<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

In early July, I asked whether others on this list had any knowledge
of whether Kyphosis, a particular kind of exaggerated curvature of
the spine, was related to CD.  I didn't post the URL of the page
where I saw it written that Kyphosis is related to CD, because the
page only asserted the relationship, and did not give any further
details or any literature references.  The actual wording is:

"Signs and Tests
Typically, most persons with celiac disease will have symptoms of
malabsorption.  However, some will have bone disease, anemia, or
other conditions without diarrea.  Compression fractures of the
back, kyphoscoliosis (see scoliosis), or other signs of bone
disease may be present."

Here is the URL:
http://health.yahoo.com/health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Disease_
Feed_Data/Celiac_disease__sprue_/

Below is the summary.  The conclusion I make is that
osteoporosis might be responsible for Kyphosis, and osteoporosis
is an effect of untreated CD, and people often don't get treated for
CD (by a gluten free diet) until damage has been done.

Many thanks for your helpful responses.  I've been to a local GP in
a small clinic and they offer blood testing for CD.  I intend to bring
my son in for the testing (I don't want to go off the gluten-free diet
to get the testing because I don't want to get canker sores again,
but then I suppose a parent should be willing to make some
sacrifices. (Yes, I'm a big wuss.)

********************

"I was diagnosed with celiac at two months of age and was not
treated properly for it until recently.  I have curvature of the spine
and would love to research the connection between celiac and this
condition."

********************

"I have been diagnosed as of January this year that I have Celiac.  I
am 55 years old. I am being treated and have been for a long time
for an abnormal curve in my neck.  Of course, having just been
diagnosed with Celiac I cannot say it is related but I guess the
chances are good because I have had neck problems ever since I
was about nine that I can recall.  I am planning a trip to the Spine
Institute in Minneapolis to have a second opinion and I will mention
the Celiac and see if they have heard of a connection.  I have kept
your email address under my Celiac group and will let you know if I
get a connection there.  If you don't hear from me you will know
they weren't very helpful. My appointment is July 18th.  weren't very
helpful. My appointment is July 18th."

**********************

"Active celiac disease can result in decreased absorption of vitamin
D and calcium. Thus, one of the most common outcomes of CD is
osteoporosis. I certainly had kyphosis at age 16 although not
biopsy diagnosed celiac until 34. I am currently (58) prescribed
fosamax (amongst other strategies) in an attempt to improve
significant osteoporosis."

*************************

"I have not read that report yet, but many people have an
exaggerated kyphotic curve due to poor posture.  I am a massage
therapist, so I have seen a lot of backs--the best way for your son
to counter act this would be to stretch and strengthen.  He can
stretch out his chest muscles by bracing his arms on the door
jamb (palms on the door jamb) while leaning the rest of his body
through the doorway.  He can strengthen his rhomboids and traps
by doing push ups.  If he does these exercises, to his tolerance,
he may see an improvement.  I can not say if it will help him for
sure, but it is worth a try."

******************

"A lot of teens get scoliosis and some also develop kyphosis,
without any other problems (at least the ones I've seen over many
years working in a pedi ICU and caring for them post-op.) And no
I'm not suggesting your son will need surgery; I'm just saying from
experience."

**********************

"There are many causes, and a couple of variants of kyphosis.
However, abnormalities in bone mineralization are very common in
celiac disease, and such abnormalities are sometimes the cause
of such spinal deformations.

When a parent sees this condition in a first degree relative, knowing
themselves to be intolerant to gluten (regardless of testing) it seems
very reasonable to have his son tested for celiac disease."

**********************

" I have just recently been diagnosed with celiac disease and after
going to an osteopath a while ago, a doctor has confirmed that I
have a slight curvature of the spine."

**********************

"Yes, there are MANY bone problems related to Celiac Disease.
Remember, CD is a MALABSORPTION problem. The full spectrum
of all nutrients, including calcium and magnesium are not absorbed
properly. I suggest that you ask your doctor to take blood tests for
Celiac Disease in your son. 10% of all first degree relatives are
also sufferers of CD. The blood tests are IgA and IgG antibody
tests for gluten, and the IgA AEA - anti endomysial antibody for
gluten. There are also some laboratories, including Dr Fine's one in
USA, that you can send the blood to directly, instead of going
through your doctor. Dr Fine is a specialist in CD."