Dr. Devaraj a/l Pancharatnam is amongst the most leading and well-known Neurosurgeon in Malaysia. At present, he is working at Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor. With experience of more than 18 years, he specializes in the treatment of Spine Surgery. His special interest areas include treatment of Brain tumors, Stroke, Radiosurgery, Neurorehabilitation, Vascular Malformation, Radiosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, etc. Dr. Devaraj a/l Pancharatnam completed MBBS and Masters in Surgery from the University of Malaya, Malaysia. He also received FRCS in Neurosurgery from Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery from Royal College of Surgeons of England, and FRCS in Neurosurgery.
Kyphosis
It is a spinal condition where the spine curves outward more than it should. Because of this, the upper back looks overly rounded. People look hunched or slouching due to the curvature. The spine has natural curves that support our posture and help us stand straight. But excessive curvature affects the posture and makes standing difficult.
Types Of Kyphosis
- Postural Kyphosis
The most common type of kyphosis is postural kyphosis that happens during the teenage years when slouching or poor posture stretches the ligaments and muscles holding the vertebrae.
- Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
Named after the radiologist who identified the condition that happens when the vertebrae differ in shape. Instead of being rectangular, the vertebrae are in a wedge shape. Due to the wedge-shaped bones curve forward making the spine look rounded.
- Congenital Kyphosis
Congenital is a condition since birth. People suffering from congenital kyphosis are born with a spine that didn’t develop properly before birth.
Causes
The explanation for kyphosis depends on the type:
- Postural: Poor posture, carrying heavy bags, leaning back in chairs.
- Scheuermann’s: Issue with the spine’s structure.
- Congenital: Problem that developed in the spine since birth.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath or other breathing trouble due to the pressing spine against the airways.
- Balance problems.
- Bladder or bowel incontinence.
- Stiffness or pain in the back and shoulder blades.
- Numb, tingling weak legs.
- Extreme fatigue.
How Is Kyphosis Diagnosed?
A scoliosis screening at college is when a provider first notices a child’s kyphosis. The adolescents or their parents might notice a rounding of the spine. You should see your healthcare provider for an entire diagnosis.
A healthcare provider will do a physical exam to seem at the spine. The provider may ask you to undertake to the “Adam’s forward bend test.” you're asked to bend forward with feet together, knees straight, and arms hanging free. This test helps the provider see the spine curve or the other spine problems, like scoliosis.
You may have a spine X-ray to live the curve of the spine. A provider will diagnose kyphosis if the curve is bigger than 50 degrees.
What Other Tests Might I Need?
Your provider can also search for other conditions which will contribute to kyphosis For instance in elder people Parkinson’s disease can contribute to kyphosis.
If you've got a severe curve, your provider might want to try to a pulmonary function test to live how well your lungs are working. A severe curve can also compress your medulla spinalis. Your provider may notice signs of medulla spinalis compression, like numbness, tingling, bladder or bowel incontinence, and poor balance. They may order an MRI to urge a more detailed check out your spine.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options For Kyphosis
For people with postural kyphosis and Scheuermann kyphosis non-surgical options can help if the curve is less than 75 degrees.
Treatment options include:
- Monitoring the curve
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication
- Back brace
Conclusion
If kyphosis causes severe pain that interferes with your life, surgery can help. A surgical procedure can help to reduce the curvature and relieve symptoms. For other details about the surgery contact one of the best Neurosurgeon Dr. Devaraj a/l Pancharatnam at Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor.
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