Hyperkyphosis Treatment in Charlotte
Are you struggling with a curved spine or hunchback posture? You might be experiencing hyperkyphosis, a condition that affects many people across different age groups. At Simply Move Chiropractic in Charlotte, I specialize in treating hyperkyphosis using the latest techniques, including the innovative ScoliCare approach. Let’s take a look at hyperkyphosis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What is Hyperkyphosis?
Hyperkyphosis, often referred to as a hunchback posture or an excessive curve in the upper back, is a spinal disorder characterized by an abnormal rounding of the thoracic spine. In a healthy spine, there’s a natural curve in the thoracic region, typically ranging from 20 to 45 degrees. However, in individuals with hyperkyphosis, this curve exceeds 45 degrees, leading to a noticeable hunch in their posture.
What Causes Hyperkyphosis?
- Age: As we age, our spinal discs and vertebrae undergo wear and tear, which can lead to a loss of height in the spine and an increased thoracic curve.
- Osteoporosis: This bone-weakening condition can cause compression fractures in the vertebrae, leading to a curved spine.
- Scheuermann’s disease: This developmental condition affects adolescents, causing the vertebrae to grow unevenly and result in an increased kyphotic curve.
- Poor posture: Slouching or maintaining poor posture over time can strain the muscles and ligaments of the spine, causing an exaggerated curve.
- Spinal injuries: Trauma to the spine can lead to the development of hyperkyphosis.
- Congenital abnormalities: Some people are born with spinal abnormalities that cause an increased thoracic curve.
Symptoms of Hyperkyphosis
- A visibly curved spine or hunchback posture
- Back pain, stiffness, or discomfort
- Difficulty in standing or sitting upright for extended periods
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
- Breathing difficulties in severe cases
Diagnosing Hyperkyphosis
Diagnosing hyperkyphosis typically involves a comprehensive physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your chiropractor may assess your spine’s flexibility, strength, and alignment, as well as look for any signs of nerve compression. Imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may also be ordered to get a detailed view of your spine and assess the severity of the curvature.
The Scolicare Method to Treat HyperKyphosis
ScoliBalance
ScoliBalance is a physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) program used to treat conditions like scoliosis and hyperkyphosis in children, adolescents, and adults. The program combines the most relevant practices and principles in physical therapy, chiropractic, and exercise rehabilitation for a 3D approach to managing these conditions. It’s tailored to each individual patient according to their curve type, symptoms, and treatment goals.
The ScoliBalance program provides the patient with an individualized exercise program based on their curve type and postural characteristics. It also addresses any relevant functional weaknesses. The patient is taught a scoliosis-specific 3D posture correction (ScoliCorrection) that positions their spine in the straightest possible alignment. They then learn specific exercises with the aim of holding their ScoliCorrection while performing the exercises. As the patient becomes more familiar with the program, they are taught to integrate the ScoliCorrection into their daily activities. This helps to subconsciously train the body to hold the ScoliCorrection, helping to reduce or stabilize the scoliosis or hyperkyphosis curve.
ScoliBrace
At Simply Move Chiropractic, I offer a variety of braces for different conditions and age groups. For patients with conditions like hyperkyphosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis, I offer the KyphoBrace. This brace is designed to restore a patient’s thoracic kyphosis angle to within a range that is considered normal for their age. It’s a 3D custom-designed corrective brace that aims to improve the patient’s posture and overall appearance of their body.
The braces are patient-friendly, opening and closing at the front making it easy to wear and remove without assistance. They also come in a variety of unique colors and patterns, allowing patients to personalize the look of their brace.
Other Hyperkyphosis Treatment Options in Charlotte
Traditional Bracing: There are more traditional forms of bracing. If you would ike to learn about he difference between Scolibrace and tradition braces click below:
Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation associated with hyperkyphosis.
Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent the progression of hyperkyphosis and reduce the strain on the spine.
Nutritional support: Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake can help maintain bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures that may contribute to hyperkyphosis.
If you’re living with hyperkyphosis in the Charlotte area, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention is key to managing this condition and preventing further progression. Contact our chiropractic clinic today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you get your spine back on track with ScoliCare and other effective treatment options. Together, we can work towards improved posture, reduced pain, and a better quality of life.
