Care is the cornerstone of our practice

Visit our Location
11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 105,
El Paso, TX 79936
Give us a Call
+1 (915) 412-6680
Send us a Message
support@chiromed.com
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 7 AM - 7 PM
Fri - Sun: Closed

Tag: back pain

ChiroMedBlogback pain
By admin 0 Comments Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), Chiropractic Care , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Insights on Kyphosis & Treatment Approaches

Discover effective treatment approaches for kyphosis, its causes and symptoms while enhancing your posture today.

Introduction

How often do you catch yourself slouching after hours at a desk or scrolling through your phone? Do you experience persistent neck strain, shoulder tightness, or upper back discomfort? While many people recognize poor posture as an annoyance, few realize that long-term postural dysfunction can contribute to kyphosis—a spinal condition characterized by excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine.

As a nurse practitioner with 20 years of experience in physical medicine and musculoskeletal health, I have seen firsthand how kyphosis affects both young and older adults, often leading to pain, mobility limitations, and even systemic complications. With a background that includes chiropractic care integration, I emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to kyphosis treatment, focusing on conservative therapies that address spinal alignment, muscle strength, and postural control.

This article explores the environmental causes of kyphosis, its impact on the musculoskeletal system, and evidence-based treatment strategies, including chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and postural rehabilitation.

What is Kyphosis? Understanding the Spinal Deformity

Kyphosis refers to an excessive anterior curvature of the thoracic spine, exceeding 40 degrees. While a mild thoracic curve is normal, excessive kyphosis can lead to visible postural changes, musculoskeletal pain, and even respiratory or gastrointestinal complications in severe cases.

Types of Kyphosis

There are several classifications of kyphosis, each with distinct causes:

  • Postural Kyphosis: The most common type, usually seen in adolescents and office workers, resulting from prolonged slouching and weak spinal musculature.
  • Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: A more rigid spinal deformity due to wedge-shaped vertebrae, typically diagnosed in teenagers.
  • Osteoporotic Kyphosis: Common in older adults due to vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis.
  • Congenital Kyphosis: A rare condition present from birth due to abnormal vertebral development.

If left untreated, kyphosis can progressively worsen, leading to significant postural, neurological, and functional impairments.

Environmental Factors Contributing to Kyphosis

While genetic predisposition plays a role in kyphosis development, environmental and lifestyle factors significantly contribute to the condition. Understanding these risk factors can help with prevention and early intervention.

1. Poor Posture & Prolonged Sedentary Behavior

Chronic slouching, improper ergonomics, and excessive screen time encourage adaptive shortening of the anterior muscles (pectorals and upper abdominals) while weakening the posterior chain (erector spinae and scapular stabilizers). This imbalance reinforces thoracic kyphosis over time.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle & Weak Core Stability

A lack of functional movement and spinal stabilization exercises leads to postural instability, increasing the likelihood of kyphotic progression. A weak core and underactive back extensors contribute to poor spinal support, leading to excessive forward bending of the thoracic spine.

3. Heavy Backpacks & Improper Lifting Mechanics

In children and adolescents, carrying overweight backpacks can accelerate kyphotic posture by exerting excessive downward pressure on the spine. Similarly, incorrect lifting mechanics in adults (e.g., repetitive forward bending with poor lumbar support) increase spinal stress, contributing to degenerative kyphosis.

4. Osteoporosis & Age-Related Bone Loss

Older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, are at a higher risk of developing osteoporotic kyphosis due to decreased bone density. Compression fractures in the thoracic vertebrae can lead to irreversible spinal deformity, making early bone health management critical.

5. Spinal Injuries & Degenerative Disc Disease

Trauma, herniated discs, and chronic spinal degeneration can disrupt normal vertebral alignment, leading to structural kyphosis. Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs contribute to spinal instability, loss of disc height, and increased forward curvature of the thoracic spine.

Symptoms & Effects of Kyphosis on the Musculoskeletal System

Kyphosis not only alters spinal alignment but also leads to cascading effects throughout the musculoskeletal system. Depending on severity, symptoms may range from mild discomfort to functional disability.

