Kyphosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to kyphosis — the causes of a rounded upper back and how it is managed.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- The upper back naturally curves outward; kyphosis is an exaggeration of it.
- Postural kyphosis is the most common and most correctable type.
- Structural types (such as Scheuermann's) may need medical monitoring.
What is kyphosis?
Kyphosis is an excessive outward curve of the thoracic (upper) spine, producing a rounded or hunched upper-back appearance.
Some outward curve is normal. Kyphosis becomes a concern when the curve is exaggerated. Postural kyphosis is flexible and correctable; structural kyphosis, such as Scheuermann's disease, involves changes in the vertebrae themselves.
What causes kyphosis?
Kyphosis is most often caused by posture and muscle imbalance, though it can be structural or, in older adults, related to bone changes.
- Postural habits and prolonged forward-leaning positions
- Muscle imbalance — tight chest, weak upper-back muscles
- Scheuermann's disease (a structural form in adolescents)
- Age-related bone changes such as osteoporosis in older adults
What are the symptoms of kyphosis?
The main sign is a rounded upper back, sometimes with upper-back stiffness, aching or forward-head posture.
- Visible rounding of the upper back
- Upper-back or neck stiffness and ache
- Forward-head and rounded-shoulder posture
- Tightness across the chest
How is kyphosis treated?
Postural kyphosis is treated with upper-back and postural strengthening, chest stretching, and posture retraining.
Structural or age-related kyphosis may need medical assessment and, in some cases, monitoring or specialist input alongside conservative care.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for kyphosis is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek assessment
A rapidly increasing curve, significant pain, or kyphosis in an older adult with a history of bone thinning should be medically assessed.
Sciatica FAQs
Can kyphosis be corrected?
Postural kyphosis can often be improved with strengthening and posture retraining. Structural forms are less flexible and may need medical monitoring.
Is a rounded upper back always kyphosis?
Not necessarily. A flexible rounded posture that straightens when you stand tall is usually postural. A fixed curve may be structural and worth assessing.
What exercises help kyphosis?
Exercises that strengthen the upper-back and postural muscles and stretch the chest are commonly used, guided to your specific presentation.
Can physiotherapy help kyphosis?
Yes, especially for postural kyphosis. A tailored strengthening and posture programme is the main approach.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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