Scheuermann's Kyphosis
Scheuermann's kyphosis is an abnormal
spinal curvature
syndrome which is also commonly known as Scheuermann's disease or Calvé disease (however, it is NOT a disease…) The condition is a form of juvenile spinal osteochondrosis which can be congenital or early developmental. Like most other forms of
kyphosis,
the condition almost always affects the
thoracic spine
as its primary area of influence, creating visual deformity and possibly, functional impairment. Scheuermann's disease can come in many levels of severity ranging from barely noticeable to frightening and debilitating. Patients are always advised to seek qualified care from a specialist once diagnosed.
What is Scheuermann's Kyphosis?
Scheuermann's is characterized like many other forms of thoracic hyperkyphosis. The patient will demonstrate an abnormally severe curvature in the upper back, similar to a hunch or hump.
Posture
will be very poor, with the body bent forward to one degree or another and the neck and chin pushed forward at an awkward angle. The patient will not be able to easily adjust this posture for the better, although with special
back exercises
and
physical therapy,
they may be able to prevent it from getting worse. The causes of Scheuermann's are not fully understood, with a variety of theories circulating in the various medical communities. Currently, the disorder is mostly considered idiopathic. It should be known that the prognosis for Scheuermann's disease also ranges considerably. Some cases progress, while others are completely stable.
Scheuermann's Disease Concerns
Besides the postural issues associated with Scheuermann's, there are a number of sometimes more serious factors to consider:Advanced cases may prevent much physical activity due to poor balance issues. Additionally, compression of internal organs is possible and may affect the heart, lungs and other structures, potentially causing serious health consequences. This is often the main reason cited for aggressive surgical treatment.
Back pain
is possible in some cases, but many patients do not have any discomfort. Minor cases blamed for causing pain are almost always
misdiagnosed,
but obviously, advanced cases can be terribly symptomatic on rare occasion. Patients may have pain due to muscular issues, neuroforaminal stenosis enacting pinched nerves or central spinal stenosis. A few patients have no pain at all, but do suffer mild to extreme neurological dysfunction when nerve structures are compressed by severe curvatures.
Scheuermann's Kyphosis Advice
Most cases of Scheuermann's disease are mild and not particularly problematic. Severe cases will be visually obvious and present the possibility for causing
chronic back pain,
limited physical functionality and the very real possibility for organ damage and eventual failure. Treatment for minor cases is mostly used to increase function and prevent deterioration of the condition. The modalities used include specialized and general physical therapy practices and sometimes, complementary care, such as
chiropractic.
Bracing
may be useful in some instances. For severe cases, surgical treatment is often indicated, but should only be utilized in the most symptomatic circumstances, since the type of
spinal fusion
used is the most brutal and invasive possible.
Scheuermann's Kyphosis to Back Pain
2/1/10 Revised 12/29/11
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