Ask The Experts
Easy Fix to Spine’s Curve?
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Question:
I am a 70-year-old woman, and for years, I’ve suffered with kyphosis. The upper part of my back is rounded, giving me a humpback look. Occasionally, I have periods of pain related to the curve. My doctor says that I don't have any fractures in my vertebrae that are causing the hump, so I guess this kyphosis is the effect of years of living. I just read about balloon kyphoplasty on your site, and it seems like it could help straighten me out. Do you think it would help?
—Lutherville, MD |
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Answer:
It sounds to me like you have postural kyphosis (but of course, I can't make an actual diagnosis without seeing you). Poor posture over the years can cause kyphosis, or an extreme rounding of your upper back (also known as your thoracic spine). Kyphosis can also affect the cervical spine, which is your neck.
Because you don’t have any spinal fractures—and that's a very good thing—balloon kyphoplasty isn't the best treatment option for you. Balloon kyphoplasty was developed to treat spinal fractures, so perhaps you could try...
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