A hunched figure is increasingly reflected in the mirror, with shoulders betraying you by slumping forward. Many attribute this to fatigue or a sedentary job, unaware that what seems like a simple slouch could actually mask a serious medical issue. This is a pathological curvature of the upper spine, which specialists refer to as the “silent epidemic” of the digital age. This condition not only affects posture, but also undermines physical health and psychological well-being, impacting both teenagers and adults alike.
Causes of curvature: from gadgets to age-related changes
The development of excessive curvature in the thoracic spine is caused by a combination of factors. Among younger people, the main cause is postural deformation. Prolonged sitting in an incorrect position, especially when using smartphones and computers, leads to muscles becoming accustomed to the wrong posture, causing the back to round. In some cases, adolescents are diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease—a structural change in the vertebrae that requires closer attention. For older adults, the situation is different. Here, degenerative processes come to the forefront: wear and tear of intervertebral discs, arthrosis, and, especially in postmenopausal women, osteoporosis. Bone fragility due to osteoporosis can result in compression fractures of the vertebrae, which can literally “collapse,” worsening the curvature. Risk factors that accelerate the development of this problem include a sedentary lifestyle, muscle weakness, low bone mass, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms: when pain is just the beginning
The symptoms of this condition depend directly on the degree of deformity and its underlying cause. Most often, patients complain of a dull ache in the middle of the back, a feeling of stiffness, and rapid muscle fatigue. Many find it difficult to maintain an upright posture for extended periods. However, if the curvature becomes more pronounced, the consequences can be much more serious. In advanced cases, chest deformity may lead to breathing difficulties and even digestive problems due to pressure on internal organs. The emotional aspect should not be overlooked either. Visible changes in appearance, especially during adolescence, often lead to insecurity, low self-esteem, and social isolation. For older adults, a “hump” can become a symbol of aging and physical frailty, which negatively impacts their overall psychological well-being.
Modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment
The first step towards a healthy back is a visit to a specialist. The doctor performs a visual examination, assesses posture, and evaluates spinal mobility. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the angle of curvature, a lateral X-ray is used. With the special Cobb method, doctors measure the degree of curvature, which helps classify the condition and choose the right approach. Depending on the situation, additional tests might be needed, such as MRI or densitometry to assess bone density. The approach to therapy varies significantly. If the deformation is functional or postural (often seen in young people), treatment is based on therapeutic exercise to strengthen the muscle corset and correcting daily habits. In cases involving structural changes, such as Scheuermann’s disease or osteoporotic fractures, orthopedic corsets may be used. Their purpose is to restrain the progression of the deformity in adolescents during growth or provide support and reduce pain in adults. Surgery is considered only in extreme cases: when the curvature angle exceeds 70–75 degrees, there is unbearable chronic pain, or neurological complications arise. Spinal fixation surgery is a serious procedure with its own risks, so the decision to proceed is made carefully.
The key to preventing the development of this condition lies in proactive measures that should begin in early childhood. Teaching proper posture at the desk, monitoring the time spent with the head bent over a screen, and engaging in regular physical activity form the foundation of a healthy spine. For adults, it is important to pay attention to their bodies, not to ignore the first signs, and to do exercises to strengthen the back muscles. For the elderly, maintaining bone health and preventing falls are of utmost importance to avoid fractures that lead to deformity.
