What is Kyphosis-an excerpt from the Mayo Clinic website

Hello again,
Today I thought I would copy the introduction of Kyphosis from the Mayo Clinic that explains a bit about what Kyphosis is. Here is a quote from the Mayo Clinic website:
"Kyphosis is a forward rounding of your upper back. Some rounding is normal, but the term "kyphosis" usually refers to an exaggerated rounding, more than 40 to 45 degrees. This deformity is also called round back or hunchback.
With kyphosis, your spine may look normal or you may develop a hump. Kyphosis can occur as a result of developmental problems; degenerative diseases, such as arthritis of the spine; osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebrae; or trauma to the spine. It can affect children, adolescents and adults.
Mild cases of kyphosis may cause few problems. But severe cases can affect your lungs, nerves and other tissues and organs, causing pain and other problems. Treatment for kyphosis depends on the cause of the curvature and its effects.
Kyphosis symptoms may include:
§ Slouching posture or hunchback
§ Mild back pain
§ Spinal stiffness or tenderness
§ Fatigue
In mild cases, kyphosis may produce no noticeable signs or symptoms "
Excerpt from the Mayo Clinic

In my case I had a severe form and I was having difficulty breathing and severe back pain and pain running down my legs that made it difficult to stand very long. I was also in danger of further problems which is part of the reason I had surgery. The main reason was to help the pain I was experiencing every day that was keeping me from being able to work and affecting my ability to do simple day to day tasks.