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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Kyphosis

Condition: Kyphosis

Also called: Hunchback

What are birth defects?

A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother's body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.

A birth defect may affect how the body looks, works, or both. Some birth defects like cleft lip or neural tube defects are structural problems that can be easy to see. Others, like heart disease, are found using special tests. Birth defects can range from mild to severe. How a birth defect affects a child's life depends mostly on which organ or body part is involved and how severe the defect is.

What causes birth defects?

For some birth defects, researchers know the cause. But for many birth defects, the exact cause is unknown. Researchers think that most birth defects are caused by a complex mix of factors, which can include:

  • Genetics. One or more genes might have a change or mutation that prevents them from working properly. For example, this happens in Fragile X syndrome. With some defects, a gene or part of the gene might be missing.
  • Chromosomal problems. In some cases, a chromosome or part of a chromosome might be missing. This is what happens in Turner syndrome. In other cases, such as with Down syndrome, the child has an extra chromosome.
  • Exposures to medicines, chemicals, or other toxic substances. For example, alcohol misuse can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
  • Infections during pregnancy. For example, infection with Zika virus during pregnancy can cause a serious defect in the brain.
  • Lack of certain nutrients. Not getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy is a key factor in causing neural tube defects.

Who is at risk of having a baby with birth defects?

Certain factors may increase the chances of having a baby with a birth defect, such as:

  • Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain "street" drugs during pregnancy
  • Having certain medical conditions, such as obesity or uncontrolled diabetes, before and during pregnancy
  • Taking certain medicines
  • Having someone in your family with a birth defect. To learn more about your risk of having a baby with a birth defect, you can talk with a genetic counselor,
  • Being an older mother, typically over the age of 34 years

How are birth defects diagnosed?

Health care providers can diagnose some birth defects during pregnancy, using prenatal testing. That's why it important to get regular prenatal care.

Other birth defects may not be found until after the baby is born. Providers may find them through newborn screening. Some defects, such as club foot, are obvious right away. Other times, the health care provider may not discover a defect until later in life, when the child has symptoms.

What are the treatments for birth defects?

Children with birth defects often need special care and treatments. Because the symptoms and problems caused by birth defects vary, the treatments also vary. Possible treatments may include surgery, medicines, assistive devices, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

Often, children with birth defects need a variety of services and may need to see several specialists. The primary health care provider can coordinate the special care that the child needs.

Can birth defects be prevented?

Not all birth defects can be prevented. But there are things you can do before and during pregnancy to increase your chance of having a healthy baby:

  • Start prenatal care as soon as you think you might be pregnant, and see your health care provider regularly during pregnancy
  • Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. If possible, you should start taking it at least one month before you get pregnant.
  • Don't drink alcohol, smoke, or use "street" drugs
  • Talk to your health care provider about any medicines you are taking or thinking about taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as dietary or herbal supplements.
  • Learn how to prevent infections during pregnancy
  • If you have any medical conditions, try to get them under control before you get pregnant

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/birthdefects.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Kyphosis

UAMS Health providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • CT Scan
  • Physical Therapy
  • Spine Surgery
  • X-Rays

Providers Diagnosing or Treating Kyphosis

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Kyphosis. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


David B. Bumpass, M.D.

David B. Bumpass, M.D. Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

View Profile
Samuel C. Overley, M.D.

Samuel C. Overley, M.D. Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

View Profile
T. Glenn Pait, M.D.

T. Glenn Pait, M.D. Neurosurgeon

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Kyphosis

Note that the treatment of Kyphosis may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Neurosurgery Clinic

Neurosurgery Clinic

501 Jack Stephens Drive
UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-5270
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Autumn Road Clinic

Orthopaedic Clinic on Autumn Road

600 Autumn Road
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-526-1046
New Patients
501-320-7776
Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Kyphosis

Doctor and patient using digital tablet in hospital

Neurosurgery

Our neurosurgeons perform research, multiple clinical trials and are the leaders for simple and complex surgeries not available at other centers in Arkansas.

View Area of Expertise
Rearview shot of a sporty young man touching his neck while exercising outdoors

Spine Care (Part of Orthopaedics)

UAMS Health offers a complete range of services for the treatment of spinal conditions, no matter the cause.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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