Correcting Kyphosis: Posture Restoration and Spine Health

Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back (thoracic spine), often resulting in a "hunchback" appearance. While some cases are structural (such as Scheuermann's disease), the vast majority of cases in adults are postural, caused by prolonged slouching, weak core muscles, and desk-bound work.

Symptoms of Kyphosis

• Rounded shoulders and forward head posture.
• Mild to moderate back pain and stiffness.
• Fatigue in the back muscles, especially during prolonged sitting or standing.
• In severe structural cases, difficulty breathing due to thoracic cavity compression.

Postural Rehabilitation and Exercises

1. Thoracic Mobility Drills: Exercises like foam roller extensions and thoracic rotations to break up joint stiffness.
2. Pectoral Stretching: Opening up tight chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor) that pull the shoulders forward.
3. Scapular Retractor Strengthening: Strengthening the middle/lower trapezius and rhomboids to pull the shoulder blades back and down.
4. Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening: Exercises like chin tucks to correct the forward head posture that always accompanies kyphosis.

At Sparq Physiotherapy, we focus on thoracic mobilization and scapular muscle retraining to pull the spine back into its natural alignment, eliminating posture-related fatigue.