What does kyphosis mean?
Kyphosis is a medical term for an excessive forward curvature of the upper, or thoracic, part of the spine. A small degree of thoracic curvature is normal, but when it becomes pronounced, the upper back can appear rounded or hunched, sometimes causing discomfort or visible postural changes. The word is used by clinicians, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals as well as in general descriptions of a curved upper back. It should not be confused with scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature and may occur alongside kyphosis. Kyphosis can be associated with ageing, certain spinal conditions, or postural changes, although its cause must be assessed medically. The term comes from Greek, where the related noun kyphos means a bent or hunched form.
nounAn excessive forward curvature of the upper thoracic spine, producing a rounded or hunched appearance. The term is most commonly used medically for an abnormal degree of the spine's normal thoracic curvature.
- An abnormal, excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine, commonly producing a rounded or hunched upper back.
"The radiographs showed severe kyphosis of the thoracic spine."
"The patient was referred to a specialist because the kyphosis had become increasingly pronounced."
"Posture exercises and pain management helped improve her kyphosis."
The plural is grammatically regular but is uncommon, since the condition is usually discussed in the singular.
"Severe kyphoses were documented in several members of the family."
Kyphosis is named for the Greek word for a bent shape, a fitting label for the spine's exaggerated forward curve.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of kyphosis
The word comes from Greek kyphosis, derived from kyphos, meaning bent or hunched. The suffix -osis is used in Greek-derived medical terminology to denote a condition or abnormal state. English later adopted the term in medical writing, where it became especially associated with exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine.
Related word forms
How kyphosis is actually used
This is primarily a medical and technical term. In clinical contexts, it can describe the condition or an abnormal curvature; in general usage, it usually refers to pronounced thoracic curvature. It is distinct from scoliosis, which involves a sideways spinal curve.
Easily confused with kyphosis
Kyphosis refers primarily to an exaggerated forward curve of the upper spine, whereas scoliosis describes a sideways curvature of the spine, often with rotation.