What Is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is an increased outward curve of the upper spine that rounds the back. The curve usually develops in the thoracic spine, between the neck and lower back. Kyphosis may relate to posture, spinal structure, muscle balance, or vertebral changes. A clinical assessment helps distinguish flexible postural rounding from a more fixed spinal curve.
Quick Facts About Kyphosis
Category
Spinal alignment condition
Used for
Describing upper-back rounding
Common confusion
Scoliosis involves sideways curvature
Also called
Rounded Upper Back
Often discussed with
Posture Correction, Therapeutic Exercise
Key Takeaways About Kyphosis
- Kyphosis mainly affects the upper, or thoracic, spine.
- Postural rounding may change with movement or position.
- Kyphosis is not the same as scoliosis, which involves sideways curvature.
How Kyphosis Works
Kyphosis describes the way the upper spine curves backward when viewed from the side. The thoracic spine naturally has an outward curve, but posture, muscle control, spinal shape, or changes in the vertebrae can make that curve appear more pronounced. A flexible curve may change when you sit, stand, or extend your upper back.
Related glossary terms: Thoracic Spine, Postural Assessment, Scoliosis Curve.
A posture assessment looks at the head, shoulders, pelvis, and spine together. Movement checks can show whether the rounding changes with position or active control. Postural Assessment helps separate a movement-related pattern from a curve that appears more fixed. Therapeutic Exercise may address mobility, strength, and body awareness as part of a posture correction plan.
From the Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs team
When we assess kyphosis, we review standing posture, spinal movement, and muscle control together. Our team looks for changes in the upper-back curve during different positions, then connects those findings to the goals of Posture Correction. We also consider whether the pattern appears flexible or more fixed.
Kyphosis in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person who spends much of the day seated may show rounded shoulders and an increased upper-back curve during a posture assessment. The curve may lessen when the person changes position and actively extends the upper back.
Related Services
Related Terms
Thoracic Spine
The Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the spinal column, located between the cervical spine…
Postural Assessment
Postural Assessment is a structured review of body alignment and movement in standing, sitting, and other…
Scoliosis Curve
Scoliosis Curve is the sideways bend and rotation of the spine that changes its usual alignment…
Range of Motion
Range of Motion is the degree to which a joint can move through its available direction…
Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs
Have Questions About Kyphosis?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs for practical guidance on Kyphosis and related chiropractor work in Lithia Springs.