How bad is a kyphosis surgery?

Patients take four to six months to recover from kyphosis surgery. Surgical treatment is recommended when the spinal deformity is painful and greater than 80 degrees, reports the Scoliosis Research Society. However, most cases of kyphosis do not need surgery, explains Mayo Clinic.

Kyphosis is an exaggerated rounding of the spine, according to Mayo Clinic. The disease is most common in older women, although children and younger adults can also develop the condition. Kyphosis is caused by osteoporosis, disk degeneration, birth defects or cancer. The condition can also develop as a side effect of cancer treatments, which can weaken the spine.