Latest news with #kyphosis
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Man, 23, develops shocking 'dropped head syndrome' after battling addiction to one habit for years
Shocking images have revealed a little-known, devastating effect of heavy drug use — a terrifying condition known as dropped head syndrome. The pictures, published by doctors at the Alzahra hospital in Isfahan, Iran, show a 23 year-old man with an extreme bend in his neck, which developed after several years of substance abuse. The dangerous combination of drugs had caused significant rounding of the spine until the neck could no longer support the head. Dropped head syndrome—also know as floppy head syndrome— is characterised by severe weakness of the neck muscles, and is most commonly associated with neuromuscular disorders, such as motor neurone disease. But doctors now say that the syndrome could be caused by substance abuse. The medics reported that use of amphetamine (also known as speed) triggered what they called a fixed kyphotic neck position, where his chin fell to his chest for long periods of time. He also experienced chronic neck pain and paresthesia—the feeling of tingling, numbness, or pins and needs—in his arms. Whilst the patient had no history of severe neck trauma that could explain his symptoms, he had a significant history of depression and the use of amphetamines, opium and heroin. The doctors noted that prior to this history of addiction, there was no malalignment in his neck. Dr Majid Rezvani, co-author of the case study, said: 'We discovered that drug abuse contributed to the uncommon development of severe complicated cervical kyphosis [excessive rounding of the upper back].' 'The drug does not have a direct effect on musculoskeletal changes', he explained. 'Instead there is an indirect effect: when the patient uses the drug, they remain in a certain position for a long time, and over months this results in musculoskeletal changes that led to kyphoscoliosis'. According to the report, the man suffered with symptoms for over 15 months, which he attempted to treat using herbal remedies, before seeking professional help. Despite this, cranial nerve tests, muscle strengths tests and tests of his autonomic nervous system—which regulates involuntary processes such as heart rate—all came back clear. A CT scan revealed that he had a severely deformed spine. Initially, the patient was placed under general anesthesia, and doctors noted that this appeared to be enough to reduce his neck deformity. However, doctors were unable to correct the patient's neck into the desired position, so a surgical approach was selected. In order to re-adjust the position of the neck, doctors decided to remove the deformed bone and used a locking cage to support the neck. The surgery was successful and no neurological symptoms were observed. His limb strength was also 100 per cent. The day after surgery the patient was able to walk with the support of a hard collar, which he consistently wore for three months. The 23-year-old attended therapy and rehab after his surgery, which has enabled him to overcome his drug addiction. He has since had a follow-up appointment at the hospital in Iran and doctors are satisfied that the correction of the spine was effective. Doctors working on the case have now proposed the term 'intoxicated syndrome' for patients presenting with these symptoms. Those affected by the issues raised in this article can seek confidential help and support via Talk to Frank.
The Independent
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why people develop a hunchback and how you can stop it happening to you
As we age, it's common to notice posture changes: shoulders rounding, head leaning forward, back starting to curve. You might associate this with older adults and wonder: will this happen to me? Can I prevent it? It's sometimes called 'hunchback' or 'roundback', but the medical term for a curved back is kyphosis. When the curve is beyond what's considered normal (greater than 40 degrees), we refer to this as hyperkyphosis. In more severe cases, it may lead to pain, reduced mobility and physical function, or lower quality of life. Here's how it happens, and how to reduce your risk. What causes a curved back? A healthy spine has an elongated s-shape, so a curve in the upper spine is completely normal. But when that curve becomes exaggerated and fixed (meaning you can't stand up straight even if you try), it can signal a problem. One common cause of a curved back is poor posture. This type, called postural kyphosis, usually develops over time due to muscle imbalances, particularly in younger people who spend hours: hunched over a desk slouched in a chair, or looking down at a phone. Fortunately, this kind of curved back is often reversible with the right exercises, stretches and posture awareness. Older adults often develop a curved back, known as age-related kyphosis or hyperkyphosis. This is usually due to wear and tear in the spine, including vertebral compression fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones of the spine (vertebrae). These cracks are most often caused by osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more fragile with age. In these cases, it's not just bad posture – it's a structural change in the spine. How can you tell the difference? Signs of age-related hyperkyphosis include: your back curves even when you try to stand up straight back pain or stiffness a loss of height (anything greater than 3-4 centimetres compared to your peak adult height may be considered outside of 'normal' ageing). Other causes of a curved back include: Scheuermann's kyphosis (which often develops during adolescence when the bones in the spine grow unevenly, leading to a forward curve in the upper back) congenital kyphosis (a rare condition present from birth, caused by improper formation of the spinal bones. It can result in a more severe, fixed curve that worsens as a child grows) scoliosis (where the spine curves sideways into a c- or s-shape when viewed from behind), and lordosis (an excessive inward curve in the lower back, when viewed from the side). In addition to these structural conditions, arthritis, and in rare cases, spinal injuries or infections, can also play a role. Should I see a doctor about my curved back? Yes, especially if you've noticed a curve developing, have ongoing back pain, or have lost height over time. These can be signs of vertebral fractures, which can occur in the absence of an obvious injury, and are often painless. While one in five older adults have a vertebral fracture, as many as two-thirds of these fractures are not diagnosed and treated. In Australia, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Healthy Bones Australia recommend a spine x-ray for: people with kyphosis height loss equal to or more than 3 centimetres, or unexplained back pain. What can I do to reduce my risk? If you're young or middle-aged, the habits you build today matter. The best way to prevent a curved back is to keep your bones strong, muscles active, and posture in check. That means: doing regular resistance training, especially targeting upper back muscles staying physically active, aiming for at least 150 minutes per week getting enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support bone and muscle health avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol to reduce risk factors that worsen bone density and overall wellbeing Pay attention to your posture while sitting and standing. Position your head over your shoulders and shoulders over your hips. This reduces strain on your spine. What exercises help prevent and manage a curved back? Focus on exercises that strengthen the muscles that support an upright posture, particularly the upper back and core, while improving mobility in the chest and shoulders. In general, you want to prioritise extension-based movements. These involve straightening or lifting the spine and pulling the shoulders back. Repeated forward-bending (or flexion) movements may make things worse, especially in people with osteoporosis or spinal fractures. Good exercises include: back extensions (gently lift your chest off the floor while lying face down) resistance exercises targeting the muscles between your shoulder blades weight-bearing activities (such as brisk walking, jogging, stair climbing, or dancing) to keep bones strong and support overall fitness stretching your chest and hip flexors to open your posture and relieve tightness. Flexibility and balance training (such as yoga and pilates) can be beneficial, particularly for posture awareness, balance, and mobility. But research increasingly supports muscle strengthening as the cornerstone of prevention and management. Muscle strengthening exercises, such as weight lifting or resistance training, reduces spinal curvature while enhancing muscle and bone mass. If you suspect you have kyphosis or already have osteoporosis or a vertebral fracture, consult a health professional before starting an exercise program. There may be some activities to avoid. Can a curved back be reversed? If it's caused by poor posture and muscle weakness, then yes, it's possible. But if it's caused by bone changes, especially vertebral fractures, then full reversal is unlikely. However, treatment can reduce pain, improve function, and slow further progression. Protecting your posture isn't just about appearance. It's about staying strong, mobile and independent as you age. Jakub Mesinovic is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University David Scott is an Associate Professor (Research) and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, Deakin University
