Scheuermann's Disease – Characteristics, Symptoms and Treatment
Scheuermann's disease, often referred to as a rounded back or hyperkyphosis, is a specific condition that affects more males than females and typically develops during adolescence. It can lead to a deformity of the thoracic spine, which may cause chronic back pain and, depending on its severity, also result in noticeable aesthetic changes to the body's posture.
Dr. med. univ Alexander Spiessberger
Specialist in Neurosurgery
Specialist in Neurosurgery
What are the typical symptoms?
In many cases, patients experience pain in both the buttocks and legs while walking, which limits their walking distance and duration. This pain can be relieved by leaning forward or sitting down.
What is Scheuermann's disease?
In the thoracic spine, an irregularity occurs in parts of the vertebral bodies across several adjacent segments. As a result, the vertebra loses its normal shape and increasingly becomes wedge-shaped. This creates a pronounced rounding of the back, similar to a hunchback deformity. These structural bone changes are accompanied by abnormal changes in the spinal discs. Together, this can lead to chronic back pain and a noticeable spinal deformity. It is suspected that the underlying cause is impaired blood circulation to the vertebral bodies.
Typical characteristics
Common symptoms
Not every case of Scheuermann's disease is easily visible, and not everyone affected experiences significant symptoms.
How is Scheuermann's disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis involves:
Treatment of Scheuermann's Disease
Once the condition is fully established, the structural changes to the affected vertebrae cannot be reversed. Symptomatic treatment may become necessary. If the deformity is severe, surgical correction can be discussed to restore a natural posture.
Conservative (non-surgical) treatment
Surgical treatment
Surgery is only considered if:
What can patients do themselves?
In many cases, patients experience pain in both the buttocks and legs while walking, which limits their walking distance and duration. This pain can be relieved by leaning forward or sitting down.
What is Scheuermann's disease?
In the thoracic spine, an irregularity occurs in parts of the vertebral bodies across several adjacent segments. As a result, the vertebra loses its normal shape and increasingly becomes wedge-shaped. This creates a pronounced rounding of the back, similar to a hunchback deformity. These structural bone changes are accompanied by abnormal changes in the spinal discs. Together, this can lead to chronic back pain and a noticeable spinal deformity. It is suspected that the underlying cause is impaired blood circulation to the vertebral bodies.
Typical characteristics
- In severe cases, a pronounced rounded back develops, which can resemble a hunchback deformity Chronic pain may develop
- In severe cases, the surrounding spinal segments must compensate by curving in the opposite direction, which can lead to abnormal stress and early-onset osteoarthritis in those areas
Common symptoms
Not every case of Scheuermann's disease is easily visible, and not everyone affected experiences significant symptoms.
- Visible, "stiff" rounded back
- Chronic pain
How is Scheuermann's disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis involves:
- Visual examination of the spine from the side
- X-rays of the spine; occasionally, an MRI scan may be necessary
Treatment of Scheuermann's Disease
Once the condition is fully established, the structural changes to the affected vertebrae cannot be reversed. Symptomatic treatment may become necessary. If the deformity is severe, surgical correction can be discussed to restore a natural posture.
Conservative (non-surgical) treatment
- Physiotherapy for muscle strengthening
- Pain management as needed
- A back brace has no effect on the condition
Surgical treatment
Surgery is only considered if:
- severe visible spinal deformity
What can patients do themselves?
- Inspection of the spine by a doctor (e.g., school doctor) or family members
- Consultation with a doctor in the event of a visible deformity
- Weight management, strengthening of the back muscles
- Early medical assessment in case of pain
Frequently Asked Questions about Scheuermann's Disease
No
No, although the presence of chronic pain or a visible spinal deformity can negatively impact mental health.
No, only severe cases. In such instances, however, surgery can usually restore the normal shape of the spine.
No. On the contrary, a "healthy" back—meaning an active lifestyle—has positive effects.
The onset of the condition occurs during adolescence. However, mild cases can often go unnoticed for a lifetime.