Dr. John D. Lipani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who practices neurosurgery in New Jersey. Dr. Lipani performs image-guided brain surgery and complex and minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Lipani specializes in kyphosis treatment. Kyphosis occurs when there is an abnormal curvature of the spine. This exaggerated rounding of the back usually develops over time and therefore is more common in mid to late years. Although many cases of kyphosis do not cause major problems, other causes may be quite debilitating.
Kyphosis occurs when vertebrae in the neck or lower back degenerate and become more wedge-shaped. This eventually results in reversal of the normal lordotic curve in these areas. Kyphosis can also be caused by a variety of other medical issues such as osteoporosis, disc degeneration, Scheuermann’s disease, birth defects and cancer. There are three main types of abnormal kyphosis including postural kyphosis, Scheuermann’s kyphosis and congenital kyphosis. Postural kyphosis is caused by poor posture and weakened muscles and ligaments in the back. Scheuermann’s kyphosis is caused by structural deformity of the vertebrae and congenital kyphosis is caused by abnormal development of the vertebrae during prenatal development.
Mild cases of kyphosis may not trigger any kyphosis symptoms. Common kyphosis symptoms include poor posture, for example, in the shape of a hunchback appearance, back pain, muscle fatigue and a stiff back. If you are dealing with a more serious abnormal kyphosis, your kyphosis can progress and cause an exaggerated hunchback shape. Rare cases of kyphosis symptoms include compression of the spinal cord, weakness, sensory deficit, bowel and/or bladder deficit or even cardiac problems.
Kyphosis that causes progressive symptoms may require surgical intervention to prevent further neurologic impairment and decline. Dr. Lipani provides definitive surgical treatment for symptomatic kyphosis in an effort to restore spinal stability and to prevent further neurologic decline.
For more information on kyphosis treatment, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
