Kyphosis

Stewart G. Eidelson, MD

SpineUniverse Founder, Orthopaedic Surgeon

South Palm Orthospine Institute

Kyphosis (ky-foe-sis) is the normal curvature of the rib-bearing thoracic spine. Excessive kyphosis may develop as a result of poor posture early in life. Kyphosis means the spine is bent forward. Although kyphosis usually affects women, it is found to develop in men too. An excessive form of kyphosis may cause a hump to form in the shoulder blade area of the upper back. Kyphosis may affect men and women with osteoporosis.

This article is an excerpt from a book titled Save Your Aching Back and Neck, A Patient's Guide (Second Edition, May 2002, completely revised).