A common spinal problem among people is Cervical Kyphosis as both males and females can suffer from this problem. Cervical kyphosis is a disorder in which the curve of your neck tends to get straight. Research studies have concluded that if the patients have a spinal curvature of 20 degree or less at the neck, then they are prone to cervical kyphosis. The normal cervical lordosis ranges between 31-40 degrees.
Causes of Cervical Kyphosis Various factors responsible for the occurrence of pain in the neck are:
* Congenital
* Infection
* Systemic diseases
* Injury like compression fracture, iatrogenic injury, whiplash etc.
*Degeneration of disk is caused due to wear and tear which weakens the vertebrae. This changes the position of the head, by bending it forward. As a result, there is a change in the shape of the spine and your curved neck becomes straight.
Apart from these, cervical kyphosis can also occur due to improper body posture. The way you sit, sleep, and rest also affects the neck and its shape.
Symptoms of Cervical Kyphosis vary based on the severity. Symptoms vary from minor to severe changes in the shape and size of the spine. The stage may progress to neurological deficits, and also chronic pain. Many times, it gets difficult to move your neck freely.
When the pain is severe, pressure tends to come on spinal cord. This leads to weakness in arms or legs, inability to walk, loss of grip, etc. Depending on the stage, you may lose bladder control and in extreme cases, you may suffer from paralysis as well.
Diagnosis of Cervical Kyphosis
* Cervical kyphosis can be detected and diagnosed on an X-ray, where it becomes easy for doctors to check the shape of the neck. A mirror image of your neck, an x-ray report clearly displays whether the neck is straight or curved. By getting an x-ray done, you will know: 1. Signs of arthritis 2. Degeneration of disc 3. Stenos is 4. Any other problems
* An MRI helps the doctor to check for abnormalities in the soft tissues and nerves.
* Doctors understand the medial history of the patient.
* A physical examination is done.
* The area that has got pain is identified.
* Time duration of pain is recorded.
Treatment Options The traditional method to treat cervical kyphosis is surgery. The type of surgery depends upon the result of the diagnosis. If the case is extremely severe then it should be treated at the earliest. Conservative treatments are not beneficial since results are not satisfactory. If you have a severe case of cervical kyphosis and you don't undergo a surgery, then it is important that a regular medical follow-up should be done.
Treatments other than surgery and conventional treatment and medication include physical therapy. Terry O'Brien Back Trouble UK.
Terry has been involved in General Medicine for over 20 years, he is a keen sports player and still turns out most Saturdays on the Rugby pitch, although his body wishes that he didn't!
Dragged up in Liverpool and supporting the BLUE half of Merseyside. Terry went on to study Medicine and initially serve in HM Forces, serving all over the world and completing just over 15 years service.
Terry launched Back Trouble UK, during 2007, however the Therapist Directory did not go online until January 2008. The main reason that Terry launched the website was so that people in the UK who were suffering from a Back Condition. Would have access to quality, clear, jargon free Back Pain Health Information, and online access to UK Registered Back Pain Practitioners. Other Sites: www.Back-Pain-Treatments.net & www.Sciatica-Treatments.co.uk
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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