Kyphosis, or more specifically Scheuermann’s Kyphosis does not only lead to some degree of physical abnormality, but also brings with it varying levels of pain and discomfort.
Also referred to as Juvenile Kyphosis, which adds to the confusion over diagnosis for both patients and their parents, Scheuermann’s Disease begins during a child’s growth spurt, usually before puberty. It triggers parts of the vertebrae in the spine to grow at differing rates. This variation in growth across a vertebrae causes them to become more wedge shaped, which when applied to several vertebrae in sequence, causes a distinct lean or curvature of that section of the spine.
Most frequently, we see Scheuermann’s Disease affecting the upper back, known as the thoracic spine. In patients where the thoracic spine has been impaired by Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, we typically see a hunched posture and lean as the wedge shaped vertebrae create a defined curvature. But Scheuermann’s Disease is not limited to this area alone. When the disease affects the lower back or lumbar spine as it is referred to, a change in posture and visual deformity is not so noticeable to the human eye, yet it can inflict greater pain and discomfort to the sufferer. Those with Scheuermann’s Disease in the lumbar spine may well experience more limited movement than those with it in the thoracic spine, plus the added disadvantage of the likelihood it will continue to develop into adulthood.
Whilst the condition itself has many varying names such as Calvé Disease and Juvenile Osteochondrosis, it is not known exactly what causes this abnormality to begin. Some theories suggest a bone injury or an initial weakness in the area are responsible, along with implications for it being a hereditary condition. Regardless of the trigger for Scheuermann’s Disease, it remains one of the most frequent causes of back pain in young people, most noticeable after physical exertion or long periods of rest.
Having treated many patients over the years with Scheuermann’s Disease (Kyphosis), I am very familiar with how it affects them in their day to day routines and their lives in general. It’s not possible to straighten the curvature of the spine, but I have achieve great success in reducing and in many cases eliminating the pain that is associated with this condition using my unique treatment programme.
You can learn more about this condition and discover how I can help you or someone you know suffering with Kyphosis here.