Common Symptoms of Kyphosis

–Upper Back Pain & Stiffness: Chronic discomfort, particularly between the shoulder blades and mid-thoracic region.
–Limited Mobility & Flexibility: A rigid thoracic spine reduces spinal extension, affecting overall movement.
–Neck & Shoulder Tension: Forward head posture and rounded shoulders cause excessive strain on the cervical spine, leading to cervicogenic headaches and referred pain.
–Muscle Fatigue & Weakness: Over time, kyphotic posture weakens the paraspinal muscles, reducing spinal endurance.
–Breathing & Digestive Issues: Severe kyphosis can compress the thoracic cavity, leading to restricted lung expansion and impaired digestion.

Neuromuscular Impact of Kyphosis

Cervical Involvement: Increased kyphotic curvature forces cervical hyperextension, straining the posterior neck muscles and contributing to occipital headaches, vertigo, and TMJ dysfunction.

Thoracic & Lumbar Impact: Kyphosis can trigger compensatory hyperlordosis in the lumbar spine, increasing stress on the lower back and contributing to disc degeneration and sciatic symptoms.

Biomechanical Dysfunction: Altered gait mechanics, hip instability, and reduced balance have been observed in patients with significant kyphotic curvature (Lorbergs et al., 2017).

Understanding Long-Lasting Injuries- Video

Effective Treatment Approaches for Kyphosis

1. Chiropractic Care for Kyphosis Management

Chiropractic therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for managing kyphosis-related pain and improving spinal alignment. Research has shown that chiropractic spinal manipulation can improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance postural stability (Norton et al., 2022).

Key Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments:

1Spinal Realignment: Chiropractic adjustments restore normal vertebral positioning and reduce excessive thoracic curvature.
–Improved Postural Control: Chiropractic care strengthens postural awareness, spinal mobility, and core stability.
–Reduced Muscle Tension & Nerve Compression: Manual therapy alleviates trigger points, myofascial restrictions, and nerve impingements contributing to kyphotic discomfort.
 –Enhanced Flexibility & Range of Motion: Stretching techniques combined with spinal mobilization restore thoracic extension and shoulder mobility.

2. Physical Therapy & Postural Rehabilitation

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in strengthening the posterior chain, improving spinal stability, and reinforcing proper movement mechanics.

–Thoracic Extension Exercises (e.g., foam rolling, wall angels)
– Core Stabilization & Strength Training (e.g., dead bugs, planks)
– Scapular Retraction & Strengthening (e.g., rows, reverse flys)
–Cervical & Lumbar Postural Corrections

3. Bracing for Kyphosis Correction

In adolescents with Scheuermann’s kyphosis, bracing can help prevent worsening curvature during growth phases.

4. Postural Ergonomics & Lifestyle Modifications

– Ergonomic Workstations: Maintaining neutral spine alignment while sitting reduces kyphotic strain.
– Daily Mobility Exercises: Incorporating yoga, Pilates, or spinal decompression exercises can improve flexibility.
– Weight Management & Bone Health Optimization: Vitamin D, calcium supplementation, and weight-bearing exercises support spinal integrity.

Final Thoughts: Addressing Kyphosis Proactively

Kyphosis is a progressive condition that requires early intervention and a multidisciplinary treatment approach. By combining chiropractic adjustments, targeted physical therapy, and ergonomic modifications, patients can significantly reduce pain, improve posture, and enhance spinal function.

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic

We associate with certified medical providers who implement the importance of the causes and symptoms of kyphosis. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate small changes into their daily routine to reduce the effects of kyphosis from affecting the cervical and thoracic areas. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

References

Fortner, M. O., Oakley, P. A., & Harrison, D. E. (2017). Treating ‘slouchy’ (hyperkyphosis) posture with chiropractic biophysics((R)): a case report utilizing a multimodal mirror image((R)) rehabilitation program. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1475-1480. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1475

Jenkins, H. J., Downie, A. S., Fernandez, M., & Hancock, M. J. (2021). Decreasing thoracic hyperkyphosis – Which treatments are most effective? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, 56, 102438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102438

Lam, J. C., & Mukhdomi, T. (2025). Kyphosis. In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32644371

