Kyphosis is best described as which spinal condition?

• A. Excessive inward curvature of the spine
• B. Swayback
• C. Excessive outward curvature of the spine
• D. Postural scoliosis

Answer: (C)

Kyphosis describes an excessive outward curvature of the spine, most noticeable in the upper back (thoracic region), giving a rounded or hunchback appearance. This outward curvature is the opposite of lordosis, which is an excessive inward curvature. A swayback is a term typically used for exaggerated lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt, not the thoracic outward curve. Postural scoliosis refers to a sideways curvature driven by posture, not the forward rounding seen in kyphosis. So the description that fits kyphosis is the excessive outward curvature of the spine.