Symptoms of SPINAL KYPHOSIS

School screening programs often are the first to notice scoliosis. The symptoms that teenagers often complain of include the cosmetic deformity of a rounded back, or pain combined with poor posture. The doctor may ask the child to bend forward so that he or she can see the slope of the spine. X-rays of the spine will show if there are any bony abnormalities, and will enable the doctor to measure the degree of the curve. When the curvature of the spine is greater than 50 degrees, it is considered abnormal. In adults, destructive lesions may lead to pain over the affected area. If there is associated compression of the underlying nerves or spinal cord, neurological problems can develop. These can consist of weakness, numbness, tingling and problems with urinating or bowel movement. Due to the abnormal posture, the muscles must continuously hold the deformed spine upwards. In addition, adjacent sections of the spine extend backwards more than normal. Both of these conditions lead to muscle pains and aches.