My Spine - Lumbar
Kyphosis is frequently seen in infective conditions of the spine such as tuber-
culosis where the front part of the spine (vertebral body) is destroyed and col-
lapses, resulting in the forward curved position.
Many neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and
muscular dystrophies, cause muscle weakness and long abnormal curves
(scoliosis). This can be troublesome in the patient’s everyday usage of a
wheelchair.
Inadequately treated fractures from trauma may result in both kyphosis and
scoliosis.
Common causes include the group described as “idiopathic” (where the
cause is unknown). This is a well-recognised group of young, tall, slim girls
developing scoliosis during their teenage years as they go through their
growth spurt.
In later life, asymmetrical discs and facet joint (the joints between the verte-
brae) degeneration may cause segmental instability and degenerative (wear
and tear) scoliosis.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary based on the cause. Congenital (inborn) deformities may be
incidentally picked up on a chest X-ray done for other reasons, as these chil-
dren often have other associated problems with their kidneys and hearts.
The idiopathic group is often noticed at around 10-12 years of age when a
posterior thoracic (torso) prominence is noted or hip or shoulder asymmetry.
It is usually not painful. There may be breast asymmetry which concerns the
young teenage girl.
The degenerative group usually presents with both back and leg pain due to
narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve root foramina, which causes com-
pression of the lumbar nerve roots. These patients may also complain of pro-
gressive loss of height and increasingly prominent hip bones.
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