In kyphosis, there is excessive outward curvature of the spine in the chest area, sometimes causing back pain.
Kyphosis is common in children and usually corrects itself as the child grows.
In adults, kyphosis is typically due to poor posture, weakening of the vertebrae usually caused by osteoporosis , or obesity.
In scoliosis, the spine is curved to the left or right, most commonly in the chest area or lower back region.
It may cause leaning to one side and sometimes back pain.
Scoliosis usually starts in childhood or adolescence and tends to become progressively worse until growth stops. Treatment is similar for all types of spinal curvature.
Mild cases can often be treated with pain relievers and physical therapy. Severe cases may be treated with a spinal brace and surgery to straighten the spine.
