Kyphosis treatment - Dowagers hump treatment

Kyphosis treatment available for those with back humps due to Osteoporosis.

Background information:

When a person with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia suffers a 'wedge fracture' of vertebrae, the front edge of the vertebrae tip forward and a hump appears on the back. The condition is commonly called 'dowagers hump'.

Having a dowagers hump makes for some problems:

1. There is often pain when the fracture first happens.
2. Back and/or neck muscles often tire easily.
3. It is difficult to get clothing to fitwell.
4. Balance is often affected and so the person is becomes less steady.
5. Sometimes the person begins to withdraw from activites or events s/he used to enjoy.

Three main treatments for Kyphosis

The first is an exercise program developed by the Mayo Institute. This includes using 'weighted vests'. (As soon as I get a copy of the research report on this program, I shall add more information.)

The second is a non-surgical procedure called, Vertebroplasty

The third is Kyphoplasty, a surgical procedure to inject a special cement into the vertebrae so as to raise the affected vertebrae to their normal height. If you want to learn more about this technique, go to Kyphoplasty