Most people have heard the term “hunchback,” though they would not necessarily relate it to the term “cervical kyphosis,” which is what the condition is technically called. Also sometimes referred to as “Dowager’s hump,” as it can be common in the elderly, it is a condition where there is an excessive outward curvature of the spine in the area of the upper back. Cervical kyphosis can lead to chronic pain, numbness, tingling in the extremities, and may restrict your ability to look forward.  Chicago Chiropractic helps those who suffer from the pain of this debilitating condition.

 

The most common causes of cervical kyphosis are degenerative diseases, poor posture, a congenital abnormality, physical trauma or the effects of medical intervention. Less commonly, it may be due to a systemic infection or a spinal disease such as ankylosing spondylitis. If you are looking for treatment contact a chiropractor in Chicago or us at Chicago Chiropractic.

 

Surgical procedures that are used to treat other spinal problems, such as laminectomy and cervical spine fusion, can actually be a cause of cervical kyphosis. Removing the lamina to help relieve pressure on the spinal nerves can sometimes cause instability in the facet joints, making the spine tilt forward. In a spinal fusion, if the vertebrae are improperly aligned due to either the fusion itself or if the fusion fails to heal correctly, kyphosis may result.

 

Surgery for more severe cases may be indicated, which generally involves the insertion of rods and screws to help straighten the spine, or possibly a procedure called kyphoplasty, in which a balloon is inserted between the vertebrae and filled with a liquid that subsequently hardens in order to increase space between the vertebrae.

 

However, milder cases of cervical kyphosis can be treated with any combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, pain relievers and use of a neck brace. Chiropractic care from CHICAGO CHIROPRACTIC can be very effective. In a study of 51 people with cervical kyphosis, all had a positive decrease in the severity of their condition, with the average being a 56 percent reduction in kyphosis after 10 visits to a chiropractor for spinal subluxation, as demonstrated by cervical x-rays.

 

Visit CHICAGO CHIROPRACTIC for a spinal and postural evaluation today.