Lorbergs, A. L., Murabito, J. M., Jarraya, M., Guermazi, A., Allaire, B. T., Yang, L., Kiel, D. P., Cupples, L. A., Bouxsein, M. L., Travison, T. G., & Samelson, E. J. (2017). Thoracic Kyphosis and Physical Function: The Framingham Study. J Am Geriatr Soc, 65(10), 2257-2264. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15038

Norton, T. C., Oakley, P. A., & Harrison, D. E. (2022). Improving the cervical lordosis relieves neck pain and chronic headaches in a pediatric: a Chiropractic Biophysics((R)) (CBP((R))) case report with a 17-month follow-up. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 34(1), 71-75. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.34.71

Oakley, P. A., Gage, W. H., Harrison, D. E., & Mochizuki, G. (2024). Non-surgical reduction in thoracolumbar kyphosis and sagittal vertical axis corresponding with improved sensorimotor control in an older adult with spinal deformity: a Chiropractic Biophysics((R)) case report. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 36(11), 756-764. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.36.756

Ogura, Y., Dimar, J. R., Djurasovic, M., & Carreon, L. Y. (2021). Etiology and treatment of cervical kyphosis: state of the art review-a narrative review. J Spine Surg, 7(3), 422-433. https://doi.org/10.21037/jss-21-54

Disclaimer

By admin 0 Comments Chiropractic Care, Exercises , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Get Relief for Your Spine & Back with Simple and Effective Exercises

Can individuals incorporate these simple but effective exercise routines to reduce pain and discomfort in their spine and back?

Why It’s Important To Keep The Back Mobile

When many individuals are dealing with back pain from their upper, middle, and lower portions, it can put a halt to a person’s routine. When back pain becomes present, it causes the person to find a comfortable place like a couch or a bed and lie down. However, this can cause more issues than the original one, affecting the individual. Back pain is a common worldwide problem and is the leading issue of disability associated with a high socio-economic cost. (Chou, 2021) Additionally, when a person is dealing with back pain, they are also dealing with degenerative issues that are also affecting their spines, thus causing problems to their joints, discs, and bones. (Hauser et al., 2022) This is because back pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal disorder that can cause referred pain to different body locations. So when a person dealing with back pain rests, it can become an issue as inflammation builds up and swelling in the affected areas. Hence, many doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and spine specialists recommend keeping mobile to allow blood flow and the body’s natural healing response to reduce pain and speed up recovery. Since back pain relief is challenging through visceral-somatic disturbances, it is important to find various treatment options to aid the person’s specific condition. As a person goes to get treatment for their back pain, it is important to note that the causes of their back pain can help determine which exercises can be most effective within their treatment plan. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of the benefits of incorporating simple but effective exercises for their back pain. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate an exercise routine to reduce the chances of environmental factors causing back pain to return. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

Understanding Academic Low Back Pain- Video

Effective But Simple Exercises For The Back

Many people often wonder, “If I am dealing with back pain, why should I exercise to reduce this pain?” The answer is simple: since the affected back muscles are tight and weakened, simple but effective exercises can help recover. Exercise therapy can help increase muscle-joint strength in the body while improving muscle function and increasing range of motion. This boosts a speedy recovery and allows the individual to return to their usual activities. (Hayden et al., 2021) At the same time, with a customized treatment plan, exercise therapy can incorporate other non-surgical treatments with one goal: to restore normal musculoskeletal function and reduce the pain caused by environmental factors, diseases, or injuries. (Karlsson et al., 2020) Now, depending on the severity of the back pain, there are simple but effective exercises below to help reduce the pain and restore mobility to the back.

Physical Therapy & At-Home Workouts

Physical therapy and at-home exercises can help many individuals with back pain. They can help figure out which position can help centralize the pain and correct any restricted motions. Many physical therapists incorporate the McKenzie method to strengthen and support the spine while decreasing pain and inflammation. At-home exercises can be combined with a series designed to be practical, assessable, and feasible for therapeutic gain or even to improve physical capacity to maximum effort. (Quentin et al., 2021)

Water Exercises

Water exercises are amazing exercises that can help lessen the body’s weight to take pressure and stress off the spine. This is because water is supposed to help cleanse and rejuvenate the body. When individuals are experiencing chronic back pain, aquatic physical therapy can help relieve pain intensity, relax the aching muscles, and even promote a positive workout experience for the individual. (Ma et al., 2022) After a few consecutive sessions, many individuals can see improvement in pain intensity and restored mobility function in their routines.

