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Meaning & use

kyphosis

noun·Advancedmedical

Last updated

UK/kaɪˈfəʊ.sɪs/
US/kaɪˈfoʊ.sɪs/

Meanings

  1. noununcountablemedical

    An unusually strong forward curve of the upper spine, which makes the back look rounded or hunched.

    Grammar: Usually uncountable: she was diagnosed with kyphosis; a case of kyphosis.

    Patterns

    • kyphosis of the spine
    • treat kyphosis

    The doctor diagnosed kyphosis after an X-ray of her spine.

    Poor posture alone rarely causes severe kyphosis.

    Physical therapy can improve mild kyphosis in teenagers.

  2. noununcountablemedical

    A curve of the spine that has become exaggerated with age, often because of bone loss in older adults.

    Grammar: Often used with age-related or osteoporotic: age-related kyphosis.

    Patterns

    • age-related kyphosis

    Weakened vertebrae can lead to kyphosis in older women.

    Age-related kyphosis may cause back pain and trouble breathing.

    Doctors monitor kyphosis in patients with osteoporosis.

Common combinations

diagnose kyphosis
The pediatrician diagnosed kyphosis at a routine check.
mild kyphosis
Mild kyphosis often needs only exercises.
severe kyphosis
Severe kyphosis may require surgery.
kyphosis of the spine
Kyphosis of the spine can develop gradually.
treat kyphosis
A brace is sometimes used to treat kyphosis.

Synonyms and how they differ

hunchback
Hunchback is an older everyday word that can sound insulting, whereas kyphosis is a neutral medical term.
roundback
Roundback is a plain descriptive term, while kyphosis names the specific medical condition.
slouching
Slouching is a habit of poor posture that can be corrected, while kyphosis involves a structural curve of the spine.
humpback
Humpback is informal and can sound unkind, while kyphosis is the clinical term.

Opposites

lordosis

Word family

kyphotic adjective
relating to or affected by kyphosis
scoliosis noun
a sideways curve of the spine
lordosis noun
an inward curve of the lower spine
spine noun
the column of bones along the back

Commonly confused: kyphosis or scoliosis? kyphosis or lordosis?

kyphosis vs scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine, while kyphosis is a forward rounding of the upper back.

kyphosis vs lordosis

Lordosis is an inward curve of the lower back, which is the opposite direction from kyphosis.

Practice

Kyphosis refers to which condition?

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