What is Scheuermann’s Disease?
Scheuermann’s disease is a deformity that causes pain and a loss of vertebral height in the back. It also produces a rounded or hunched back, which is very visually noticeable. This condition most often affects the upper thoracic region. Patients usually seek treatment for pain or to address the visual deformity.
How serious is Scheuermann’s disease?
Scheuermann’s disease is a condition in which the spinal bones deteriorate at an early age. This is not a serious disease, and its symptoms usually do not require medical treatment. People who suffer from the disorder usually experience back pain during their teen years and may also have a condition known as scoliosis. The condition can also affect the muscles in the hamstring region, which can cause fatigue and muscle tightness.
Scheuermann’s disease is rare, affecting less than 1% of the population. Most cases occur in young children, between ages 10 and 12, and boys are more commonly affected than girls. However, if a child is not diagnosed and treated in time, the disease can progress and cause pain in adulthood.
What causes Scheuermann’s disease?
Scheuermann’s disease is a disorder in which a person’s vertebrae do not grow properly. It usually occurs in the upper back or thoracic spine, but it can also occur in the lumbar spine. Patients with this disorder usually have severe pain and limitation of movement. This disease is more likely to develop in adolescents and young adults than in children. Symptoms are typically first noticed in adolescents and occur after exertion or long periods of inactivity.
There is no definitive cause for Scheuermann’s disease, but it is believed that it is a result of abnormal growth of vertebrae. It is twice as common in boys than in girls. Treatment depends on the type of the condition and the severity.
Can Scheuermann’s disease be fixed?
While the majority of patients with Scheuermann’s disease do not need surgery to correct the condition, some patients may need it. The procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae into one solid bone. In the case of Scheuermann’s disease, the procedure is performed posteriorly. In this type of surgery, patients who have a mild kyphosis less than 65 degrees may be candidates for fusion.
Physical therapy and Prolotherapy are often recommended for patients with Scheuermann’s disease. These treatments target the weakened ligaments above and below the affected vertebrae and can provide relief from discomfort. If the spinal curvature is more than 60 degrees, however, a surgeon may need to perform a spinal fusion to correct the condition.
At what age does Scheuermann’s disease start?
Scheuermann’s disease is a progressive disease that affects the spine. It causes a hump-like appearance, as well as back pain and reduced flexibility. A X-ray and physical exam are required for diagnosis. Treatment usually involves nonsurgical therapies, but in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
It usually begins in childhood, during a pre-puberty growth spurt, and affects boys more than girls. During this time, the thoracic vertebrae begin to grow unevenly. Normal spinal vertebrae look like stacked rectangles, but in people with Scheuermann’s disease, the thoracic vertebrae grow in an exaggerated wedge shape and develop an exaggerated forward curvature.
The disease typically manifests in early adolescence, but doctors suspect it starts in children as early as age 10. The most common symptom of this disease in children is back pain. Patients may also develop tight pectoral muscles and hamstrings, and they may develop a mild form of scoliosis.
Does Scheuermann’s disease get worse with age?
Scheuermann’s disease is a condition characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae. It usually develops in the adolescent years, when skeletal growth is rapid. It leads to irregular wedge-shaped vertebrae, which are often very painful. It usually manifests itself in the thoracic spine, though it can also occur in the lumbar spine. Although the exact cause is unknown, research has suggested that genetics play a role.
Treatments for Scheuermann’s disease vary from person to person. Some people undergo braces and others may require surgery. Some patients require a long hospital stay. Surgery is typically done to correct the curvature in the spine. The procedure usually involves fusion of the anterior and posterior vertebrae.
