Posture & Hyperkyphosis Treatment
Professional posture correction and hyperkyphosis relief starts with a one-on-one consultation at our Bend, Oregon chiropractic clinic.
Understanding Posture Problems & Hyperkyphosis
Poor posture and hyperkyphosis are commonly categorized as the same condition while being two distinctly different health problems. Poor posture is the habit of slumping shoulders, head, and neck more forward than usual, referred to as Forward Head Posture.
This is the most common abnormal posture we see at our Bend, Oregon chiropractic clinic. Forward head posture causes muscles in the neck and trapezius area to tighten and become painful, and some studies show it also triggers an increase in headaches and migraines.
What is Hyperkyphosis?
In comparison, hunchback, or hyperkyphosis, occurs when the thoracic spine (middle back) curves backward more than it should. This rounding of the thoracic spine can cause plenty of problems and issues, and it currently affects more than three million people in this country.
It is not healthy for you to live with hyperkyphosis, even though it is somewhat common. Hyperkyphosis can affect individuals of all ages, but is most common in aging adults. Patients with thoracic spine hyperkyphosis usually have multiple symptoms that are closely associated with their posture.
Hyperkyphosis Symptoms May Include:
- Gastric hernias
- Reduced spinal mobility
- Forward head posture
- Inability to sit up straight
- Neck and back pain
- Muscle pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Increased risk of falling
- Spinal compression fractures
- Osteoarthritis
Non-Invasive Treatment at Elevation Spine Center
Posture Treatment
The most effective treatments for poor posture will generally be a combination of corrective exercises, spinal traction, spinal manipulation, and sometimes massage therapy. When used together, these methods can bring about significant results in helping someone improve their natural posture.
At our Bend Oregon chiropractic clinic, we use state-of-the-art posture analysis software that will measure the abnormal posture. This helps us monitor the improvement as we perform corrective chiropractic methods.
Hyperkyphosis Treatment
To diagnose Hyperkyphosis, doctors will perform a thorough physical exam, orthopedic tests, range of motion tests, and precision x-rays. All these techniques will help pinpoint the exact severity of the curvature from which a person is suffering. A true hyperkyphosis case would be one in which the curvature of the spine measures over 50°.
Patients with hyperkyphosis can reduce their spinal curvatures with corrective chiropractic techniques, including the "Mirror-Image" protocols. This will involve doing postural exercises which help to reduce curvature, spinal adjustments that relieve pressure on vertebrae, and thoracic extension traction.
Our Treatment Methods Include:
Postural Analysis Software
State-of-the-art technology to measure and monitor postural improvements throughout treatment.
Mirror-Image Protocols
Specialized corrective techniques designed to reduce spinal curvatures and improve alignment.
Corrective Exercises
Personalized exercise programs to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture.
Thoracic Extension Traction
Specialized traction therapy to decompress the spine and improve thoracic alignment.
Don't Live with Poor Posture or Hyperkyphosis
Bad posture or hyperkyphosis is not something you have to live with, but it can cause some serious health issues if left untreated. Contact us at Elevation Spine Center in Bend, Oregon right away for an initial consultation.