What Is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is an excessive outward curve of the upper spine that creates a rounded back appearance. The curve may reflect changes in spinal shape, posture, muscle balance, or vertebral structure. Mild postural kyphosis may change with position, while structural kyphosis remains more consistent during movement and examination.
Quick Facts About Kyphosis
Category
Spinal curvature
Used for
Describing upper-back rounding
Common confusion
Kyphosis is not scoliosis
Also called
Roundback, Hyperkyphosis
Often discussed with
Scoliosis Treatment, Posture Correction
Key Takeaways About Kyphosis
- Kyphosis affects the spine’s forward curve in the upper back.
- Postural kyphosis may change when you adjust your position.
- Kyphosis is not the same condition as scoliosis.
How Kyphosis Works
Kyphosis describes the way the upper spine curves outward when viewed from the side. A clinician considers the curve’s appearance, flexibility, location, and effect on movement. Postural changes may improve when you change position, while structural changes remain more fixed.
Related glossary terms: Forward Head Posture, Vertebra, Range Of Motion.
Assessment may include posture observation, spinal movement checks, and review of relevant health history. The findings help distinguish a spinal curve from muscle tension or a temporary posture habit. Scoliosis involves a side-to-side spinal curve, while kyphosis concerns the spine’s front-to-back shape. Treatment planning may also consider the thoracic spine, which forms most of the upper back.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany team
When we assess kyphosis, we observe posture and spinal movement as part of the broader examination. Our team also considers how the upper-back curve relates to mobility, muscle balance, and the person’s scoliosis treatment goals. We use those findings to guide care discussions.
Kyphosis in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person seeking scoliosis treatment may also show a rounded upper back during a posture assessment. The examination can help separate a flexible postural pattern from a more fixed spinal curve.
Related Services
Related Terms
Forward Head Posture
Forward Head Posture is a postural pattern in which the head rests ahead of the shoulders…
Vertebra
A vertebra is one individual bone in the spinal column. Vertebrae connect with neighboring bones through…
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the available movement at a joint or body region. It describes how…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany
Have Questions About Kyphosis?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany for practical guidance on Kyphosis and related chiropractor work in Albany.