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An excessive forward rounding of the upper back.

Kyphosis usually refers to an irregularly curved spine. In older people, kyphosis is often due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack. Other types of kyphosis can appear in infants or teens due to malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal bones over time.

Some people with kyphosis have back pain and stiffness. Others have no symptoms other than an exaggerated forward rounding of the back.

Serious kyphosis can cause pain and be disfiguring. Treatment may include medicines for pain relief or osteoporosis treatment, physical therapy and sometimes surgery.