US Medical Term · conditions
Kyphosis
Cifosis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Kyphosis |
| Spanish (Español) | Cifosis |
| Chinese (中文) | 脊椎後凸 |
| Korean (한국어) | 척추후만증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Gù lưng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kyphosis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Cifose |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กระดูกสันหลังโก่ง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 後弯症 |
What it means
Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back, commonly called a hunchback or hump. A small degree of rounding is normal, but pronounced kyphosis causes a noticeable curve that can lead to back pain, stiffness, and fatigue. In older adults it is often linked to osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures. In adolescents, Scheuermann's kyphosis involves structural wedge-shaped vertebrae. Poor posture can cause flexible kyphosis in younger people. Treatment ranges from physical therapy and posture exercises to bracing in adolescents, and surgery when the curve is severe or progressive and causing neurological symptoms.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My upper back is rounding forward and I was told I have kyphosis.
Mi espalda alta se está curvando hacia adelante y me dijeron que tengo cifosis.
I have kyphosis due to osteoporosis and fractured vertebrae in my spine.
Tengo cifosis por osteoporosis y fracturas en las vértebras de mi columna.
Can physical therapy improve my posture and reduce the kyphosis curve?
¿Puede la fisioterapia mejorar mi postura y reducir la curva de la cifosis?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
M40 Kyphosis and lordosisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026