Along with changes in your appearance, kyphosis can cause pain, stiffness, and balance issues as the condition worsens. While this may seem to have nothing to do with bone health, the truth is that osteoporosis — best known for weakening bones and increasing your risk of fractures – can lead to kyphosis. Understanding the connection is crucial to prevent further complications.
Our team at Pain Care in Georgia delivers advanced nonsurgical solutions for painful conditions, including kyphosis, vertebral compression fractures, and other osteoporosis-related issues.
Here’s our take on the link between osteoporosis and kyphosis and tips for managing both before they affect your mobility.
Osteoporosis decreases bone density, making them fragile and more vulnerable to fractures. Osteoporotic bone loss typically occurs gradually with few symptoms until a fracture occurs. Fractures can occur anywhere but are most common in the spine, hips, and wrists, sometimes resulting from a minor bump.
Kyphosis, on the other hand, refers to an excessive outward curve of the upper spine, leading to a hunched posture. While some degree of curvature in the spine is normal, a pronounced curvature can cause pain, stiffness, and even breathing difficulties in severe cases.
Osteoporosis and kyphosis go hand in hand primarily because when weakened bones in the spine (due to osteoporosis) lead to compression fractures, the vertebrae can collapse slightly, leading to a forward bending of the spine. Over time, multiple fractures cause the characteristic stooped posture of kyphosis.
Women, especially postmenopausal women, are at a higher risk due to the rapid decline in bone density caused by reduced estrogen levels. However, men and younger people with underlying bone density issues can also develop osteoporosis-related kyphosis.
Signs of osteoporosis-related kyphosis include:
Severe kyphosis can also cause difficulty breathing due to lung compression related to spinal curvature.
The good news? Both osteoporosis and kyphosis can be managed. In many cases, progression can be slowed or even prevented. Here’s how.
Your diet plays an essential role in building healthy bones. Many nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium, and potassium, support bone health. Any age is the right age for building strong and healthy bones through diet.
Activities like walking, strength training, yoga, and Pilates help maintain bone density and improve posture. Core-strengthening exercises provide additional support for the spine.
Practicing good posture can help prevent worsening kyphosis. Use an ergonomic chair and maintain a neutral spine while working at a desk.
Our Pain Care team may recommend medications to help slow bone loss. You may also benefit from bracing or nonsurgical solutions such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty to improve spinal stability.
Schedule a visit at Pain Care today for more information about our services, including treatments for kyphosis.
