Kyphosis is an exaggerated exaggerated curvature of the dorsal spine, it is the typical hump that forms in the upper back. Physiological dorsal kyphosis: 20-40º. It should be clarified that the spine presents physiological curvatures that are normal and necessary for the proper functioning of the body. As a general rule, when the curvature of the spine is 45º or more, we can speak of “kyphosis”.
In addition to this prominent curvature, kyphosis entails:
- Anterior enlargement of the vertebrae (posteriorly deviated nucleus pulposus).
- Elongated posterior ligaments.
- Elongated and inhibited erector spinae muscles.
- Flattened ribs and thorax, deficits in normal ventilation.
- Forward projection of the head, craniocervical compensation.
- Backward projection and prominence of the scapulae.
- Shoulders in antepulsion (pectoral retraction).
- Lumbar compensation: Hyperlordosis.
- Forward pelvic tilt: anteversion.
There are 4 clinical pictures that usually involve dorsal hyperkyphosis:
- Congenital defective attitudes of the dorsal spine: appear in infancy, infantile kyphosis.
- Scheuermann’s disease : Aseptic necrosis of the epiphyseal cartilages of the vertebral plates affecting young people of growing and developing age.
- Postmenopausal spinal osteoporosis.
- Ankylopoietic spondylitis.
Kyphosis
Treatment of kyphosis:
- If there is pain: electrotherapy or thermotherapy techniques (TENS, US, OC, MO…).
- Therapeutic massage with an antalgic and proprioceptive purpose
- Respiratory reeducation
- RPG y pilates
Exercises to correct dorsal curvature or kyphosis:
Pelvic tilt: Lying on your back, with your legs bent and separated at the height of your hips, try to move your pelvis making it tilt back and forth. We imagine that we have a clock in the lower abdomen. First we bring the pubis to 12 o’clock, then to 6 o’clock.
THORACIC PARAVERTEBRALS: Lying face down. Extend the legs at the same time that we perform a spine extension bringing the arms towards the heels.
ROMBOIDS: Lying face down, we raise our arms open and perpendicular to the trunk, so that the scapulae are joined. After holding this position for a few seconds, slowly lower them again (Pilates: The swimmer).
MEDIUM TRAPECIUM: Lying face down, shoulders at 90º, elbows at 90º. Raise the arms so that the scapulae are joined. Similar to the previous exercise.
SERRATO MAJOR: Sitting, arms stretched forward at shoulder height with elbows bent at 90 degrees. Take a dumbbell and stretch your elbows upward at least 15 times.
ABDOMINALS: To work on the abdominals we recommend some exercises from pilates.
- Pelvis curl (Bridge)
- Roll up
- Column rotation
- Bitter pyramid
GLUTES: Lying face down, we put our arms stretched above our head. Lift the opposite arm and leg upward, lengthening, moving away from the center and causing an extension of the spine.
As kyphosis is the result of compensation for an increase in lumbar curvature, the lower back should be stretched. Lying on your back, raise your legs and bend them. Bring the knee to the chest, raising the head off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and return. It is also recommended to stretch the anterior musculature.
Hygienic measures to compensate for kyphosis:
- Correct standing positions
- Continuous physical activity: Swimming (backstroke), Yoga, Pilates…
- Contraindicated sports: Cycling, motorcycling…etc.
Exercises that are detrimental to kyphosis are all those that require kyphosis postures or trunk flexion. Orthopedic corsets will be used to combat kyphosis if it is not corrected by the physiotherapist. As a last treatment, we will resort to surgery.
As a final thought we advise you to follow a multidisciplinary treatment, not only leave all the work to the physiotherapist who treats you, but also work hard on the exercises that will help you to stabilize and correct this common pathology called kyphosis.
