What is the Best Back Support for Kyphosis?

The right back support for kyphosis can improve comfort and posture in a chair, but with so many braces and posture supports available, it’s hard to know which option is best for you.

In this guide we look at the different factors that cause kyphosis, and the different types of back supports available for kyphosis, including kyphotic spine braces and specialist chairs.

Jump straight to…

• • • What is Kyphosis?
    • What Happens if Kyphosis is Left Untreated?
    • Can I Reverse my Kyphosis?
    • What is the Best Back Support for Kyphosis?
    • Conclusion
    • FAQs

What is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is an excessive forward curve of the spine that makes the upper back look rounded or hunched. This can cause stiffness, discomfort and reduced mobility, as well as postural issues when sitting.

It can be caused by postural issues or spinal deformities where the vertebrae change shape.

Postural kyphosis is generally less than a 50 degree forward curve, and caused by poor sitting posture or lack of postural support which leads to a hunched sitting profile, in the thoracic (mid) or cervical (neck) area.

Structural forms of kyphosis can originate from diseases like Scheuermann’s disease, osteoporosis or from a congenital defect.

What Happens if Kyphosis is Left Untreated?

If kyphosis is left untreated, it can develop into a severe curve greater than 50 degrees that can become harder to reverse.

This can lead to a range of symptoms, such as back pain, stiffness, difficulty lifting the head up and breathing difficulties.

It’s important to determine whether a rounded back is as a result of poor posture and back support, or conditions such as Scheuermann’s disease or osteoporosis. This should be advised by a doctor or other health professional like a physiotherapist, and will affect what kind of treatment is needed.

Can I Reverse my Kyphosis?

This depends on its cause, because a postural kyphosis can be reversed with physiotherapy and postural improvements, whereas structural kyphosis may not be reversable due to changes to the shape of the vertebrae. Osteoporosis can cause the vertebrae to become wedge-shaped, due to weakening of the bone and compression fractures.

Different treatments may be used to reverse kyphosis such as physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, specialist seating, spinal bracing or surgery for severe cases. The aim isn’t necessarily to make the spine straight again, but reduce the curve and improve comfort and mobility.

What Not to do With Kyphosis

Try to avoid forcing the spine into a straighter position if painful, or using postural corrector braces without getting professional advice first.

Keeping as mobile as possible is important, although this might not be possible for everyone. For those that can, having a chair that assists with standing is important to make mobility as easy as possible.

Does Kyphosis Get Worse With Age?

Kyphosis can progress with age, particularly when due to age related issues like osteoporosis or decompression of the spinal discs.

It can make everyday activities more difficult and in some cases can affect the chest and restrict breathing.

What is the Best Back Support for Kyphosis?

There is no one type of back support that is right for everyone. The most appropriate type depends on the severity and cause of the kyphotic curve, age and mobility levels.

Backrests

For someone with kyphosis, a standard flat or firm backrest may not provide enough support.

Waterfall backrests with stacked and movable cushions can be adjusted to accommodate the kyphotic curve, as well as a lateral support cushion for sideways support.

Waterfall lateral backrest – Lento Care Chair

Tilt in Space

Tilt in space uses gravity to tilt the patient back in the chair, helping relax the neck and shoulder muscles and counteract a forward curve. It also helps to redistribute pressure away from the protruding area of the spine, reducing the risk of pressure sores.

Lento Mobile Riser Recliner Chair

The combination of tilt in space with a waterfall backrest is particularly helpful for moderate kyphosis, and comes as standard on the Lento Mobile Riser Recliner chair. The individual waterfall backrest cushions can be adjusted in depth and repositioned with the magnetic attachments, to support the spine as much as possible.

Lento Mobile Riser Recliner

Head and Neck Support

People with a pronounced kyphotic lean may also benefit from tailored head and neck support as well as the backrest.

Lento Cove Care Chair

This is available in the Lento Cove Care Chair, with the highly configurable SpineSupporter backrest that can be adjusted to accommodate any spinal deformity. The shaped head section has deep cushioning and can be moved side to side, and forwards and backwards for perfect placement. Each side of the head cushion has five points of adjustment so it can be shaped around the contours of the head.

Lento Cove Care Chair

Does a Back Brace Help With Kyphosis?

A back brace can help in certain situations but isn’t suitable for everyone.

A kyphotic spine brace may be recommended for children and younger adults with Scheuermann’s kyphosis, as it can help guide the development of the spine while it is still growing.

With adults, a brace may provide support, but doesn’t generally correct a structural spinal curve.

How Long Does it Take to Correct Kyphosis?

The length of treatment depends on the type of kyphosis, age and whether it is flexible or structural. Postural kyphosis can be gradually improved with the right sitting posture, exercises and physiotherapy.

Often treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining healthy levels of posture and mobility, rather than trying to correct the kyphotic curve.

If someone is uncomfortable sliding forwards or slouching in the chair with a posterior pelvic tilt, getting the right back support for kyphosis will help achieve a more comfortable and sustainable posture.

Conclusion

The best back support for kyphosis depends on the individual and the cause and severity of their spinal curve. Adjustable backrests, tilt-in-space positioning and tailored head and neck support can help improve comfort and posture.

For some people, a back brace may also be recommended, but professional advice should be sought first. The right specialist seating can support a more comfortable and sustainable sitting position, even when the spinal curve cannot be fully corrected.