Scheuermann's disease, also known as Scheuermann's kyphosis, is a spinal disorder that primarily occurs during childhood and adolescence, particularly between the ages of 11 and 13. This growth disorder of the spine is characterized by the development of a rounded back, often perceived as a hump, especially in the thoracic spine area. In our orthopedic practice in Düsseldorf, we offer comprehensive treatment methods to alleviate the symptoms of Scheuermann's disease. Our therapeutic approaches include brace therapy, medication, surgical interventions, and physical therapies to significantly improve the quality of life for affected patients.
We place great importance on addressing the individual needs of each patient in our orthopedic practice in Düsseldorf. Our experts in brace therapy, surgical therapy, medication, and physical therapy work closely together to create and implement optimal treatment plans.
Due to the uneven growth of the spine and the increased pressure on the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, the front edge of the vertebral bodies grows more slowly than the back. This causes the vertebral bodies to lose their typical cylindrical shape and gradually take on a wedge shape.
This wedge-shaped formation, which always affects several vertebral bodies simultaneously, usually occurs in the thoracic spine. In very rare cases, Scheuermann's disease can also occur due to a pathological kyphosis (curvature) in the lumbar spine area, leading to a pronounced flat back.
The exact causes of the development of Scheuermann's disease are still not fully known. In addition to overloading the spine, it is believed that metabolic disorders can also lead to a deformed spine. Since the disease also frequently occurs in families, there seems to be a certain hereditary predisposition to Scheuermann's disease. However, this does not necessarily mean that the disease will occur if there is a predisposition.
Additionally, there are some external circumstances and risk factors that can exacerbate the condition. These include, for example:
These factors lead to increased stress on the front side of the vertebral bodies, especially in the lower thoracic spine. This can potentially cause damage to the endplates, impairing the growth of the vertebrae and thereby promoting Scheuermann's disease in Düsseldorf.
In the early stages, Scheuermann's disease often does not cause pain. The first symptoms usually appear during puberty or even in adulthood. When Scheuermann's disease triggers which symptoms largely depends on whether the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae are affected.
In the active stage of the spinal disease, when more noticeable symptoms in the form of pain or signs of spinal curvature are evident, the disease is characterized by a rounded back due to a growth disorder in the thoracic vertebrae. To compensate for this spinal misalignment, the lumbar spine often arches forward, resulting in a hollow round back. If Scheuermann's disease directly affects the lumbar spine, the typical and normal forward curvature of the spine (lordosis) flattens, resulting in a flat back.
This aesthetic aspect also represents an indication for treatment, as many, especially young people, are not satisfied with their external appearance due to this consequence.
When the spinal disease reaches its final stage, further painful complaints and movement restrictions come to the forefront, caused by the misalignments and wear and tear of a deformed spine.
The long-term consequences of Scheuermann's disease include not only pain and postural defects but also neurological symptoms such as abnormal sensations in certain body areas. These usually arise from excessive pressure on the nerve pathways. Additionally, affected individuals are more prone to herniated discs in the lumbar spine area.
In treating Scheuermann's disease, your orthopedist in Düsseldorf aims to prevent severe spinal deformity or alleviate your symptoms in advanced stages. Depending on the extent of the disease, different treatment methods may be considered:
With the help of physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, muscle groups can be strengthened and shortened muscle areas can be stretched through targeted exercises. In this way, the affected areas of the spine can be kept flexible and spinal curvature can be counteracted.
From a certain degree of spinal curvature, we recommend wearing a support corset to prevent the progression of the disease.
While medication cannot address the causes of Scheuermann's disease, this method can help alleviate the symptoms and discomfort associated with the condition. This form of therapy generally assists those affected with acute pain and tension resulting from prolonged poor posture.
For spinal conditions, we always initially try to resort to conservative treatment options. However, if a certain degree of spinal curvature is exceeded or if chronic pain or lung function impairment is already present, surgical therapy is often indispensable for the effective treatment of the symptoms.
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