Kyphosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Kyphosis?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and spine problems, usually treats kyphosis. A physical therapist, an expert in movement and exercise, may also help with posture and back pain. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is kyphosis?
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back. This leads to a hunchback or slouching posture. Treatment may not be needed unless the curve is severe or causing problems.
There are 3 main types of kyphosis. Postural kyphosis is usually caused by bad posture, and it often affects teenagers. It is the most common type. In Scheuermann kyphosis, the back of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) grow quicker than the front. This makes the vertebrae wedge-shaped and causes the spine to curve. Congenital kyphosis is when a baby’s spine does not develop properly and curves as they grow.
Symptoms
The main symptom is a hunched or rounded upper back. A slight curve may cause no other symptoms.
Other symptoms may include:
- Pain in the middle or lower back, which is the most common symptom.
- Tenderness and stiffness in the spine.
- Difficulty breathing in severe cases.
A severe curve can cause very bad back pain and difficulty breathing. Kyphosis can also cause nervous system symptoms, such as leg weakness or paralysis, and increased self-consciousness.
Causes and who gets it
It is often caused by bad posture or a problem with the structure of the spine. It can also happen after a spinal injury or from conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Scheuermann disease happens in young teens when several bones of the spine (vertebrae) wedge together in a row. The cause of this condition is unknown.
In adults, kyphosis can be caused by:
- Degenerative spine diseases, such as arthritis or disk degeneration.
- Fractures caused by osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak.
- Spondylolisthesis, which is when one vertebra slips forward on another.
Other causes include infection, hormone diseases, and muscular dystrophy.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider can confirm the abnormal curve of the spine with a physical exam. The provider will also look for nervous system changes, such as weakness, paralysis, or changes in feeling below the curve. The specialist may examine your back while you are bent forward to see how severe the curve is and how flexible you are.
Tests that may be ordered include:
- A spine x-ray.
- An MRI of the spine, if there may be a tumor, infection, or nervous system symptoms.
- A bone density test, to check for osteoporosis.
Treatment
Treatment for kyphosis is usually only needed if it is causing problems. Treatment depends on the cause and on how severe the curve is.
Treatments include:
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine to ease back pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about which type is right for you.
- Physiotherapy to help improve posture and relieve back pain and stiffness.
- A brace, a rigid support worn around the torso, for a child with mild to moderate Scheuermann kyphosis. A specialist should supervise it.
- Surgery to straighten the spine if the curve is severe, getting worse, or causing very bad pain.
Physiotherapy exercises will not improve the curve or stop it getting worse.
- Congenital kyphosis needs corrective surgery at an early age.
- Scheuermann disease is treated with a brace and physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is needed for large, painful curves.
- Osteoporosis fractures can be left alone if there are no nervous system problems or pain, but the osteoporosis needs to be treated.
- Kyphosis caused by infection or a tumor needs prompt treatment, often with surgery and medicines.
You should be able to exercise if you have kyphosis. Strengthening your core muscles can help.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you think you or your child might have kyphosis. Leg weakness, numbness, tingling, paralysis, or changes in bowel or bladder habits that develop over time are nervous system warning signs. Tell a doctor about them soon, because surgery is needed if nervous system symptoms or constant pain develop. Kyphosis caused by infection or a tumor needs prompt treatment.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, faint, or have sudden weakness or sudden loss of feeling in the legs.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can examine the back, order an x-ray, and refer you to an orthopedic specialist. They can also follow up on pain, posture, and exercise plans.
Common questions
Does kyphosis always need treatment?
No, treatment is usually only needed if kyphosis is causing problems. If treatment is needed, it depends on the cause and how severe the curve is.
Can exercise fix kyphosis?
No, exercise does not fix the curve, but it can help. Physiotherapy may reduce back pain and stiffness, but it will not improve the curve or stop it getting worse.
Can kyphosis be prevented?
Some cases can be prevented. Treating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in older adults. There is no way to prevent Scheuermann disease.
Do young teens with Scheuermann disease do well?
Yes, young teens with Scheuermann disease tend to do well, even if they need surgery. The disease stops once they stop growing.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
