- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Kyphosis, Congenital
May also be called: Roundback or Hunchback
Kyphosis (ki-FO-sis) is an abnormal rounding of the spine that occurs in the upper and middle part of the back. Congenital kyphosis is a result of abnormal spinal development before a baby is born.
More to Know
Several other types of kyphosis also can affect kids and teens:
- Postural kyphosis happens when bones and muscles develop irregularly, possibly due to slouching or poor posture.
- Scheuermann's kyphosis, which can run in families, is caused by the wedging together of several vertebrae in a row and usually is seen in teens.
Kyphosis also can be due to neuromuscular, connective tissue, or endocrine problems.
Usually, mild kyphosis doesn't lead to any problems or need to be treated. Severe and visible cases of kyphosis, however, can be painful, cause problems in the lungs and other organs, or lead to emotional issues. In these cases a back brace, surgery, or physical therapy might be recommended.
Keep in Mind
Kids and teens with kyphosis can lead active, normal lives and usually won't have any restrictions placed on them. Sports and activities don't make kyphosis worse, so even after surgery it's OK for them to be active (while following their doctor's advice on how to do so safely).
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.