Expert Advice   Print Version Q. I just turned 48 and my husband noticed that my upper back is starting to become rounded in appearance. Why is this, and will my posture continue to get worse? A. A rounded appearance of the upper back is called a thoracic kyphosis, a condition with several causes. Your size, height, facial features and even your postural attributes, including kyphosis, can be a result of genetics. A kyphotic posture can also be from using slouched postures at work over the span of many years. The slouched position can cause muscles of the upper back to weaken, making your rounded posture more noticeable. The posture you've described is also commonly seen in people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals faster than they absorb them. This is more commonly seen in post-menopausal women, though other environmental and medical factors can influence bone changes. As the vertebral bodies of the thoracic spine lose strength they tend to compress gradually and become wedge-shaped. This causes the upper body to slouch into the characteristic kyphosis posture. Given your age, gender, and posture it is advisable for you to check with your doctor. Tests are available to determine the health of your bones and whether this is influencing your posture. You may benefit with a supervised physical therapy program of postural training and exercise to help improve your posture. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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