‘Why does my child have a hunched back’
Physiotherapy for Kyphosis in Children and Adolescents in Melbourne
Have you noticed your child’s upper back appearing rounded, their shoulders sitting forward, or a change in their posture?
What is Kyphosis?
Have you noticed your child’s upper back appearing rounded, their shoulders sitting forward, or a change in their posture? Kyphosis refers to an increased forward curve of the upper spine, which can create a rounded or "hunchback" appearance. Kyphosis can occur when changes in posture, muscle strength, flexibility or the structure of the spine contribute to an increased curve.
Kyphosis can generally be classified into two main types:
Postural Kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is the most common type and is related to posture, muscle strength and flexibility. It is often flexible, meaning the curve can improve when your child changes position or is reminded to sit or stand taller.
It may be associated with:
Rounded shoulders
Reduced postural muscle strength
Tightness through the chest or upper back
Poor postural habits
Structural Kyphosis
Structural kyphosis occurs when there are changes to the bones or structure of the spine that create a fixed curve. One common cause is Scheuermann’s disease, which typically develops during periods of growth in adolescence.
While some cases are mild and cause little to no discomfort, others may progress as a child grows, potentially leading to stiffness, muscle fatigue, or back pain. Early identification and monitoring are important to help manage progression and maintain function.
If you are concerned about changes in your child's spinal posture, you may also wish to learn more about scoliosis.
Signs your child may have Kyphosis
You may notice:
Rounded upper back or "hunched" posture
Shoulders that sit forward
Difficulty maintaining an upright posture
Back stiffness or discomfort
Fatigue when sitting or standing for long periods
Changes in posture during growth spurts
Your child appears unable to correct their posture when prompted
If you have concerns about your child's posture or spinal alignment, an assessment can help determine whether this is a normal postural variation or whether further investigation is needed.
How can physiotherapy help?
Our experienced paediatric physiotherapists can assess your child's posture, movement and spinal alignment to help determine the type of kyphosis and the most appropriate management approach.
Postural kyphosis often responds well to physiotherapy, and management includes strengthening your child's core and back muscles, education and management of back pain symptoms.
Structural kyphosis management should include orthopedics; physiotherapy alone cannot correct structural kyphosis. The severity of the curve will impact the course of treatment. Mild curves will be monitored; for more moderate curves bracing may be recommended to help prevent further progression during growth. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered. Our physiotherapists will work together with your medical team to coordinate a treatment plan focusing on monitoring and pain management.
We guide your child through appropriate exercises to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. Our goal is to support your child in remaining active and comfortable, while working alongside other healthcare providers if needed to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes.
Does physiotherapy fix kyphosis?
This depends on the type of kyphosis.
Postural kyphosis often responds well to physiotherapy, including exercises to improve strength, flexibility and postural awareness.
Structural kyphosis is related to changes in the spine itself, meaning physiotherapy cannot straighten the curve. However, physiotherapy can help your child remain strong, comfortable and active while working alongside their medical team.
Does kyphosis get worse as children grow?
Some types of kyphosis remain stable, while others may progress during periods of rapid growth, particularly during adolescence. Early assessment and monitoring can help identify changes and ensure your child receives appropriate support when needed.
The good news:
Many posture-related changes in children and teenagers can be improved with education, exercise and targeted physiotherapy. Early assessment helps identify whether your child's posture is simply a variation or whether further monitoring is needed.