Hyperkyphosis, more commonly known as hunchback, is a condition that causes exaggerated rounding up the upper spine. In the most mild form, the spine may look relatively normal, while more aggressive forms cause the growth of a hump, severe problems with lung, nerve and organ function as well as severe pain.
Recently, we’ve seen 3 different women (40-63 years of age) with mid-back pain that have had augmentation (5,7, & 16 years ago). All 3 females have hyperkyphosis . The rounded appearance of the mid-back made it almost impossible for them to do wall angels (direction to follow next week) and has made them susceptible to compression fractures later in life.
In a review of literature for studies about breast implants and back pain, to our dismay very little has been published on this issue. What surprised us more is the annual rate of increase that women are getting this surgery.
Our thoughts are that as a woman develops, the muscular frame develops with her. When a woman adds implants instantly, her frame is not equipped to handle the additional anterior (front) weight, therefore the mid back begins to develop a hump which leads to hyperkyphosis. As chiropractors, we can adjust the vertebra to increase nervous sytem function, but 90% of the postural correction is up to the patient to follow through on her exercises and ergonomic lifestyle changes. As we are dealing with problems that manifested over multiple years, each woman will have her own timetable for restoring her proper posture, 12-24 months may be a realistic goal.
If you’re concerned that this may be occuring to you, please call us and set up an appointment for a free evalualtion.
Dr. Trace Palmer
Palmer Chiropractic
11400 Ford Ave
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
912-756-3433
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Until a long-term study is done, looking at a control group and a study group, we’ll be left with opinions. Here are some articles that we found online:
Reduction mammaplasty: a significant improvement at any size. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17805110
Study links breast reduction to reduced back disorders “In the study, women who had breast reduction experienced decreased stress in their lower back while performing a physical activity or task. In addition, participants reported dramatic improvements in their ability to perform dynamic movements and withstand static positions.’ www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025194422.htm
“breast implants could eventually cause back pain or problems just as naturally large breasts do” http://www.breastimplantinfo.org/augment_2.html
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a possible association between saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a very rare type of cancer. Data reviewed by the FDA suggest that patients with breast implants may have a very small but significant risk of ALCL in the scar capsule adjacent to the implant. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm241090.htm
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