Kyphosis - Complications 

Body image

A common complication of kyphosis in older children is that they become concerned or embarrassed about the effect of kyphosis on their appearance or the fact that they have to wear a back brace.

Teenagers are naturally more sensitive and self-conscious about their body image. Anything that makes them 'stand out from the crowd’ can be an issue of concern.

These concerns can affect children in different ways, such as:

• becoming socially withdrawn
• being reluctant to take part in activities that may expose their back or the fact that they have to wear a brace
• they become moody
• they become reluctant to discuss issues around their treatment, or perhaps, argue that they don't need any more treatment

There are no easy answers to these problems. But it can sometimes help if you try to reassure your child that their condition is temporary and will improve with time.

Other complications

Other complications of kyphosis usually only occur in more severe cases. They include:

• persistent pain that can't be controlled with medication
• breathing difficulties that are caused by the spine compressing the lungs and airways

Occasionally, people with kyphosis can have difficulties when the nerves that run through the spine become compressed or pinched. This can disrupt nerve signals and cause symptoms such as:

• a feeling of numbness or weakness in your arms and legs
• problems with your sense of balance
• loss of normal bladder and/or bowel control (urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence)

If you develop these more serious complications then surgery would normally be recommended.

Read more about the surgical treatment of kyphosis.