It’s true that people get shorter as they age. I’m sure your grandfather used to be over 6 feet tall, right?
One of the causes of this decrease in height is thoracic kyphosis, also known as a rounded upper back.
What Is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis occurs when there is excessive curvature of the spine, eventually causing a hump-like appearance in the upper back.
Between 20 and 40 percent of elderly adults experience kyphosis. The greatest change in the thoracic curve occurs in women between the ages of 50 and 70.
Causes and Treatment
Some of the causes of kyphosis include:
-degenerative changes
-compression fractures
-muscular weakness
-altered biomechanics
Dr. Nick Araza, a chiropractor and wellness practitioner at Santa Barbara Family Chiropractic, says that he associates kyphosis with poor posture and bad movement patterns. He says that just 20 minutes of bad posture can cause negative changes to your spine.
As you spend time in a flexed (bent) position, your head begins to retain a forward position. This causes increased stress and weight on the spine and neck. The head should be directly over the body, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your ears.
By practicing proper posture and engaging in exercises to strengthen the back and neck, you can lighten the load. This will give your spine a break.
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