Some degree of rounded curvature of the spine is normal. The term kyphosis is used to describe the spinal curve that results in an abnormally rounded back. Resulting symptoms may include pain in the upper back, numbness, pain or tingling from the upper back and around the chest, leg weakness and chest pain.

• Postural Kyphosis – the most common type of kyphosis. It is acquired as a result of poor postural habits such as slouching. It represents an exaggerated, but flexible, increase of the natural curve of the spine.
• Sheuermann’s Kyphosis – develops over time during periods of bone growth (such as puberty). It occurs when the front of the spine doesn’t grow as fast as the back of the spine and causes healthy, rectangular-shaped vertebrae to become triangular-shaped and wedged together. This causes the thoracic spine to curve more than normal. Patients become stooped forward with a bent-over posture.