Scheuermann's Kyphosis:

Scheuermann's Kyphosis means an increase in the normal kyphosis or the roundback that all of us have to some extent. Most people with Scheuermann's disease will have an increased roundback, but no other particular problem. Those folks who have a profound roundback or if the Scheuermann's Disease affects the lower thoracic or lumbar spine are more likely to have discomfort as they age.

Hyperkyphosis may be associated with increased pain in adult years. Growing patients who have an increased kyphosis are frequently treated with bracing which has been shown to have a good outcome in kyphosis, probably better than in scoliosis cases. For adults the treatment is observation, or anti-inflammatory drugs or reconstructive surgery depending on the severity of the symptoms. Exercises for spine extension and hamstring stretching are usually prescribed. However, exercises are unlikely to correct the deformity for an adult. Exercises used for flexible kyphosis are hyperextension isometric exercises and hamstring stretches. If the deformity and pain are severe enough, a few people are treated with surgery to reduce the kyphosis and fuse the spine.

The kyphosis from Scheuermann's syndrome is different from the kyphosis produced from osteoporotic compression fractures in older women, although the two groups can overlap.

The cause of Scheuermann's kyphosis is unknown, but is thought to be due to a growth abnormality of the vertebral body. Diagnostic criteria varies with different experts. Typically patients have a rigid hyperkyphosis with wedging of the apical vertebral segments.