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Suggest Treatment For Difficulty Bending In A Person With Kyphosis

Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015

Question: My question is a friend of mine has short segment kyphosis on the right side. Now she's feeling pain just doing repetitive reaching forward and above the shoulder on her right arm. She also hurting when she does repetitive bending and twisting with lifting. So can you explain to me why it hurts doing that movement? It also gets worst over time. She strains so easily . Thanks

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
kyphosis is a bending forward

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Kyphosis is an abnormal bending forward of the spine. This abnormal bend can put a strain on muscles and may cause some nerve impingement (binding). Both of these can cause pain. Repetitive movements can cause some inflammation which would may the strain and impingements worse.
Physical therapy to help correct the strain and impingements may be helpful. In severe cases of kyphosis a surgical repair can relieve the pain.
Please let me know if you have further questions
Dr Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)

Does it get worst as you get older? Her pain is constant and some days it gets worse especially when she does repetitive reaching , bending and lifting. I think she did therapy but it did not help. I told her to stop doing those repetitive movement like reaching, bending and lifting at a constant level. She needs to pace herself when doing chores. Is that right? I don't think she want to do surgery. So that's out of the picture. Im really sorry for her .

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it can get worse

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the follow up,
Unfortunately this condition can get worse with age. All of us get some compression of the discs in the back as we age and this can make a condition like kyphosis more pronounced.
It would be good for her to pace herself and limit the movements that cause the most pain. However, she should be sure that she stays active and does stretching. A chiropractor or acupuncturist may be able to help with the pain if she is willing to do that.
Please let me know if you have further questions,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 hours later)

I thought so. Thank you for your response. What kind of doctor or specialist that handles or checks nerve impingement ? She's been to an ortho. He just told her she has short segment kyphosis. He knows what hurts her but that's about it. He limit her movement but in reality once it hurts , it only gets worse until she stops what's she doing to lessen her pain. Thanks again. Can she go to a podiatrist ?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Neurologist or neurosurgeon would be next

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Podiatrist could help if she has foot problems. Other options would be to see an orthopedist that specializes in the spine or to have her see a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 hours later)

Thanks , I don't know what podiatrist is. Thanks. Is there such thing as pain doctor?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are pain management specialists. That is an option if her pain is severe and not being controlled by her regular doctors.
Yes, podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle problems only.
Best wishes,
Dr. Robinson

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar