At a glance
What it is
Excessive forward rounding of the thoracic spine, creating a 'hunched' posture. May be postural, developmental (Scheuermann's), degenerative, or post-traumatic.
Typical signs
Visible forward curvature, back pain, shortness of breath in severe cases, cosmetic concern.
How we treat it
Postural kyphosis: posture correction and core strengthening. Scheuermann's: bracing in growing children, surgery for severe curves. Degenerative: pain management and physical therapy.
What kyphosis is
Kyphosis is anterior (forward) curvature of the thoracic spine. Normal thoracic kyphosis is 20–40°; beyond 50° is usually considered excessive. The causes vary: postural slouching, Scheuermann's disease (juvenile-onset structural kyphosis), degenerative disc disease in older patients, or post-traumatic deformity.
What we see in clinic
1–8%
Of adolescents have Scheuermann's kyphosis
50°
Threshold angle — cosmetic and functional concern intensifies above this
70–80%
Achieve pain relief and cosmetic improvement after surgical correction
Key facts
How it is treated
Postural kyphosis responds to core work. Structural kyphosis requires bracing or surgery depending on severity and age.
Postural correction
Postural kyphosis (flexible, no structural wedging)
- Posture awareness and ergonomic education
- Core strengthening (back extensors, scapular stabilisers)
- Chest opening and hip flexor stretching
Bracing
Scheuermann's kyphosis, growing skeleton, curves 50–75°
- Rigid thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) worn 18–20 hours daily
- Effective in halting progression; less effective at correcting established curves
Surgery
Severe or progressive curves (>75°) causing pain, disability or cardiopulmonary compromise
- Posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation
- Anterior release and fusion for rigid curves
- Osteotomy (bone cuts) for fixed deformity
Pain management
Degenerative kyphosis
- NSAIDs for inflammation
- Physical therapy and postural support
- Interventional pain procedures if conservative therapy fails
Related reading
Scoliosis
A sideways curve of the spine, often noticed before puberty. Most curves stay mild and just need monitoring; a few need a brace or surgery.
Back pain
Most back pain is mechanical and settles in weeks. The first visit identifies the few cases that need imaging, injections or surgery, without over-treating.
Book a consultation
The secretary schedules first appointments during clinic hours; please have prior imaging, operative notes and a current medication list available at the time of the call.
This page provides general information about kyphosis and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, contact a clinician promptly.