Kyphosis

During your initial visit, your doctor will perform a physical exam and want to know if you’re having symptoms, such as back pain, fatigue, chest pain or neurological problems related to a curve. If you have pain, they may want to know if it gets worse when you move.

For the physical exam, your doctor will look for an abnormal curve of your spine. They might press your spine to see if surrounding muscles feel sore or tender. They may also ask you to bend forward or lie down. In postural kyphosis, the curve often disappears when you lie down.

They might also look for any changes in your nervous system and test your reflexes.

To get a detailed view of your spine, your doctor will often order imaging tests.

• X-ray: This is the most common test used to look at kyphosis. Spine X-rays show the shape and angle of the curve, which doctors measure using something called the Cobb angle. X-rays can also reveal if any bones are fused together or if discs between the vertebrae are worn down.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: An MRI may be ordered if you have symptoms like numbness, weakness, or if your doctor suspects an infection or tumor. MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the spine, nerves and soft tissues.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan gives detailed cross-sectional pictures of your spine. It can provide more information about the bones than an X-ray and is useful when your doctor needs a clearer view of complex spine problems or injuries.

A bone density test, also called a DEXA scan, is used to measure how strong and dense your bones are. This is especially important if you’re at risk for osteoporosis—a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break. When bones in the spine become weak, they can collapse or fracture, which may cause or worsen kyphosis.

The test is quick, painless and noninvasive. During the scan, you lie on a table while a special machine measures bone density, usually in your lower spine and hips. Knowing your bone health helps your doctor decide if treatments like medication, diet changes or lifestyle adjustments are needed to protect your spine and prevent further curving.

Sometimes, kyphosis can press on the nerves running through your spine, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness or pain in your arms or legs. To understand if the nerves are affected, your doctor may order nerve tests.

Two common nerve tests are:

• Electromyography (EMG): This test checks the health of your muscles and the nerves controlling them. Small, thin needles are gently inserted into certain muscles to measure electrical activity when you contract or relax those muscles.
• Nerve conduction studies: This test measures how quickly electrical signals travel through your nerves. Electrodes are placed on your skin and mild electrical pulses are sent through the nerves to see if there’s any delay or blockage.

Both tests help your doctor find out if kyphosis is causing nerve irritation or damage. The results guide treatment decisions and help prevent further nerve problems.