Tai Chi & Stabalizing Exercises

Now, another simple and effective exercise routine can help stabilize the surrounding muscles in the back and spine and become effective as part of a health and well-being routine. Tai chi and Qigong practices can help the individual emphasize stillness and controlled movements to promote calmness, resilience, body awareness, and relaxation for proper body alignment. (Yang et al., 2024) Tai chi and Qigong can also help support immune function in the body while regulating inflammation, which can help reduce and prevent diseases. (Oh et al., 2020) At the same time, yoga can help improve flexibility, mobility, and stability within the muscles and joints while also improving spinal alignment, which can help many individuals have proper posture. (Zhu et al., 2020) Depending on which exercise a person prefers for their treatment plan and to reduce their back pain; it is important to make these small changes to achieve optimal results. Making these small changes can help many individuals reduce the chances of their back pain returning and help them along with their health and wellness journey.

References

Chou, R. (2021). Low Back Pain. Ann Intern Med, 174(8), ITC113-ITC128. https://doi.org/10.7326/AITC202108170

Hauser, R. A., Matias, D., Woznica, D., Rawlings, B., & Woldin, B. A. (2022). Lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy: A review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 35(4), 701-712. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-210097

Hayden, J. A., Ellis, J., Ogilvie, R., Malmivaara, A., & van Tulder, M. W. (2021). Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 9(9), CD009790. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009790.pub2

Karlsson, M., Bergenheim, A., Larsson, M. E. H., Nordeman, L., van Tulder, M., & Bernhardsson, S. (2020). Effects of exercise therapy in patients with acute low back pain: a systematic review of systematic reviews. Syst Rev, 9(1), 182. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01412-8

Ma, J., Zhang, T., He, Y., Li, X., Chen, H., & Zhao, Q. (2022). Effect of aquatic physical therapy on chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 1050. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05981-8

Oh, B., Bae, K., Lamoury, G., Eade, T., Boyle, F., Corless, B., Clarke, S., Yeung, A., Rosenthal, D., Schapira, L., & Back, M. (2020). The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicines (Basel), 7(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7070039

Quentin, C., Bagheri, R., Ugbolue, U. C., Coudeyre, E., Pelissier, C., Descatha, A., Menini, T., Bouillon-Minois, J. B., & Dutheil, F. (2021). Effect of Home Exercise Training in Patients with Nonspecific Low-Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 18(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168430

Yang, Y., McCluskey, S., Bydon, M., Singh, J. R., Sheeler, R. D., Nathani, K. R., Krieger, A. C., Mehta, N. D., Weaver, J., Jia, L., DeCelle, S., Schlagal, R. C., Ayar, J., Abduljawad, S., Stovitz, S. D., Ganesh, R., Verkuilen, J., Knapp, K. A., Yang, L., & Hartl, R. (2024). A Tai chi and qigong mind-body program for low back pain: A virtually delivered randomized control trial. N Am Spine Soc J, 20, 100557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xnsj.2024.100557

Zhu, F., Zhang, M., Wang, D., Hong, Q., Zeng, C., & Chen, W. (2020). Yoga compared to non-exercise or physical therapy exercise on pain, disability, and quality of life for patients with chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLOS ONE, 15(9), e0238544. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238544

Disclaimer

By admin 0 Comments Chiropractic Care, Sleep Hygiene , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Say Goodbye to Back Pain: Selecting the Perfect Mattress

What is the recommended way to choose a mattress for individuals with back pain?

