I have a hunchback.

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Kandeeee

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I'm a teen, and I have kyphosis and it really bothers me. Are there any ways of fixing this? Certain exercises? I really can't sit up straight at all...it's almost impossible for me to do. I talked to my doctor, but hes no help. Thanks!
 
Hey Kandeee,

I too have Kyphosis - it used to really bother me when I was your age (i'm 34 now). I was really self-conscious about it - still am sometimes but my posture has straightend a bit over the years.

There are certain things you can do to help your posture - the best is buying a foam roller and stretching your back, arms, and hamstrings.

A foam roller will run you about $30 BUT IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. One thing you can do until then is roll up about two beach-towels and lay them on a hard surface - then lay on them (length-wise) so your spine is laying right on them. Make sure you head is laying flat on the towel too - stretch your arms back to where you feel you pectoral muscles stretching.

You should also stretch out your hamstrings as much as possible - I thought it was bogus info when I was first told to do that but it really helps. Just sit flat and try and touch your toes or your head to your knee.

Find a physical therapist - they can help with your posture. If your parents have good insurance, it is a life-saver.

There is a surgery route that you could possibly take, but in my opinion, the risks are too great.

Good luck and don't be self-conscious about it!
 
Hi Kandee,
I had kyphosis which started showing up when I was about 11. By 15, my back popped and hurt between my shoulder blades. I went to an orthepedic doctor. I was diagnosed with kyphosis then. They used to do scoliosis checks at school, and I passed these, Not alot was known then about kyphosis, and so early intervention was not available. I was then referred to an orhopedic doctor who specialized in scoliosis and kyphosis. The treatment was and I believe the same still. I wore a back brace for 2 years until I was 18. The braces they make now are much more lightweight and streamlined for people with curvatures of the spine that require more than just physical therapy. PT will really help you. I worked so hard doing my PT that I got out of my brace 6 months early, and then just had to sleep in it. Strengthening your abdomen and lower back is crucial. I did different variations of pelvic tilts that my physical therapist gave me. I also did exercises where you are on your stomach and you keep your arms to your side and raise your upper torso up off the floor. I wouldn't do these exercises without a physical therapist teaching and spotting you to make sure you don't wind up hurting your neck. Now, I use a yoga resistant band that I use with a door. My physical therapist gave me exercises to do and how to do them correctly so that I don't hurt myself. If I do my exercises, I can stand straighter and my pain where the curvature is less painful. If I do not do my PT, I won't be able to raise my head high enough to see much above the floor like a true huncrabroadack. I am glad that you are motivated to get better. I do not understand why your doctor has not offered you more support with this. Did he order any x-rays? That used to be a good diagnostic tool. I am 42 now, but I still see teenagers wearing braces for spine curvatures. I think that PT is so effective that not everyone has to have a brace as well as PT. Keep pursuing a doctor that will treat this. You will feel healthier, and have a healthy back for the rest of your life with diligent exercise. I hope that my additional post helps. I agree with the other response you received PT is vital. Feel free to ask any questions I may not have answered.
TiffanyL:wave:
 
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