Kyphosis Health Dictionary

A combination of SCOLIOSIS and KYPHOSIS in which the spine (see SPINAL COLUMN) is abnormally curved sideways and forwards. The condition may be the result of several diseases affecting the spinal muscles and vertebrae, or it may happen during development for no obvious reason. Although braces may reduce the deformity, an operation may be necessary to correct it.... kyphoscoliosis

Inward curvature of the spine.

This curvature is normally present to a minor degree in the lower back, but lordosis can become exaggerated by poor posture or by kyphosis higher in the back.

Pronounced lordosis is usually permanent and can lead to disc prolapse or osteoarthritis of the spine.... lordosis

Scoliosis A condition where the spine is curved to one side (the spine is normally straight when seen from behind). The deformity may be mobile and reversible, or ?xed; if ?xed it is accompanied by vertebral rotation and does not disappear with changes in posture. Fixed scoliosis is idiopathic (of unknown cause) in 65–80 per cent of cases. There are three main types: the infantile type occurs in boys under three and in 90 per cent of cases resolves spontaneously; the juvenile type affects 4–9 year olds and tends to be progressive. The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; girls are affected in 90 per cent of cases and the incidence is 4 per cent. Treatment may be conservative with a ?xed brace, or surgical fusion may be needed if the curve is greater than 45 degrees. Scoliosis can occur as a congenital condition and in neuromuscular diseases where there is muscle imbalance, such as in FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA.

Kyphosis is a backward curvature of the spine causing a hump back. It may be postural and reversible in obese people and tall adolescent girls who stoop, but it may also be ?xed. Scheuermann’s disease is the term applied to adolescent kyphosis. It is more common in girls. Senile kyphosis occurs in elderly people who probably have osteoporosis (bone weakening) and vertebral collapse.

Disc degeneration is a normal consequence of AGEING. The disc loses its resiliance and becomes unable to withstand pressure. Rupture (prolapse) of the disc may occur with physical stress. The disc between the fourth and ?fth lumbar vertebrae is most commonly involved. The jelly-like central nucleus pulposus is usually pushed out backwards, forcing the annulus ?brosus to put pressure on the nerves as they leave the spinal canal. (See PROLAPSED INTERVERTEBRAL DISC.)

Ankylosing spondylitis is an arthritic disorder of the spine in young adults, mostly men. It is a familial condition which starts with lumbar pain and sti?ness which progresses to involve the whole spine. The discs and ligaments are replaced by ?brous tissue, making the spine rigid. Treatment is physiotherapy and anti-in?ammatory drugs to try to keep the spine supple for as long as possible.

A National Association for Ankylosing Spondylitis has been formed which is open to those with the disease, their families, friends and doctors.

Spondylosis is a term which covers disc degeneration and joint degeneration in the back. OSTEOARTHRITIS is usually implicated. Pain is commonly felt in the neck and lumbar regions and in these areas the joints may become unstable. This may put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal canal, and in the lumbar region, pain is generally felt in the distribution of the sciatic nerve – down the back of the leg. In the neck the pain may be felt down the arm. Treatment is physiotherapy; often a neck collar or lumbar support helps. Rarely surgery is needed to remove the pressure from the nerves.

Spondylolisthesis means that the spine is shifted forward. This is nearly always in the lower lumbar region and may be familial, or due to degeneration in the joints. Pressure may be put on the cauda equina. The usual complaint is of pain after exercise. Treatment is bed rest in a bad attack with surgery indicated only if there are worrying signs of cord compression.

Spinal stenosis is due to a narrowing of the spinal canal which means that the nerves become squashed together. This causes numbness with pins and needles (paraesthia) in the legs. COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging scans can show the amount of cord compression. If improving posture does not help, surgical decompression may be needed.

Whiplash injuries occur to the neck, usually as the result of a car accident when the head and neck are thrown backwards and then forwards rapidly. This causes pain and sti?ness in the neck; the arm and shoulder may feel numb. Often a support collar relieves the pain but recovery commonly takes between 18 months to three years.

