Khaberni - Shoulder hunching, forward head tilt, and back curvature are conditions that may be linked to some elderly people, but can also affect younger individuals due to factors including bending over to watch screens.
The "hunched back" or "hump" is a term for a condition of bending when the curvature exceeds the normal limit, more than 40 degrees. In more severe cases, this can lead to pain, weakness in movement and physical functions, or decreased quality of life, and is called "hyperkyphosis".
Spinal Column Position
A healthy spine is characterized by an elongated S-shape, so a slight curve in the upper part of the spine is completely normal. According to the "Independent", common causes for excessive back curvature include poor posture. This type, known as postural kyphosis, typically develops over time due to muscle imbalance, especially among young people who spend hours:
• Bending over a desk.
• Bending over a chair.
• Looking at their phone.
Fortunately, this type of curvature is often treatable with appropriate exercises, stretching, and awareness of healthy body posture. Older people often suffer from back curvature, known as age-related kyphosis or hyperkyphosis, due to spinal wear, including vertebral compression fractures, which are small cracks in the spine bones. These cracks often occur due to osteoporosis as one ages.
In these cases, it's not just about poor body posture, but a structural change in the spine.
Age-related Kyphosis
Signs of age-related hyperkyphosis include:
• Back curvature even when trying to stand straight.
• Pain or stiffness in the back.
• Height loss (i.e., a height loss of more than 3-4 centimeters compared to the maximum height in adulthood may be considered outside the "normal" aging range).
Other Causes
Kyphosis can develop early in growth due to congenital reasons, and there are several types of it, such as Scheuermann's kyphosis, which usually develops during adolescence, and congenital kyphosis, which is present from birth. In addition to these structural conditions, arthritis and, in rare cases, injuries or infections of the spine, may also play a role.
Consulting a Doctor
Consultation is necessary when noticing back curvature, experiencing persistent back pain, or observing a decline in height over time.
To prevent back curvature, it is essential to maintain bone strength, muscle activity, and proper body posture, through methods including:
• Regularly performing resistance exercises, especially for the upper back muscles.
• Ensuring adequate intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support the health of bones and muscles.
• Pay attention to your body posture while sitting and standing. Keep your head above your shoulders and your shoulders above your hips. This reduces the pressure on your spine.
