ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างอายุกับระยะความโค้งของกระดูกสันหลังในผู้ที่มีภาวะกระดูกสันหลังส่วนอกค่อมระดับน้อย (Mild thoracic kyphosis) ในผู้ใหญ่ที่มีอายุ 18-53 ปี

Waleerat Thipbamrung; Nitaya Viriyatharakij; Paweekorn Phongmanee; Lucksamon Saejang; Kamolmas Pornchaisrichok; Preedarat Wajanasila; Manunchaya Sungtong

Authors

Waleerat Thipbamrung Faculty of Physical Therapy, Saint Louis College
Nitaya Viriyatharakij Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwirot University
Paweekorn Phongmanee Nakornthon Hospital
Lucksamon Saejang Kasemrad Bangkae Hospital
Kamolmas Pornchaisrichok Phyathai Hospital 3
Preedarat Wajanasila Freelance Physical Therapist
Manunchaya Sungtong Praram 9 Hospital

Keywords:

Mild thoracic kyphosis, age, the relationship, Distance from the seventh cervical vertebra to wall, C7WD

Abstract

Thoracic kyphosis is a disorder of the thoracic spine, characterized by excessive backward curvature. Several factors, besides age, are associated with an increase in thoracic kyphotic angle, particularly among older adults. However, the Distance from the Seventh Cervical Vertebra to Wall (C₇WD) evaluation method has not been specifically applied to clarify this association in early thoracic kyphosis. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between age and C₇WD in individuals with mild thoracic kyphosis. Understanding age-related influences in the preventable phase of thoracic kyphosis may support strategies to delay progression. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 participants aged 18-53 years. All participants were evaluated for thoracic kyphosis using the C₇WD method (<5 cm) and categorized into two groups: group 1 (18-38 years) and group 2 (40-53 years). The relationship between age and average C₇WD was analyzed using Pearson correlation and regression analysis, and group differences were compared with independent samples t-test. Results: The relationship between age and thoracic kyphosis distance measured by C₇WD showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.792, p < .001). The correlation coefficient for the 40-53 years group was 0.871 (95% CI 0.745-0.997). The average C₇WD was significantly greater in the older group, with a mean difference of 0.87 cm (p < .001). Conclusion: C₇WD increased with age, even among participants with mild thoracic kyphosis. The C₇WD method may be useful for screening and monitoring thoracic kyphosis progression in clinical practice.

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