| You are here: | About>Health>Back & Neck Pain> Chronic Back - Neck Pain> Glossary> K> Kyphosis-Definition of Kyphosis |
![]() | Back & Neck Pain |
Suggested ReadingFrom other GuidesKyphosis Kyphosis - Hunchback DeformityScheuermann's Kyphosis Related Glossary Terms"Kyphosis"About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Definition: Generally, kyphosis means an abnormal rounding forward of the shoulders and upper back. This type of kyphosis is the most common and causes a loss of height and interference with breathing. Technically, the term kyphosis can be used to describe any abnormal curve of the spine that goes in the backwards direction. So, in some instances kyphosis can be used to describe a reversal of the low back curve.The term kyphosis also refers to the type of curve formed by the sacrum and the thoracic spine. When used this way, kyphosis refers to normal curvature. When looking at a side view of the spine, the direction of a kyphosis will be backwards. Many things can cause kyphosis, including:
Also Known As: hunchback, postural kyphosis, Scheuermann's disease Updated: September 17, 2007 Suggested ReadingFrom other GuidesKyphosis Kyphosis - Hunchback DeformityScheuermann's Kyphosis Related Glossary Terms |
Dealing With Heart DiseaseHeart Disease BasicsCommon SymptomsTreatment OptionsReducing Your RiskWomen and Heart Disease |
All Topics | Email Article | | | ![]() |
| Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | Help | Our Story | Be a Guide |
| More from About, Inc.: Calorie Count Plus | UCompareHealthCare User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Corrections | Privacy Policy | ©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved. |


