Curved spine. Coloured side view X-ray of a female patient with kyphosis (curvature of the spine) in her upper back and neck. Kyphosis usually causes a humped or bowed upper back, sometimes resulting in collapsed vertebrae (back bones, red). It can be caused by a variety of spinal disorders, including cancer, fractures, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis and osteochondritis. It can also be caused by a birth defect (congenital deformity) or through incorrect posture. Treatment for kyphosis may include physiotherapy, bracing and osteotomy (cutting and realigning bone). Severe cases may need surgery to insert a metal support in the spine to keep it in the correct position.