Transection of the cord occurs usually as a result of trauma when the vertebral column protecting the spinal cord is fractured and becomes unstable. The cord may be concussed or it may have become sheared by the trauma and not recover (transected). Spinal concussion usually recovers after 12 hours. If the cord is transected the patient remains paralysed. (See PARALYSIS.)... spine and spinal cord, diseases and injuries of

See kyphosis.... hunchback

curvature of the spine in the cervical (neck) and upper thoracic region (kyphosis), caused by compression fractures from osteoporosis. These fractures may be asymptomatic but when symptomatic cause significant pain. Long-term lung function may be compromised by the abnormal curvature of the spine. Compare buffalo hump.... dowager’s hump

a defect of *mucopolysaccharide metabolism (see inborn error of metabolism) that causes dwarfism with a *kyphosis, a short neck, *knock-knee, and an angulated sternum in affected children. Intelligence is normal. [L. Morquio (1865–1935), Uruguayan physician; J. F. Brailsford (1888–1961), British radiologist]... morquio–brailsford disease

(adolescent kyphosis) a disorder of spinal growth in which a sequence of three or more vertebrae become slightly wedge-shaped. It arises in adolescence and usually occurs in the thoracic spine, causing poor posture, backache, fatigue, and exaggerated *kyphosis. X-ray findings include *Schmorl’s nodes. [H. W. Scheuermann (1877–1960), Danish surgeon]... scheuermann’s disease

n. lateral (sideways) deviation of the backbone, caused by congenital or acquired abnormalities of the vertebrae, muscles, and nerves. Treatment may require spinal braces and, in cases of severe deformity, surgical correction by fusion or *osteotomy. See also kyphosis; kyphoscoliosis.... scoliosis

A collagen disease in infants (hereditary) with lax joints permitting easy dislocation and strain.

Features: long fingers and arm span, high palate, kyphosis, etc.

Symptoms. Backache, pain in joints, dislocations.

Alternatives. Alfalfa, Fenugreek, Irish Moss, Kelp, Horsetail, Marshmallow, Bamboo gum.

Teas. Alfalfa, Comfrey leaves, Horsetail, Plantain, Silverweed. Any one: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Fenugreek seeds 2; Horsetail 1; Bladderwrack 1; Liquorice half. Prepare: 3 heaped teaspoons to 1 pint (500ml) water gently simmered 10 to 20 minutes. 1 wineglass thrice daily. Fenugreek seeds decoction.

Diet. High protein, oily fish.

Supplements. Calcium, Dolomite, Zinc. ... marfan’s syndrome

Bone-softening due to lack or poor absorption of Vitamin D in the diet. Occurs in the elderly and immigrants with dark skins and of indoor habits. In children it is similar to rickets, producing bow legs, kyphosis or compressed spinal vertebrae. Almost unknown in sunny lands. Symptoms. Bone pains in back, hips, legs and ribs. Children learn to walk late. Teeth badly formed. Thinning and softening of the skull.

Comfrey root promotes bone cell growth. Marigold (Calendula) encourages granulation. Horsetail assists calcium metabolism. Cayenne is a positive circulatory stimulant.

For bone bruised by injury: Rue.

Alternatives. Tea. Combine: Oats 3; Comfrey leaves 2; Horsetail 1; Marigold petals 1. One heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 1 cup freely.

Fenugreek tea. See entry.

Tablets/capsules. Bamboo gum, Black Cohosh, Echinacea, Kelp, Prickly Ash.

Formula 1. Powders. Bamboo gum 3; Fenugreek 2; Calendula 2; Echinacea 2; Liquorice 1. Cayenne quarter. Mix. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.

Formula 2. Burdock root 1; Horsetail 1; Calendula half. Mix. Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Doses enhanced when taken in cup of Fenugreek tea. Thrice daily.

