Scheuermann’s kyphosis is a developmental form of kyphosis, which means that it occurs in adolescents while their bodies are growing. Normal vertebrae are rectangular in shape and are stacked on top of one another like building blocks, with a disc that acts as a soft cushion between each one. In Scheuermann’s kyphosis, the front of the vertebrae wedge forward and become closer together in a triangular shape. This causes the spine to curve forward more than normal. It happens to roughly one percent of people in this age group, and the condition occurs in boys as often as it does in girls.
Below you can learn more about the causes and symptoms of Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Please contact our office if you would like to learn more about our spine care options.
The cause of Scheuermann’s kyphosis is not yet known, but there are many possible theories regarding how it develops. Scheuermann, a Danish radiologist, proposed that the problem started because cartilage in the spine became damaged due to a lack of blood. He suggested that this interrupted bone growth during development, leading to wedging of the affected vertebrae.
Most researchers think that some sort of damage to the growth area of the vertebrae starts the process. This damage may be caused by a vertebral disorder during the rapid growth spurts of adolescence. Many spine specialists also believe that a problem with the mechanics of the spine (the way it is put together and functions) plays a role in Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Others suggest that mild osteoporosis could contribute to the deformity. Muscle abnormalities have also been considered as a possible cause. There also seems to be a high genetic predisposition to this disease, meaning that it tends to run in families.
Scheuermann originally noticed this spinal deformity in agriculture workers who were frequently hunched or bent over. This led to the question of whether poor posture could lead to kyphosis. While this is a sensible question, the connection between posture and Scheuermann’s kyphosis has never been confirmed. However, poor posture has been shown to play a role in making the problem worse. Therefore, correcting postural problems can sometimes help improve abnormal kyphosis.
Symptoms of Scheuermann’s kyphosis generally develop around puberty, between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. It is difficult to know exactly when the problem begins because X-rays do not show the changes until the child reaches 10 or 11 years old. Scheuermann’s kyphosis is often discovered when parents notice their child has poor posture or is slouching. The child might also experience pain and fatigue in the mid back. The pain is rarely disabling or severe at this point, unless the deformity is severe.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis is generally slow to develop. When it progresses to the point that the rounded curve in the back becomes noticeable, a concerned parent or teacher will almost always suggest a visit to the doctor. This, rather than the presence of pain, is what leads most children to get medical help. By comparison, adults who develop Scheuermann’s kyphosis early in life tend to seek help because the pain from the deformity becomes unbearable.
A rigid curve in the spine is common with Scheuermann’s kyphosis. The curve gets worse when bending over and only partially corrects when standing up straight. Pain typically increases with time and severity of the deformity. About one-third of people with Scheuermann’s Kyphosis also have scoliosis. Scoliosis is another type of spinal deformity that usually occurs in teenagers. Looking at an X-ray from the front, a spine affected by scoliosis will curve from side to side, like an “S,” instead of in a straight line. See this page for more information about scoliosis.
People who have Scheuermann’s kyphosis usually do not have nerve problems from the spinal deformity. However, a severely rounded spine can squeeze the contents of the chest and abdomen. The disorder may eventually put pressure on the heart, lungs, and abdomen. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite.
The Spine Care Center in Manassas offers treatments for Scheuermann’s kyphosis and other spine diseases. Please get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment with one of our spine doctors.