Our spine has a natural curve but there are instances wherein there is an abnormal curvature of the upper back caused by degenerative diseases, developmental problems, or trauma. Such condition is called Kyphosis or hunchback which has aesthetic implication, result to breathing difficulties, extreme discomfort and pain, and in most severe cases, even death.

This condition was found to have three types: postural, Scheuermann, and congenital. Postural, is the most common and often linked with slouching. It is characterized by an exaggerated but flexible increase of the spine's normal curve. This type usually becomes prominent during adolescence and is known to be most common among girls.

Scheuermann's kyphosis, on the other hand, which is named after a radiologist who first defined the condition, usually has a more obvious deformity, especially among thin persons. This type commonly affects the upper portion of the spine and is quite painful when the patient is active and even during prolonged periods of sitting or standing. To ease discomfort, exercise and anti-inflammatory medication have been found to be effective in most cases. The last type which is congenital, results from underdevelopment of the spinal column while the fetus is still inside the womb causing malformation of the bones or fusing of several vertebrae.

The symptoms of hunchback vary depending on the type, but generally one may need to be concerned if there is a noticeable curvature of the upper spine and if he is experiencing pain in the back, fatigue, tenderness and stiffness of the spine, forward posture of the head, difficulty breathing or chest pain, and tight hamstrings. When one visits the doctor, he may be asked to bend forward to get a better assessment of the curve of the spine and take x-rays for efficient and effective diagnosis.

Hunchback is treated based on the cause of the deformity, as with other diseases. Postural type is so far the easiest to correct and most teens who suffered from this condition are known to improve over time. Treatment types can be categorized into two, nonsurgical and surgical. The former may include simple program such as exercise and anti-inflammatory medications as well as back brace if the patient's back is still developing. The latter type is the most serious option considering its risks and is done only if other treatment alternatives have failed and the hunchback is bad enough to alter the life of the individual.

If you want to know more about this condition, simply visit http://www.kyphosis-treatment-solutions.com for valuable resources and information materials related to curvature of the spine.