Relief from Kyphosis and Scoliosis Symptoms

Your spine has natural curves near your neck, chest and lower back. Two spine conditions — scoliosis and kyphosis — cause your back to curve where it shouldn’t.  

Scoliosis is a sideways curve in your back, either the shape of the letter “c” or “s.” Noticeable scoliosis symptoms might be uneven shoulders or hips or leaning noticeably to one side. Kyphosis is a forward curve or rounding of your back that makes it look like you’re slouching. 

Both scoliosis and kyphosis can develop at any time, but scoliosis is more common in children and teens, as they grow. Typically, kyphosis develops in adulthood from wear and tear on the spine or conditions like osteoarthritis (cartilage breakdown) or osteoporosis (weakened spine bones). Our doctors diagnose scoliosis and kyphosis with an X-ray. 

Our spine specialists customize kyphosis and scoliosis treatments to your needs. We often use physical therapy, back braces, pain medicines and other nonsurgical approaches. We only perform kyphosis or scoliosis surgery if nonsurgical methods can’t relieve symptoms or stop the condition from getting worse. 

If your doctor diagnoses you with scoliosis or kyphosis, we will review your treatment options and help you decide what’s right for you.