Postural kyphosis (kye-FOH-sis) is a rounding or hunching of the back that usually affects teens. This is a normal variation, where the rounding of the back is exaggerated due to posture and not disease.
Teens with postural kyphosis have a smooth, round shape of the upper back. It can look like a hunched back. It usually isn't painful.
Unlike with other types of kyphosis, someone with postural kyphosis can straighten the spine when asked to stand up straight.
Postural kyphosis happens when someone slouches a lot. This "bad" posture makes the back muscles and the bones in the spine get used to that position. After a while, the back stays in a rounded or hunched shape.
Postural kyphosis is common in teenage girls, though boys can get it too.
A doctor will examine the spine while the child:
X-rays of the spine sometimes can help confirm the diagnosis.
Physical therapy can help to improve posture. Exercises can strengthen the back muscles to help them better support the spine. Sleeping on a firm bed can help some people too.
Sometime the doctor will refer kids to an orthopedist (a doctor who treats conditions involving the bones). The orthopedist will examine the spine to see the cause and extent of the kyphosis and then recommend treatment.
Postural kyphosis doesn't get worse, especially after a teen is done growing. Learning better posture and strengthening the back muscles will prevent problems with posture later in life. If you notice your child has a rounded back and a hunched posture, talk to your doctor.
Reviewed by: Suken A. Shah, MD, Bernadette Fulweiler, APN
Date Reviewed: Jan 10, 2022
