Thoracic Kyphosis

December 20, 2024

Understanding Thoracic Kyphosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Thoracic kyphosis is a condition where the upper back develops an abnormal forward curve, leading to a rounded or hunched appearance. The thoracic spine, located in the mid-back, naturally has a gentle curve, but when this curve becomes excessive—typically more than 50 degrees—it results in thoracic kyphosis. This condition is often visibly recognized as a “humpback” or “dowager’s hump” and can significantly affect posture, mobility, and overall health.

Thoracic kyphosis can occur due to various factors. One of the most common causes, especially among teenagers, is poor posture. Slouching or sitting for long periods with improper posture can stretch and weaken the back muscles, leading to an exaggerated curve in the thoracic spine. Another common cause, particularly in adolescents, is Scheuermann’s disease. This condition results in a more rigid and angular curve, as the vertebrae in the thoracic spine grow unevenly, causing them to wedge together and create a pronounced curve. In older adults, weakened bones due to osteoporosis can cause vertebrae to collapse or compress, resulting in a more severe curve. This is sometimes referred to as age-related kyphosis or “dowager’s hump.” Additionally, congenital kyphosis is a rare form of the condition where an individual is born with an abnormal spinal structure that leads to kyphosis. Spinal infections or tumors, as well as trauma affecting the spine, can also contribute to the development of thoracic kyphosis.

The most noticeable symptom of thoracic kyphosis is a rounded or hunched back. Those affected may also experience back pain or stiffness, along with muscle fatigue, especially after standing or sitting for long periods. Some individuals may find it difficult to stand or sit upright for extended periods, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties may arise due to reduced lung capacity. While mild kyphosis may not cause significant problems, severe cases can severely impact movement and overall quality of life.

Treatment for thoracic kyphosis depends on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause. For postural kyphosis, chiropractic care and exercises aimed at strengthening the back muscles, along with postural corrections, are often effective.

In conclusion, thoracic kyphosis is a condition that can affect people of all ages. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent progression. If you are experiencing thoracic kyphosis, please call Charles Street Family Chiropractic at 617-720-1992 to see how we can help you today!

Dr. Christopher Quigley

“I was majoring in chemistry at Villanova University when my path turned to chiropractic. I was going on interviews to be a pharmaceutical sales representative, and they always asked me what I wanted to be doing in five years. My answer was always the same: “I want to be helping people, enjoying my work, while making a difference.”

Why Chiropractic Care Should Play a Bigger Role in Public Health

Looking for a Boston chiropractor focused on conservative, drug-free spine care? At Charles Street Family Chiropractic in Beacon Hill, Dr. Chris Quigley helps patients with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, disc problems, and recurring spinal conditions. Chiropractic care can support mobility, function, and active living while reducing reliance on medications and invasive procedures. Even major medical centers, including the University of South Florida Neurosurgery program, are integrating chiropractic care into collaborative spine treatment and research.

October 14, 2026

The Missing Piece in Chronic Neck Pain Claims: Alar Ligament Injury in Older Whiplash Clients

A 2015 MRI study found signs of alar ligament injury in 55% of older patients whose chronic neck pain had no other identifiable cause. For Boston and Massachusetts personal injury attorneys, that finding speaks to a familiar problem: the client who still hurts months after a car crash, but whose standard imaging reads as “normal” or “age-related degeneration.”

October 4, 2026

Before Back Surgery: What Three Important Studies Say About Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression

The number that should stop every elective-surgery patient in their tracks is 94%.
In a large 2017 Journal of Pain Research study of 1,842 people who had undergone lumbar spine surgery, 94% reported some degree of residual low-back pain. That does not mean 94% had severe pain, nor does it mean 94% of the operations were surgical failures. But for an invasive procedure that many patients understandably hope will eliminate their back pain, the persistence of any low-back pain in such a large proportion of respondents is difficult to dismiss.
The same study found that 20.6% met the researchers’ criteria for failed back surgery syndrome —roughly one out of every five patients. Residual numbness was reported by 69.8%, cold sensations by 43.3%, and paresthesia such as tingling or abnormal sensations by 35.3%.

September 28, 2026