What condition does kyphosis refer to?

Kyphosis refers to an excessive curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched or rounded appearance in the upper back. This condition is often associated with a reduction in height due to the compression of the vertebrae as well as changes in the structure of the spine. As the vertebrae become more angled and result in a curved shape, an individual may experience a noticeable loss of height.

While conditions such as bone density loss, joint degeneration, or loss of vision may coexist with kyphosis or contribute to its development, they do not define kyphosis itself. Instead, the characteristic feature of kyphosis is the alteration in spinal alignment that is directly linked to height reduction.