Is there such a thing as chronic kyphosis?

[Corcaigh08]

Hi all,

Is there such a thing as chronic kyphosis ?

I have chronic cervical and upper thoracic pain with the last 2 yrs: I do have some kyphosis - no lordosis. The kyphosis isnt actue, but the effects are!!

Having gone through a series of MRI scans, countless physios etc I am still looking for resolutions with it. - Thankfully, being only 26, a sports fanatic & very active the more movement the better but having a succesful target driven office based job (Which, i love) means any strengthening exercise / treatment is counter balanced and the pain continues 2 yrs down the line.

Even with daily stott pilates exercises and plenty of exercise & fresh air, the pain particularly around the shoulderblades and upper thoracic area generally is always acute and the nerve pain sometimes unbearable - Although I have a natural positive outlook and am a fixer rather than a complainer: I cant help but wonder has anyone come across it before? Will it ever go away or should the desk job be traded in to have any chance at a pain-free state? Or what is the best strengthening exercise out there

[Heidi]

Hi,

The reason for a kyphosis, if not structural (which all your scans would have said) is related to muscle imbalances, which I am sure your physio's have told you.

There is no real reason for you to give up your office job....but you do need to make sure that you have a good desk set-up and think about posture.

As well as your exerices, have you had any massage to the upper back and chest muscles? This can really help to ease the pain, especially when tight muscles due to the pore posture are causing nerve impingement

[Corcaigh08]

Thanks for your response Heidi-

Indeed, I have bi-weekly acupunture / acupressure massage on my back and neck and thats after trying physio after physio but not really getting much relief from it, or only very short term relief..
I do attend a phsyio who manipultes my spine twice / 3 times a year when it does flares up.
I have been able to manage the pain to a bearable level most of the time, but that is like a full time job in itself with daily pilates & keeping it active & regular massage / physio..
I completlely agree about posture and work erogenomics - I am working on that!!