Postural kyphosis can be prevented by encouraging your child to adopt good postural habits and to take care of their back.

In particular they should:

• avoid slouching
• sit upright while making sure they have support in the small of their back
• avoid carrying over-heavy satchels or schoolbags that can pull on the muscles and ligaments of the back; the best schoolbag for your child is a well-designed backpack
• take regular exercise as this will strengthen your child's back and also help to keep it flexible - activities such as swimming, jogging and walking are ideal to help prevent back problems

For more information see the Live Well sections on:

• Top ten back care tips
• How to sit correctly
  

Congenital

Congenital means a condition that is present at birth. It could be hereditary or develop during pregnancy.

Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy or HRT involves giving hormones to women when the menopause starts, to replace those that the body no longer produces.

Spine

The spine supports the skeleton and surrounds and protects the delicate spinal cord and nerves. It is made up of 33 bones called the vertebrae.