Kyphosis Specialist

Space City Pain Specialists


Kyphosis is the medical term for a curvature, or collapsing, of the upper spine, which leads to a hump. This condition can be both painful and disfiguring, which is why early intervention at Space City Pain Specialists is critical. Caught in its early stages, there’s much the musculoskeletal experts can do to stop the progression, helping patients in Webster and Baytown, serving League City, Texas City, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Texas and surrounding areas, stand a little more tall. To learn more, call or use the online scheduling tool.

Kyphosis Q & A

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a progressive condition that causes an abnormal curvature in your upper spine, causing a hunchback. This curvature develops as a result of compression fractures in your spine that cause your vertebrae to collapse inward. The condition is progressive, so early intervention is key in treating kyphosis.

What causes kyphosis?

Far and away, the leading cause of kyphosis is osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes bone density loss. Osteoporosis is far more common in women, which means that kyphosis also strikes women far more than men.

Osteoporosis-related kyphosis occurs when the weakened front sections of vertebrae compress because these bones are softer and more porous. This compression causes the front of your spinal bones to shorten while the backs of your spinal bones retain their original height. This difference in bone height creates a wedge shape. As a result, your upper spine shifts forward, creating the telltale hump on your upper back.

How is kyphosis diagnosed?

Compression fractures develop slowly, so you may not notice the early stages of kyphosis. By the time the condition becomes evident, either through a visible hump or pain in your back, your kyphosis is in full swing, which can be verified by your doctor at Space City Pain Specialists through a comprehensive examination using the latest diagnostic imaging tools.

How is kyphosis treated?

The answer to this question depends upon the extent of the bone compression. To start, the doctors at Space City Pain Specialists concentrate on treating the underlying problem — your osteoporosis — in order to shore up the strength of your bones.

If your condition is progressing and causing you discomfort, your doctor turns to:

  • Prescription and/or over-the-counter pain relievers
  • An exercise regimen
  • Physical therapy that involves stretching
  • A body brace
  • Weight loss recommendations


In some cases, your pain specialist may conclude that surgery is the best course of action. Spinal fusion surgery, which connects the affected vertebrae with metal rods that hold your spine in proper alignment until it can heal correctly, is the most common surgery the doctors use to treat kyphosis.

To stay ahead of kyphosis, call Space City Pain Specialists or use the online scheduler to book an appointment.