Kyphosis, characterised by an excessive curvature of the upper spine, often presents unique seating challenges. Standard chairs can cause discomfort, poor support, and pressure sores, potentially worsening a patient’s condition and limiting their independence.
Kyphosis is a medical condition where the upper spine develops an exaggerated outward curve, giving the upper back a rounded or hunched appearance. While a slight curve is normal, kyphosis occurs when the curvature becomes more pronounced, typically exceeding 50 degrees.
Although it can affect people of all ages, kyphosis is most common in older adults due to age-related spinal changes, such as osteoporosis or vertebral fractures.
Symptoms vary from mild cases with minimal discomfort to more severe cases involving pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or even breathing difficulties. Proper clinical seating and posture support is vital to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
Kyphosis can significantly impact seating by altering the natural alignment of the spine. This can lead to unique challenges including:
Postural Imbalance: The pronounced spine curvature can make it difficult for individuals to sit upright, causing them to slump or lean forward. This can lead to discomfort or fatigue over time.
Pressure Distribution: Kyphosis changes how weight is distributed when seated, increasing the risk of pressure sores, particularly on the spine, shoulders, or pelvis.
Lack of Support: Standard chairs often fail to accommodate an exaggerated spine curvature, providing insufficient back support and exacerbating pain or stiffness.
Breathing or Circulation Issues: Poor seating posture due to kyphosis can compress the chest, potentially impacting breathing and circulation.
Reduced Mobility: The discomfort and poor posture caused by unsuitable seating can limit mobility, independence, and engagement in daily activities.
A clinical chair for individuals with kyphosis must provide targeted support and adaptability to address their unique needs. Key features include:
Tilt in space function to allow for repositioning, redistribute weight, reduce pressure on specific areas, and enhance comfort while maintaining proper alignment.
Adjustable back rest to accommodate the pronounced spinal curvature, providing full contact and support along the upper back.
Pressure management cushion to reduce the risk of pressure sores, particularly in areas prone to higher load, such as the spine and shoulders.
Adjustable seat depth, width and height to fit the individual’s proportions, avoiding pressure behind the knees and supporting the thighs evenly.
Mobility features to enable easy movement within clinical or home settings.
These features not only improve comfort but also help reduce complications like pressure injuries, and support overall wellbeing. The Seating Matters Phoenix 2 has been specifically designed to support individuals with kyphosis and other complex postures.
While the Phoenix 2 is typically recommended for individuals with kyphosis, other Seating Matters chairs may be appropriate for those with less advanced symptoms.
The first step is to Book a Free Seating Assessment, or request this from the patient’s occupational therapist.
This personal approach involves testing the range of motion of a patient’s joints, understanding their specific symptoms, and assessing the standards and impact of their current bed or chair.
On the basis of this assessment and any personal goals of the patient, their family and their care team, a specific Seating Matters chair will be recommended to meet their needs.
Yes, our kyphosis chairs are available to trial.
The first step is to organise a Free Seating Assessment, conducted by a clinically trained Seating Matters Specialist. This Assessment takes approximately 60 minutes and can be completed at home or hospital.
Based on this Assessment, the most suitable Seating Matters chair will be provided for the patient to trial. This will be adjusted to fit them correctly, taking into consideration things like seat depth, seat width and chair height. Postural supports and further customisations can also be added.
The recently updated Phoenix 2 chair is typically recommended for individuals with kyphosis. It is often used as an alternative seating system for wheelchair users, while still providing postural support and pressure care. Being completely mobile, the Phoenix 2 can be moved throughout a home, allowing the user to maintain independence.
Key features include:
The Kids Phoenix is also available to accommodate children with kyphotic postures (including congenital kyphosis) or hyperextension. With similar features to the Phoenix 2, this smaller chair will adapt easily to the needs of a growing child.
A newly updated model, the Phoenix 2 offers essential features to support individuals with kyphosis. This includes a 30-degree or 45-degree tilt in space, adjustable head, neck and shoulder sections, adjustable seat width, depth, foot plate height, and back height, and high pressure care materials on all contact surfaces.
The Kids Phoenix is specifically designed to accommodate children with spinal conditions like kyphosis. With features like an adjustable back angle recline, elevating leg rest, adjustable head, neck and shoulder support, tilt in space, and pressure management materials, it can be easily adapted for changing needs.
This is the story of 87-year-old Ben, whose fixed kyphotic posture made it difficult for him to lift his head or extend his neck. He suffered from pressure injuries, and spent up to 14 hours a day in his chair, using a patient lift for all transfers.
The Seating Matters Phoenix was suggested for Ben in an effort to improve his quality of life, social interaction, independence, and communication with others. Read more about his experience below.
Seating Matters are changing the world of healthcare seating. We take pride in being at the forefront of seating research and innovation. We want to share our knowledge with the world to ensure no person has to face unnecessary discomfort or mortality.
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