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Kyphosis In Utah
If you’ve noticed your upper back becoming increasingly rounded—or you’re struggling with that persistent ache between your shoulder blades—it’s very tempting to think it’s just a habit you can “snap out of.” You might brush it off as just “bad posture,” blame it on spending too many hours at a computer, or assume that a stiff, curved spine is just an inevitable part of getting older…
There wasn’t one specific moment where your back changed—but no matter how much you try to “sit up straight,” that rounded shape and tightness just won’t shift!
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone—and we hear these concerns from our patients all the time.
In fact, helping people manage and correct Kyphosis (that forward curvature of the upper spine) is one of the most frequent things we do at our physical therapy clinics in Lehi and St George, UT.
Click The Video Below To Learn How We Can Help Fix Your Kyphosis!
What Is Kyphosis ?
Kyphosis refers to the natural forward curve of the upper back. Everyone has some degree of kyphosis, but it becomes a problem when that curve increases beyond a healthy range. When the upper back curve progresses past approximately 50 to 55 degrees, it is considered excessive kyphosis and may continue to worsen over time.
At Align Therapy, we commonly see kyphosis in both adolescents and adults. In teens, it often develops during growth spurts when the spine grows rapidly. In adults, kyphosis may appear due to degenerative changes in the spine or as a continuation of a spinal condition that began earlier in life. In some cases, kyphosis is structural, such as Scheuermann’s kyphosis, where the shape of the vertebrae themselves contributes to the curve. Structural kyphosis requires a different and more specific treatment approach than posture related rounding alone.
What Are The Symptons Of Kyphosis ?
Excessive kyphosis can affect more than posture. It often leads to pain, stiffness, and functional limitations that interfere with daily life.
Common symptoms include:
- Upper and mid back pain or stiffness
- Neck pain and frequent headaches due to forward head position
- Low back pain caused by compensatory spinal curves
- Difficulty or discomfort with sitting for long periods
- Fatigue with standing or daily activities
Kyphosis can also have a strong emotional and social impact. Teenagers may feel frustrated by constant reminders to sit up straight. Adults may feel self-conscious about their posture or concerned about how they look. Over time, pain combined with postural concerns can reduce confidence and limit participation in work, school, and social activities.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Kyphosis ?
At Align Therapy, we do not assume kyphosis is simply a bad habit. Our first step is identifying whether the curve is postural, structural, or a combination of both. This distinction is critical for effective treatment.
Our approach includes:
- A detailed assessment of spinal mobility and posture
- Identifying structural versus flexible components of the curve
- Postural retraining using scoliosis and kyphosis specific techniques
- Improving spinal mobility and reducing stiffness
- Teaching the body how to maintain improved alignment during daily life
We use methods such as the Schroth approach and other targeted strategies to help patients actively reduce their kyphosis and retrain their posture. Rather than forcing someone to sit up straight, we focus on giving the body the strength, awareness, and control needed to maintain better posture naturally.
Our goal is to reduce pain, improve confidence, and help patients avoid progression that could eventually lead to surgery.
download Our FREE Report
If kyphosis is affecting your posture, comfort, or confidence, we invite you to download our free kyphosis report. This guide explains the difference between postural and structural kyphosis, common symptoms, and what can be done proactively.
Our free report is designed to help you understand your spine and take meaningful steps toward better posture, less pain, and long term spinal health.