Increased thoracic kyphosis – (Scheuermanns or degenerative kyphosis) is a condition that stems from either a laxity of spinal ligaments or deformity of the vertebra in the youth or degenerative wear and tear in the older adult. In all cases, the spinal curve of the mid-back becomes greater than normal (normal is 20-40 degrees). As the curve increases, the abnormal alignment has to be compensated for by increasing the curves in the neck and lower back. This causes pain and premature wear in those areas.
About the Author: Donald Corenman, MD, DC
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.