Kyphosis, also known as round-back or Hunchback, is defined by an outward deviation of the spinal column, as evidenced by a hump or rounded upper back. It can be due to degenerative bone diseases, developmental issues, osteoporosis with vertebral compression fractures, or trauma. The cause can also be due to poor posture, intervertebral disk degeneration, or ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis. And the most common symptom of kyphosis is back pain.

It is worth noting that in the most severe cases of spinal cord deviation (kyphosis), a pronounced curvature can not only cause pain and compromise the integrity of the rib cage, resulting in respiratory difficulty, which can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem. Because many people never see themselves from the back, they are often unaware that they have this spine curve. What they are aware of is the pain that is frequently associated with it. Poor posture can be mitigated by a combination of deep-tissue massage and exercises.

Causes of Kyphosis 

  • Muscle imbalance in the upper back and neck.
  • The pecs and the back of the neck muscles are shortened and tight.
  • The muscles in the upper back and back of the shoulders (traps, lats, and rhomboids) are weakened and stretched.
  • Because the sternocleidomastoid muscle is tight and shortened, the jaw protrudes forward.

Symptoms of Kyphosis 

  • Thoracic curve increases
  • Head forward
  • The scapula protrudes
  • Pain, particularly in the thoracic spine area, as well as pain in the neck and shoulders
  • Rhomboids, middle trapezius, and erector spinae are weak and lengthened muscles
  • Upper trapezius, suboccipitals, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid muscles are hypertonic and shortened
  • Pectoralis, subclavius, serratus anterior, and scalene muscles are hypertonic and shortened
  • Sunken chest
  • Breathing is shallow
  • Reduce the range of motion in the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and ribs

Massage Therapy For Kyphosis 

Massage therapy to the upper back and neck can help ease the pain. Also:

  • Stretching and massage techniques for the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck.
  • Exercises to strengthen the muscles in the back of the shoulders.

Manual therapies are recognized for providing efficient and safe solutions for spinal cord deviation, such as kyphosis. The advantages can be on several levels. They include decreased pain, improved circulation, corrected spinal cord alignment, increased joint mobility, muscle lengthening, and adhesion breakdown. It can also improve respiratory function and self-esteem, which are essential factors to consider if you have a spinal cord deviation.

Precautions of Massage Therapy Treatment for Kyphosis

  • Prevent mobilizing hypermobile joints, vertebral segments
  • Avoid using lengthening massage techniques on overstretched or weak tissue.
  • Do not stretch the fascia at random.
  • Osteoporosis patients should avoid vigorous joint play and rib springing.
  • Heat should not be applied to stretched muscles.

Self-Care For Kyphosis 

  • Avoid bad posture and take stretching breaks.
  • Sleeping in a curled position should be avoided.
  • Breathing through the diaphragm
  • Self-massage and shoulder protraction stretch
  • – Work on rhomboids and the mid trapezius.
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So, if you have this type of back curvature, stop working on your pecs (if you have them) and instead focus on strengthening your back muscles. Call us here at Massage Rx and book our popular deep-tissue massage services. We will also provide you with some posture-improving exercises! Reach out to us now to get started! We also provide in-home massage and our well-known lymphatic drainage massage!