While a degree of kyphosis curvature in the spine is normal, disproportionate kyphosis is pathologic (anatomically abnormal). When kyphosis in one region is out of proportion to the other sections of the spine, this can cause pain or deformity. Excessive or pathologic kyphosis is called “hyperkyphosis.” While hyperkyphosis most commonly occurs as a pathologic condition in the thoracic spine (mid-back), it can occur in the cervical or lumbar spine (lower back) as well. Hyperkyphosis is sometimes also referred to as “roundback,” and is also commonly shortened to simply "kyphosis," even though the latter term technically refers to the type of curve, rather than a pathology of the curve.