Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Orthopedic Surgeon · Back Pain and Spinal Surgery
The medical term for a spinal bone deformity is Kyphosis. Kyphosis is a condition in which the spine increases its curvature more than normal, resulting in an increased rounding of the back and drooping shoulders. This can lead to an exaggerated form of the condition known as "hunchback." Although kyphosis can occur at any age, it usually appears during adolescence when bones are still growing and developing. It most commonly affects girls between 10 and 16 years old, with boys being affected slightly less often.
Kyphosis can be classified into four main categories - postural kyphosis (caused by poor posture or muscular weakness), congenital kyphosis (present from birth due to abnormal vertebral development during pregnancy), Scheuermann's disease (caused by abnormally shaped vertebrae) and traumatic kyphosis (caused by injury). Treatment options range from physical therapy exercises to bracing techniques to surgical correction depending on the severity of the case.