What Teachers Should Know Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine in the upper and middle part of the back. Mild kyphosis usually isn't visible, doesn't cause any other problems, and doesn't need medical treatment. Larger curves look like a hunched back or poor posture. The curvature can be painful. In severe cases, it might cause problems with breathing or weakness or numbness in the legs. Kids and teens with severe kyphosis often need back braces and physical therapy. A few might need surgery. Those who do have surgery usually can resume an active lifestyle after treatment. Students with kyphosis might: feel embarrassed about wearing a back brace to school miss a lot of class time if they need surgery (up to a month) need extra time to complete assignments and make up tests benefit from having a 504 education plan that calls for seating accommodations and extra time getting to and from classes need to visit the school nurse for pain medicine or brace adjustments need to be excused from or accommodated for physical education and sports be at risk for bullying What Teachers Can Do Kyphosis does not affect students' ability to learn, but it can affect the quality of their lives. Wearing a back brace to school or having physical limitations can make students feel self-conscious. You can support them by encouraging their participation in the activities they can do and being understanding about any pain or fatigue they might feel in the classroom. Back to Articles Related Articles Kyphosis Everyone's spine is slightly rounded forward at a gentle angle. If this angle is too pronounced, more than 50 degrees or so, it's called kyphosis, also known as roundback or hunchback. Read More A to Z: Kyphosis, Congenital Learn more about congenital kyphosis, an abnormal rounding of the spine that develops before birth. Read More A to Z: Kyphosis, Postural Learn more about postural kyphosis, an abnormal rounding of the spine caused by irregular development of bones and muscles, sometimes due to slouching or poor posture. Read More Kyphosis Your spine, or backbone, normally curves forward gently as it runs up your back. Sometimes, though, someone's back can be rounded too far forward, which is a condition known as kyphosis. Read More A to Z: Kyphosis, Scheuermann's Learn more about Scheuermann's kyphosis, an abnormal rounding of the spine that can run in families and is usually seen in teens. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.