When viewed in the side, the normal curve of the cervical spine curves a little bit inward but if the curve of the back of the neck becomes abnormal it is called cervical kyphosis. Cervical Kyphosis curve actually looks like a letter “C” with the opening of the letter pointing in front. The bigger the abnormal curve, the more severe is the problem. Those people who have cervical Kyphosis may develop a hump or may have a straight looking spine.
Mild cases of Cervical Kyphosis may not result to severe problems but severe cases may lead to complications in the nerves, lungs and other organs of the body. If this condition is left untreated then it can result to loss of height and develop problems in breathing. There is even a study that discusses possible link of cervical kyphosis to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2003).
Causes of Cervical Kyphosis
Arthritis. Individuals who are affected with arthritis suffer from severe joint inflammation and when this affects the spine, it causes instability of the spine. Through time this can lead to cervical kyphosis.
Congenital Defect. This is another cause of kyphosis in the neck. Individuals who are born with a flaw like incomplete development of the spine are most likely to develop into cervical kyphosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease. This condition triggers kyphosis in the neck. Due to aging, the disc in between the vertebrae wears and tears resulting to damage or collapsed disc. Because of this the head of an individual tends to tilt forward and the neck begins to bend forward. The weight of the head is pushing the neck much further forward. Thus the normal curve of the neck has change resulting to cervical kyphosis.
After Effects of Surgery. Cervical kyphosis may be a result as an after effect of medical treatment like surgery. When a lamina bone is being removed during surgery, there are instances when the entire facet joints are also removed which results to looseness between the vertebrae so that the spine may tilt forward resulting to kyphosis in the neck.
Other causes of cervical Kyphosis include injury or trauma and Osteoporosis.
Treatments for Cervical Kyphosis range from conservative form of treatment to surgery. So far surgery is the most typical treatment for cervical kyphosis especially if it is done early and it can prevent the progression of the curve. So far conservative treatment does not have much success compared to surgery.
Treatment options really depend on the severity of the problem. Most of the time when pressure is present in the spine then the doctor will most likely recommend surgery. If it is causing pain then doctor would manage it with medication and the use of brace to halt the deformity in the spine for just a short period of time and of course not to forget physical therapy. Individuals suffering from cervical kyphosis should be assisted with their physical therapist in their rehabilitation program. This program can greatly improve their mobility and increase strength which can help them in accomplishing their daily activities.