Back Pain Mattress

When choosing a back pain mattress, one size does not fit all in selecting one for those with spine pain. Several other factors play a role, as well. However, whether a firm or soft mattress is the best option for individuals whose back pain keeps them up at night, most health experts say the choice is yours and that the mattress that makes you feel most comfortable is likely the best option. The research says that medium firmness seems to provide the most painless sleep. A review gathered information from 24 controlled trials where participants used soft, medium-firm, firm, or custom-inflated mattresses. The results showed that medium-firm and self-adjusted mattresses were best for sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment. (Radwan A. et al., 2015)

Medical Status

Selecting the back pain mattress best suited to your spinal condition is more than just how hard or soft the mattress is. Individuals and their healthcare providers should thoroughly review their medical history to tailor the mattress to their needs. Before purchasing a mattress, check the following:

  • Age
  • Medical history
  • Injuries current and past
  • Current diagnosis or diagnoses
  • Disease and/or Conditions
  • Sleeping preferences

For example, symptoms of spinal stenosis tend to present themselves when one is standing and walking but not when lying down. For this reason, mattress firmness is not a big issue only for people with spinal stenosis. However, it must be taken into consideration for those who have degeneration along with spinal stenosis.

Individuals with spinal arthritis without stenosis, disc problems, or non-specific back pain need to consider the relative firmness or softness of the back pain mattress. People with these conditions do better with more support, i.e., a firmer mattress. While everyone needs some back support when they sleep, those who have undergone multiple back surgeries often need less. The tissues have been altered and may be stiffer after several surgeries. In this case, a softer mattress may be more suitable and comfortable.

Mattress Age

Mattress springs break down over time, which makes the bed softer. This can aggravate the spine and back muscles. Based on this, investing in a new mattress makes sense, or pain and stiffness can worsen with the current one. While this will vary among individuals, medical research may help shed some light: A study measured the comfort and quality of sleep for 27 participants with low back pain and stiffness. The participants recorded their sleep comfort and quality in their beds for 21 days and then with a new prescribed mattress and bedding system, which they used for 12 weeks. The study found that the participants showed significant and progressive improvement in back pain and stiffness on the new mattresses and improved sleep quality significantly. (Jacobson B. H. et al., 2010)

Sleeping Position

The position usually slept in makes a difference in the support needed for the back pain mattress. Some recommendations for back sleepers, side and fetal position sleepers, and stomach sleepers:

Side Sleepers

  • Most people are side sleepers.
  • They sleep in the fetal position with their knees drawn up toward their chest.
  • This position tends to place pressure on the hips and shoulders.
  • For side and fetal sleepers, a slightly softer mattress is recommended.
  • The foam the mattress is made of conforms to the body, especially in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine.

Stomach Sleepers

  • For the stomach sleeper, soft mattresses can irritate the back.
  • A soft mattress encourages the abdomen to sink into the bed.
  • The resulting position is known to increase the arch in the lower back and cause pain.
  • A medium-firm surface is good for stomach sleepers.
  • The idea is to derive support from the chosen mattress without the abdominal sinking.
  • The sinking effect is amplified if you have a large abdomen.
  • For thin individuals, sinking may not be as much of an issue.

Back Sleepers

  • For support, place a thin, rolled towel or pillow under the knees and lower back of those who sleep on their backs.
  • A pillow/s under these areas will help support them and provide more comfort.

Researchers divided the participants according to their usual sleep position. They were assigned to a medium-firm mattress with foam and latex layering based on their preferred sleep position. The participants rated their sleep comfort and quality daily for three months. The researchers found that the new mattresses improved back pain and stiffness. For this reason, they concluded that sleep surfaces relate to sleep discomfort and that replacing a mattress with one uniquely suitable to your spinal condition can reduce and relieve pain. (Jacobson B. H. et al., 2010)

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Choosing the right back pain mattress ultimately comes down to personal preference. Individuals should try various mattresses and see which one they like best. Individuals who struggle with sleep or other sleep disorders that impact their ability to get restful sleep should consult with their healthcare provider about getting an assessment and treatment. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help individuals recover and regain the benefits of quality rest through healthy sleep practices and lifestyle accommodations. We build optimal health and wellness solutions with primary healthcare providers and specialists. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.

Chiropractic Care Can Transform Pain Into Relief

References

Radwan, A., Fess, P., James, D., Murphy, J., Myers, J., Rooney, M., Taylor, J., & Torii, A. (2015). Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. Sleep health, 1(4), 257–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001

Jacobson, B. H., Boolani, A., Dunklee, G., Shepardson, A., & Acharya, H. (2010). Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality in patients diagnosed with low back and shoulder pain. Applied ergonomics, 42(1), 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2010.05.004