Comfrey root. Use of this root would appear to be of value, its potential benefit outweighing possible risk.

Diet. Oily fish. Natural spring water. Low salt. Irish Moss and Slippery Elm for minerals.

Reject: soft drinks, alcohol, heavy meat meals.

Supplements. Vitamin B12 (50mcg); Vitamin C (500mg); Vitamin D; Vitamin E (400iu), Magnesium, Zinc. Supportives: sunbathing, stop smoking. ... osteomalacia

(Sir James Paget, 1814-99) Osteitis deformans. Chronic inflammation of bone at focal points (Pagetic sites), often widespread. Chronic. Progressive softening followed by thickening with distortion. Renewal of new bone outstrips absorption of old bone. Enlargement of the skull (‘Big head’) and of the long bones. Broadened pelvis, distorted spine (kyphosis) from flattened vertebra. Male predominence. Over 40 years. Spontaneous fractures possible. Paget’s disease and diabetes may be associated in the same family.

Some authorities believe cause is vitamin and mineral deficiency – those which promote bone health being calcium and magnesium (dolomite). Supplementation helps cases but evidence confirms that some pet-owners are at risk – a virus from cats and dogs possibly responsible. The prime candidate is one exposed to canine distemper. Dogs are involved twice as much as cats. The virus is closely related to the measles virus in humans.

Symptoms. Limbs deformed, hot during inflammatory stage. Headaches. Dull aching pain in bones. Deafness from temporal bone involvement. Loss of bone rigidity. Bowing of legs.

Surgical procedures may be necessary. Appears to be a case for immunisation of dogs against distemper.

Alternatives. Black Cohosh, Boneset, Cramp bark, Bladderwrack, German Chamomile, Devil’s Claw, Helonias, Oat husks, Prickly Ash, Sage, Wild Yam.

Tea. Oats (mineral nutrient for wasting diseases) 2; Boneset (anti-inflammatory) 1; Valerian (mild analgesic) 1; Liquorice quarter. Mix. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Cramp bark 1; White Willow 2. Mix. 4 heaped teaspoons to 1 pint (500ml) water gently simmered 20 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea, Helonias, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam.

Formula. Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh 1; Valerian 1; Liquorice quarter. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Action enhanced when taken in cup of Fenugreek tea. Thrice daily. Every 2 hours acute cases.

Practitioner’s analgesic. Tincture Gelsemium: 10 drops in 100ml water. Dose: 1 teaspoon every 2 hours (inflammatory stage).

Topical. Comfrey root poultice.

Diet. High protein, low salt, low fat. Oily fish.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin C (500mg); Vitamin D (1000mg); Calcium citrate (1 gram); Dolomite (1 gram); Beta-Carotene (7500iu). Kelp. ... paget’s disease

An uncommon inflammatory disease affecting joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the sacroiliac joints (joints between the spine and pelvis).

The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is usually unknown, but in some cases the disease may be associated with colitis (inflammation of the colon) or psoriasis (a skin disease). Ankylosing spondylitis may run in families; and about 90 percent of people with the condition have the genetically determined histocompatibility antigen (-B27).

Ankylosing spondylitis usually starts with pain and stiffness in the hips and lower back, which are worse after resting and are especially noticeable in the early morning Other, less common, symptoms include chest pain, painful heels due to additional bone formation, and redness and pain in the eyes due to iritis. In time, inflammation in the spine can lead to ankylosis (permanent stiffness and limited movement) and kyphosis (curvature of the spine).

The condition is diagnosed by X-rays and blood tests.

There is no cure but treatment with exercises, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the pain and limitation of movement.... ankylosing spondylitis

The process by which air passes into and out of the lungs to allow the blood to take up oxygen and dispose of carbon dioxide. Breathing is controlled by the respiratory centre in the brainstem. When air is inhaled, the diaphragm contracts and flattens. The intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs) contract and pull the ribcage upwards and outwards. The resulting increase in chest volume causes the lungs to expand, and the reduced pressure draws air into the lungs. When air is exhaled, the chest muscles and diaphragm relax, causing the ribcage to sink and the lungs to contract, squeezing air out.

