Print Overview Kyphosis Enlarge image Close Kyphosis Kyphosis An increased front-to-back curve of the spine is called kyphosis. Kyphosis is an excessive forward rounding of the upper back. In older people, kyphosis is often due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack. Other types of kyphosis can appear in infants or teens. These types are due to malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal bones over time. Mild kyphosis causes few problems. Serious kyphosis can cause pain and be disfiguring. Treatment for kyphosis depends on your age, and the cause and seriousness of the curvature.Products & ServicesA Book: Back and Neck Health SymptomsMild kyphosis may not have any noticeable symptoms. In fact, the upper back naturally has a little kyphosis. People who have excessive curvature may experience back pain and stiffness. When to see a doctorMake an appointment with your healthcare professional if you notice an increased curve in your upper back or in your child's spine. Request an appointment CausesThe bones that make up a healthy spine look like cylinders stacked in a column. These bones are called vertebrae. Kyphosis happens when the vertebrae in the back become more wedge shaped. The shape of vertebrae can be changed by: Fractures. Broken vertebrae can result in curvature of the spine. Compression fractures, which can happen in weakened bone, are the most common. Mild compression fractures may not produce noticeable symptoms. Osteoporosis. Weak bones can cause spinal curvature, especially if weakened vertebrae develop compression fractures. Osteoporosis is most common in older women and people who have taken corticosteroids for long periods of time. Disk degeneration. Soft, circular disks act as cushions between spinal vertebrae. With age, these disks flatten and shrink, which often worsens kyphosis. Scheuermann's disease. Also called Scheuermann's kyphosis, this disease usually becomes noticeable during adolescence. Other problems. Spinal bones that don't develop properly before birth can cause kyphosis. Kyphosis in children also can be associated with certain medical conditions. Risk factorsThe risk of developing kyphosis as an adult increases with age as bone density decreases and spinal disks degenerate. In children, certain genetic and metabolic conditions may put them at increased risk for kyphosis, including osteogenesis imperfecta, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome. ComplicationsIn addition to causing back pain, kyphosis may cause: Limited physical functions. Kyphosis is associated with weakened back muscles and difficulty doing tasks such as walking and getting out of chairs. The spinal curvature can also make it difficult to gaze upward or drive and can cause pain when you lie down. Digestive problems. Serious kyphosis can compress the digestive tract, causing problems such as acid reflux and difficulty with swallowing. Back pain. Some patients with serious kyphosis experience back pain. Body image problems. People with kyphosis, especially adolescents, may have poor body image from having a rounded back. By Mayo Clinic Staff Kyphosis care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Sept. 28, 2024 Print Show references Kado DM. Hyperkyphosis in older persons. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 8, 2023. Kyphosis (roundback) of the spine. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/kyphosis-roundback-of-the-spine. Accessed March 23, 2022. Frontera WR, et al., eds. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 23, 2022. Azar FM, et al. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 23, 2022. Larson AN (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 5, 2024. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Dec. 6, 2023. Related Kyphosis Associated Procedures Bone density test CT scan Electromyography (EMG) MRI Spinal fusion X-ray Show more associated procedures News from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Minute: Help with kyphosis, or roundback Nov. 22, 2023, 05:15 p.m. CDT Products & Services A Book: Back and Neck Health KyphosisSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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