Exercise as it relates to Disease/Exercise for prevention and treatment of Kyphosis

Kyphosis
The spine has a natural curvature and excessive curvature can be detrimental to an individual, excessive curvature can be in the form of scoliosis, lordosis or Kyphosis. Kyphosis is the curvature within the thoracic region. Kyphosis can be split into two sub categories Hyperkyphosis: Excessive anterior-posterior curvature of the thoracic spine ≥40 degrees. Hypokyphosis: Insufficient anterior-posterior curvature of the thoracic spine ≤20 degrees.

Predisposition
There are multiple different genetic characteristics, diseases and other conditions that predispose an individual to kyphosis, including:

Physiological Assessment
To assess if an individual has kyphosis, they individual should visit a professional (Physiotherapist). There is a variety of assessments that can be used to deterime kyphosis and extent of kyphosis, these include:
 * Visual Inspection,
 * X-Ray,
 * Photography,
 * Inclinometry,
 * Flexicurve
 * Passive physiological intervertebral movements,
 * Tragus to wall distance,
 * Occiput to wall distance,
 * Temporomandibular joint to wall distance,

with visual inspection and x-ray being the two most commonly used assessments.

Consequences
Kyphosis can have detrimental effects on the body, affecting the musculosketal, neuromuscular and respiratory system and increased mortality. Kyphosis reduces the overall quality of an individual’s life due to the affects it can have on day to day activities including: As the angle of kyphosis increases, the consequences become more prominent, making prevention and treatment of kyphosis a high priority to minimize the extent of effects it has on the body.
 * Poor balance,
 * Difficultly climbing stairs,
 * Difficultly completing house work,
 * PAIN.

Exercise
Exercise has been proven to help improve and prevent kyphosis, it helps to decrease the kyphosis angle, and improve the consequences caused from kyphosis. An exercise program for kyphosis usually involves: An exercise program is usually done at least 3 times a week over an 8 week to 6 month period to ensure results. Exercises can be done on either land or water, as both land and water strengthening and stretching exercises have a beneficial effect on kyphosis. The theory behind preventing and treating kyphosis by exercising is to stretch and strengthen the muscles along the backside of the spinal column, increase the mobility and stability of the spinal column and muscles and re-educating the postal muscles. Individuals with kyphosis wishing to improve their conditions through exercise should seek professional help to have a exercise plan made specifically for their condition, due to kyphosis having detrimental consequences like increased risk of spinal fractures and increased risk of falls so require a particular exercises to be left out from their exercise routines.

Other treatments/Preventions

 * Medications
 * Joint mobilization
 * Soft tissue mobilization
 * Bracing
 * Surgery

Recommended Readings

 * http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001240.htm
 * http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/types-of-spine-curvature-disorders
 * http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kyphosis/basics/definition/con-20026732
 * http://body-disease.com/deformities-of-the-spine-lordosis-kyphosis-and-scoliosis/
 * http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spinal-deformities/scheuermanns-disease-thoracic-and-lumbar-spine