Cervical Kyphosis is the name given to an abnormal curvature of the spine. Broadly speaking, if the cervical spine was denoted by the letter “C”, then the open portion of the letter would be in the front of the spine as opposed to the back of the spine.
The primary presenting features of cervical kyphosis are significantly variable and depend on the severity of the condition. An individual with Cervical Kyphosis will have visible changes of shape in the neck. The range of motion of the neck will also be restricted as a result of Cervical Kyphosis.
The affected individual may also experience neck pain as a result of this condition. Additionally, an individual with Cervical Kyphosis will have weakness in grip along with numbness and tingling in the upper extremities.
Is Cervical Kyphosis Painful?
The answer to this question is Cervical Kyphosis in some cases is painful. The pain is quite variable and can range from a simple nuisance to severe deformity that can be extremely painful. If Cervical Kyphosis is left untreated it may also lead to paralysis. An individual with Cervical Kyphosis will have mechanical neck pain, especially if it is caused by degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.
If the kyphotic deformity is severe then it starts putting pressure on the nerves which can cause radiating pain down the neck into the upper extremities along with numbness and tingling. There may also be weakness of the upper and lower extremities. The affected individual may also have bowel and bladder dysfunction as a result of Cervical Kyphosis.
In conclusion, Cervical Kyphosis causes pain which may range from mild to severe. The severity of the pain depends on the extent of the deformity and whether the deformity is progressive or fixed.
In cases of a fixed Cervical Kyphosis, there is minimal pain with no worsening of the condition. However, in cases of a progressive deformity the condition continues to worsen and the individual will experience significant pain and restriction of range of motion of the neck as a result of Cervical Kyphosis.
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