (neck area), causing it to curve forward. This can lead to symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, and trouble moving your head and neck freely. In more serious cases, cervical kyphosis can press on nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands. Causes of this condition vary, but it often results from injury, wear-and-tear in the spinal discs, or previous neck surgery.
Thoracic Kyphosis
Thoracic kyphosis is the most common type and affects the upper back, creating a rounded or “hunched” appearance. This condition can develop from issues like Scheuermann’s disease, osteoporosis, or spinal fractures and can gradually worsen if left untreated. Common symptoms include back pain, limited movement in the upper back, and noticeable posture changes.
Thoracolumbar Kyphosis
Thoracolumbar kyphosis affects the transition area between the thoracic and lumbar spine, causing a forward curvature that spans both regions. This type of kyphosis is often the result of trauma, degenerative changes, or congenital factors and can lead to pain and difficulty in bending or lifting objects. Thoracolumbar kyphosis may also result in balance issues due to the altered alignment of the spine. Treatment may include physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles, as well as corrective surgery to restore spinal alignment and improve posture.
Postural Kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is the most common type in young adults and teens, usually caused by poor posture rather than permanent changes in the spine. It often appears as a slouched or hunched back, typically due to weak core muscles and long periods of sitting with poor posture, like hunched over a desk.
In mild cases, postural kyphosis is flexible and can improve with posture exercises, physical therapy, and habits that encourage better posture. Surgery is rarely needed, as postural kyphosis doesn’t usually involve lasting structural issues with the spine.
Congenital Kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis is a type of kyphosis that a child is born with due to the spinal bones (vertebrae) not forming properly during pregnancy. This form of kyphosis can be more serious than others because several vertebrae may be affected, causing a noticeable curve in the spine from a young age.
Children born with congenital kyphosis often need early treatment to prevent the curve from worsening and to avoid problems with the spinal cord. In many cases, corrective surgery, like spinal fusion, is done during childhood to help straighten and stabilize the spine. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce long-term effects and improve the child’s quality of life.
Kyphosis Causes
The causes of kyphosis can vary based on the type, and they include:
- Poor Posture – Often leading to postural kyphosis, especially in young adults and teenagers.
- Congenital Factors – When vertebrae don’t form correctly during fetal development, causing congenital kyphosis.
- Scheuermann’s Disease – A condition where vertebrae are wedge-shaped, causing a rounded upper back.
- Osteoporosis – Weakens bones and increases the risk of compression fractures, which can lead to kyphosis in adults.
- Spinal Compression Fractures – Fractures from injuries or conditions like osteoporosis can cause vertebrae to collapse and curve forward.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Discs between vertebrae wear down over time, which can result in abnormal spinal curvature.
- Trauma or Injury – Injuries to the spine can cause misalignment and lead to kyphosis.
- Infections or Tumors – Spinal infections or tumors can weaken or alter the structure of vertebrae.
What Causes Kyphosis in Adults?
Kyphosis can develop in adults because of aging and health issues that weaken the spine.
One common cause is osteoporosis, a condition where bones become less dense and more fragile. This makes the bones in the spine more likely to crack or collapse, leading to a forward curve. Degenerative disc disease is another factor; the discs that cushion your spine wear out over time, affecting how your back stays aligned.
Other problems like arthritis or spinal infections can cause swelling and weaken the spine, increasing the chance of kyphosis. Sometimes, adults who had Scheuermann’s kyphosis as teenagers may notice their spinal curve getting worse as they age.
Injuries to the spine and poor posture, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle and not maintaining a healthy weight, can also lead to kyphosis in adulthood.
Can Kyphosis Be Reversed?
In some cases, kyphosis can be reversed or improved, especially if it’s mild or related to poor posture rather than issues with the spine’s structure.
Postural kyphosis, which often comes from long periods of slouching or weak core muscles, usually responds well to physical therapy, core-strengthening exercises, and better posture habits that can help reduce the curve over time. However, when kyphosis is caused by structural issues like Scheuermann’s disease or fractures from osteoporosis, it may not improve without surgery.
In severe cases, spinal fusion surgery can help straighten the spine, easing symptoms like pain and limited movement. The success of treatment depends on the cause of kyphosis, how severe it is, and how soon treatment begins.
Kyphosis Treatment in Plano, TX
At Advanced Spine Center, we offer kyphosis treatment tailored to the type of kyphosis and the specific area of the spine affected.
For mild cases of kyphosis caused by poor posture or weak core muscles, nonsurgical options like physical therapy, core strengthening, and posture correction can often provide relief and improve alignment.
When kyphosis affects structural areas of the spine, spinal fusion surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure realigns and stabilizes the affected vertebrae to reduce the curve, relieve pain, and prevent further spinal progression.
Kyphosis Surgery in Plano, TX
For individuals with severe kyphosis that causes pain or limits daily activities, spine surgery may be a necessary treatment option. At Advanced Spine Center in Plano, we offer specialized surgical procedures designed to correct spinal curvature, relieve symptoms, and restore alignment.
Spinal Fusion Surgery for Kyphosis
Spinal fusion is the most common type of spine surgery used to treat severe kyphosis. This procedure involves joining certain vertebrae together to straighten and support the spine. The type of spinal fusion surgery depends on the area of the spine affected.
Lumbar fusion corrects lower back curvature, while thoracic fusion is used in the upper back. If kyphosis affects the neck area, cervical fusion surgery in Plano can stabilize the cervical spine.
Each fusion technique helps reduce pain, prevent further curvature, and improve overall mobility, providing long-term relief for those with advanced kyphosis.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Kyphosis Treatments in Plano, TX
If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of kyphosis, Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, is here to help. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized treatment options to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Don’t let kyphosis limit your quality of life—contact Advanced Spine Center today and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable spine. Call (972) 499-5457 or request an appointment online.
