K.N.O.W. Home Health

Patient Education: Kyphosis

What It Is

Kyphosis is when the upper back curves forward more than normal. This causes a rounded or hunched back. It can happen at any age and can be mild or severe.

Causes and Risk Factors

Poor posture over time (slouching)
Age-related wear and tear on the spine (osteoporosis)
Spine fractures or injuries
Birth defects or conditions like Scheuermann’s disease
Certain diseases like arthritis or tumors
Genetics and family history

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs:

Noticeable rounding or hump in the upper back
Back pain or stiffness
Fatigue after standing or sitting for long periods

Other symptoms:

Trouble standing up straight
Difficulty breathing if the curve is severe
Numbness or weakness in arms or legs (rare)

Complications if Untreated or Noncompliant

Increased back pain
Limited movement or flexibility
Breathing problems from pressure on lungs
Nerve damage if spine nerves are compressed

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Exercises and physical therapy to improve posture and strengthen back muscles
Bracing for children or young teens with growing spines
Pain medicines as prescribed
Surgery in severe cases to correct the curve

Common Medications, Purpose, and Side Effects

Pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to reduce pain and inflammation. Side effects: stomach upset or bleeding with long-term use of NSAIDs.
Osteoporosis medicines if bone weakening is causing kyphosis. Side effects vary by medication.

Dietary Needs

Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep bones strong
Balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Lifestyle Changes

Maintain good posture
Avoid heavy lifting or activities that strain the back
Stay active with safe exercises to keep muscles strong
Stop smoking (smoking can weaken bones)

Safety Considerations

Use assistive devices if balance is affected
Avoid falls and injury by keeping home free of hazards
Follow exercise and therapy plans carefully

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Practice good posture daily
Get regular exercise and bone health screenings
Treat osteoporosis early
Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor spine health

When to Call for Help

Call Home Health Nurse or Doctor if:

Back pain worsens or does not improve with treatment
Numbness, tingling, or weakness develops in arms or legs
Difficulty breathing or chest tightness occurs

Call 911 or Go to Emergency Room if:

Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe, sudden back pain after injury
Sudden weakness or paralysis in legs or arms

Kyphosis — True/False Quiz

Instructions: Write True or False for each statement. For every false answer, please correct it to make the statement true.

___ Kyphosis is an abnormal forward curve of the upper back.
___ Poor posture cannot cause kyphosis.
___ Osteoporosis is a risk factor for kyphosis.
___ Kyphosis can cause back pain and stiffness.
___ Numbness or weakness in limbs is a common symptom in all kyphosis cases.
___ Breathing problems can happen if kyphosis is severe.
___ Exercise and physical therapy can help improve kyphosis.
___ Bracing is usually used to treat kyphosis in adults.
___ Surgery may be needed in severe kyphosis.
___ Pain medicines can help with symptoms.
___ Eating calcium-rich foods is important for bone health in kyphosis.
___ Good posture helps prevent worsening of kyphosis.
___ Smoking does not affect bone health.
___ Falls and injuries increase risk for worsening kyphosis.
___ Sudden loss of bladder control is an emergency sign.
___ Kyphosis always causes paralysis.
___ Regular bone screenings can help prevent kyphosis complications.
___ Physical activity should be avoided completely with kyphosis.
___ Numbness or weakness requires calling the doctor right away.
___ Kyphosis can develop from birth defects.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualizing Learning

(Questions to personalize teaching and support patient understanding)

What symptoms do you notice most that affect your daily life?
Have you been prescribed any medications or treatments for kyphosis?
Are you currently attending physical therapy or doing exercises for your back?
Do you know how to maintain good posture during your daily activities?
Have you had any recent falls or injuries to your back?
Are you aware of your bone health status, such as osteoporosis screening results?
Do you have any difficulty with balance or walking?
Are you experiencing any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs?
Have you been advised about dietary changes to support bone health?
Do you smoke, and if so, have you considered quitting to improve bone health?
When was your last follow-up visit with your healthcare provider?
Do you have any questions about the pain medicines you are taking?
Are you comfortable using any assistive devices prescribed to you?
What signs would you watch for that mean you should call for emergency help?
Do you have support from family or caregivers to assist with your exercises and daily activities.