Managing a Hyperkyphotic Spine. . .

Clinically, we’ve all seen it: the older patient walking into the clinic hunched over with a Dowager hump and a diagnosis of low back pain.   Despite knowing that this deformity took years to develop, not until recently were there good recommendations on how to treat it.  In the June edition of JOSPT, Katzman et al published clinical commentary on the treatment of this fairly common condition.  They provided some good clinical guidelines for exercise and ADLs in these individuals.  Below is a summary of their guidelines:
  • Extension biased seem to be safest (research by Sinaki et al showed 68% of woman who performed flexion biased exercises developed subsequent fracture vs. 16% who performed extension)
  • Avoid flexion stresses during ADLs; even if they haven’t yet experienced fracture
  • Perform modified classical yoga poses including: stretching into shoulder flexion, quadruped opposite arm/leg, prone trunk extension and lunges with shoulder flexion.
  • Respiratory muscle exercises combined with back extensor strengthening
  • Self mobilization by lying supine on a foam roller

For additional manual, bracing and taping suggestions read:

Katzman WB, Wanek L, Shepherd JA, Sellmeyer DE. Age-Related Hyperkyphosis: Its Causes, Consequences and Management. JOSPT. 40 (6); 352-360.

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Published on Aug 24, 2010
Author: JosephBrence
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Joseph,

Are you in da Burgh??? I am looking to find a good PT there as it’s my hometown and I have lots of peeps that I need to put in good hands. Please reach out to me via my website.

http://www.chrisjohnsonpt.com or via cell 347.433.6789

posted by Christopher Johnson on 08.24.10 at 10:01 pm

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