Kyphosis Specialist

Also known as Hunchback, Humpback.

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis refers to the forward curvature of the spine.  The thoracic spine has a normal kyphosis to balance the backward curvature of the cervical and lumbar spine.  Occasionally, excessive kyphosis can lead to the head being positioned forward of the pelvis and result in pain and disability.

Call or book online to visit Dr. Nomoto at one of his two Southern California locations: the Beverly Hills Spine Surgery and St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica.

Symptoms from kyphosis:

•Back pain

•Fatigue of back musculature

•Difficulty standing upright

•Difficulty with forward gaze/ability to lift head

Kyphosis causes back pain and stiffness in most people, but there are mild cases where there might not be any noticeable symptoms besides the forward-stooped posture. In more progressive cases of kyphosis, disk degeneration can take place, and the bones rub together without any cushion in between, further enhancing the pain and restricting mobility.

Treatment options for kyphosis:

•Non-surgical treatment will be based on symptoms such as decreasing pain with medications or injections.

•Physical therapy

•Surgery can be performed to realign the spine in order to achieve global balance in all planes.

What causes kyphosis?

Osteoarthritis, a bone-thinning arthritic disorder, is a common cause of kyphosis. Referred to as age-related kyphosis, it’s the result of osteoarthritis weakening the spinal bones until they compress.

What are the treatments for kyphosis?

There is a form of kyphosis called postural kyphosis, which you can correct by improving your posture.

The right treatment for kyphosis depends on several factors, including:

•Your age

•The severity of your curve

•The flexibility of your curve

Surgery can correct the appearance of your back and can help to alleviate pain, but Dr. Nomoto only recommends surgery if:

•The forward curvature of your spine is severe

•Your spine is deteriorating and needs support

•Your kyphosis causes constant, uncontrollable pain

•The curve of your spine interferes with vital body functions

The surgery for kyphosis is called spinal fusion and involves realigning and joining the vertebrae that are creating the curve. Dr. Nomoto provides spinal fusion and helps patients with kyphosis. Call him or book an appointment online to learn more.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Edward K. Nomoto has many years of experience treating patients with osteoarthritis in Southern California. Dr. Nomoto practices at Beverly Hills Spine Surgery and St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, where he provides his patients with premium healthcare from consultation to diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Nomoto frequently delivers lifelong health care for his patients dealing with osteoarthritis to help them strengthen their bones and prevent further damage.