*2.2.2. Kyphosis*

**2.2. Medical view of postural disorders and spinal deformity**

It is not easy to find appropriate, well-designed, and well-fitted garments for people with scoliosis. They are often faced with the problem of how to dress nicely and comfortably. Many different types of advice can be found in the source by Rudolf et al. [13] and, lately, these

*2.2.1. Scoliosis*

**Figure 4.** Proportionality.

**Figure 3.** Symmetry.

74 Innovations in Spinal Deformities and Postural Disorders

Kyphosis is the term used to describe an abnormal outwardly curved spine in the sagittal plane. The condition can contribute to a "hunchback" appearance, and may require exercise, braces, or spine surgery for treatment [16].

A certain degree of curvature is normal in the human spine. The gentle inward and outward curves of the neck, upper back, and lower back are necessary to maintain the body properly balanced and aligned over the pelvis. Kyphotic curved spines are the outward curves. Inward curved spines are called lordotic [16].

The term kyphosis is generally used to describe an excessive outward curve, or rounding, of the spine. Again, some kyphosis is normal—typically 20–50°; curves greater than 50° are considered abnormal. A spine with kyphosis can look normal, or it can develop a *"humpback"* appearance.

Mild kyphosis may cause few problems; however, severe kyphotic curvature can affect the lungs, nerves, and other tissues and organs, causing pain and other problems.

There are several types of kyphosis, and the condition can be found in children, adolescents, and adults.

**Postural kyphosis**, or postural round-back, is the most common form of kyphosis, and is often attributed to poor posture. Habitually, "slouching" can stretch spinal ligaments and contribute to abnormal vertebral formation. The condition usually appears during adolescence, and is more common in girls than in boys. Postural kyphosis is marked by a smooth, flexible curve that is not typically associated with pain, and usually does not lead to problems later in life [15, 16].

**Scheuermann's kyphosis** developed most commonly in teenage boys. It is characterized by a short, sharp curvature in the middle part of the upper spine, and may be associated with aching back pain. This type of kyphosis tends to be rigid on clinical examination. A mild degree of scoliosis is common in adolescents with Scheuermann's kyphosis.

**Congenital kyphosis** can be caused by a malformation of the spinal column during fetal development. Several vertebrae may be fused together or the bones may not form properly. This type of kyphosis may worsen as the child grows [16].

Self-image, or the way we feel about our bodies, can affect all aspects of our daily life. If we are wearing clothes that fit well and feel comfortable, this inevitably helps to boost our confidence. People with sustained spine deformity have problems with clothes that do not fit well in the back and front parts. They are tight across the back, too short in the back length (BL) and too long in the front length, open at the back of the neck and hemlines can become uneven, and so on [15].
