Postural kyphosis is the most common type of kyphosis, it is more common in girls than in boys and is typically first noticed during adolescence.
Postural kyphosis is caused by poor posture, which leads to a weakening of the muscles and ligaments in the back. Unlike with Scheuermann’s disease, the vertebrae are shaped normally in postural kyphosis cases. It is often slow to develop and usually does not usually continue to become progressively worsen with time.
In postural kyphosis, the hunching forward can be corrected by positioning the patient into a more upright position whilst standing. It will also disappear as the spine straightens out whilst laying face down on a examination table. This means that the vertebra are not structurally misshapened and the surrounding muscles, ligaments and fascia are flexible.
Postural kyphosis patients do not often struggle with pain and muscle fatigue, however this type of kyphosis does not generally lead to a severe curve, and there is little risk of neurologic, cardiac, or pulmonary problems. Treatment for Postural Kyphosis is therefore aimed at correcting spinal alignment and working to strengthen the effected muscle groups. Approaches such as Chiropractic Biophysics, specific postural exercise and improved postural awareness with self-correction are effective in treating postural kyphosis.