In normal, quiet breathing, only about a 10th of the air in the lungs passes out to be replaced by the same amount of fresh air (tidal volume). This new air mixes with the stale air (residual volume) already held in the lungs. The normal breathing rate for an adult at rest is 13–17 breaths per minute. (See also respiration.)breathing difficulty Laboured or distressed breathing that includes a change in the rate and depth of breathing or a feeling of breathlessness. Some degree of breathlessness is normal after exercise, particularly in unfit or overweight people. Breathlessness at rest is always abnormal and is usually due to disorders that affect the airways (see asthma), lungs (see pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive), or cardiovascular system (see heart failure). Severe anxiety can result in breathlessness, even when the lungs are normal (see hyperventilation). Damage to the breathing centre in the brainstem due to a stroke or head injury can affect breathing. This may also happen as a side effect of certain drugs. Ventilator assistance is sometimes needed.

At high altitudes, the lungs have to work harder in order to provide the body with sufficient oxygen (see mountain sickness). Breathlessness may occur in severe anaemia because abnormal or low levels of the oxygen-carrying pigment haemoglobin means that the lungs need to work harder to supply the body with oxygen. Breathing difficulty that intensifies on exertion may be caused by reduced circulation of blood through the lungs. This may be due to heart failure, pulmonary embolism, or pulmonary hypertension. Breathing difficulty due to air-flow obstruction may be caused by chronic bronchitis, asthma, an allergic reaction, or lung cancer. Breathing difficulty may also be due to inefficient transfer of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream. Temporary damage to lung tissue may be due to pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary oedema, or pleural effusion. Permanent lung damage may be due to emphysema. Chest pain (for example, due to a broken rib) that is made worse by chest or lung movement can make normal breathing difficult and painful, as can pleurisy, which is associated with pain in the lower chest and often in the shoulder tip of the affected side.

Abnormalities of the skeletal structure of the thorax (chest), such as severe scoliosis or kyphosis, may cause difficulty in breathing by impairing normal movements of the ribcage.... breathing

The column of bones and cartilage that extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis, enclosing the spinal cord and supporting the trunk and head. The spine is made up of 33 roughly cylindrical vertebrae. Each pair of adjacent vertebrae is connected by a facet joint, which stabilizes the vertebral column. Between each pair of vertebrae lies a disc-shaped pad of cartilage called an intervertebral disc (see disc, intervertebral). These discs cushion the vertebrae during movement. The vertebrae are bound together by 2 ligaments running the length of the spine and by smaller ligaments between each vertebra. Attached to the vertebrae are several groups of muscles, which control movement of, and help to support, the spine. spine, disorders of Many disorders of the spine cause back pain. Spina bifida is a congenital disorder in which part of the spinal cord is exposed. Sometimes, the spine is abnormally curved (see lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis). In ankylosing spondylitis, and in some cases of rheumatoid arthritis, spinal joints are affected; osteoarthritis affects the spinal joints of most people over 60. Other disorders affecting the spine are spinal injuries; disc prolapse, and spondylolisthesis.... spine

n. inflammation of the synovial joints of the backbone. Ankylosing spondylitis is a *sero-negative arthritis; 90% of cases carry the tissue-type antigen HLA-B27 (see HLA system). Ankylosing spondylitis predominantly affects young adult Caucasian males and the inflammation affects the joint capsules and their attached ligaments and tendons, principally the intervertebral joints and sacroiliac joints (see sacroiliitis). The resultant pain and stiffness are treated by analgesics (including *NSAIDs), physiotherapy, and biological *disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The disorder can lead to severe deformities of the spine (see kyphosis; ankylosis) and the hip joint, in which case surgical correction or *arthroplasty may be required.... spondylitis