What Is Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

Scheuermann's kyphosis (kye-FOH-sis) is a skeletal disorder that causes the upper back to round and appear hunched over. It's characterized by the uneven growth of vertebrae in the spine, which can lead to a wedged or triangular shape. It is also sometimes referred to as Scheuermann's disease.

What are the symptoms of Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

The main symptoms of Scheuermann's kyphosis are:

A round, hunched back: The rounding may not be apparent at times. Other times it may be more apparent. Children cannot straighten their curvature when they stand up.
Back pain: Fifty percent of children with Scheuermann's kyphosis experience back pain.

Many children are diagnosed with kyphosis when the signs become apparent as they grow through the early years of puberty.

What Causes Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

The spine's tiny bones are often rectangular in shape. They are made of flexible cartilage and stack like bricks. The front edge of certain of the upper back's vertebrae grows more slowly than the back edge in children with Scheuermann's disease. When the vertebrae stack up, the spine bends and the back rounds out because these vertebrae take on a wedge form.

Doctors do not know why some children get Scheuermann's kyphosis. But it does run in some families. Signs usually show up first during or immediately after puberty, when growing rapidly. Most kids have been diagnosed when they were between 12 and 15 years old.

How Is Scheuermann's Kyphosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Scheuermann's kyphosis begins with a medical history and physical examination. To begin this process, a doctor will:

Examine the spine: The child will stand and bend forward at the waist, and lie down
X-rays: to measure and evaluate the curve

How to treat Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

Kids with Scheuermann's kyphosis will see an orthopedist (a doctor who treats conditions involving the bones). The orthopedist will examine the spine, look at the X-rays, and recommend treatment.

Treatment options include:

Observation: If there is no problem with rounding of the back, kyphosis might not need to be treated at all. Kids are followed up regularly so that if the curvature of the back is progressing then it could be checked up. Most of them stop developing when the kids reach their growth spurts.

Back brace: Your provider may recommend a brace. It is a jacket that you wear under your other clothing. It will not improve the curvature, but it will prevent it from worsening.

Physical therapy: Occasionally, exercises to strengthen the muscles in the back and core that support the spine are better able to alleviate the curvature.

Surgery: This is usually not necessary, but sometimes, in very severe cases, when pain or shortness of breath results, surgery called spinal fusion might be needed.

What else should I know?

It is best that teens with Scheuermann's kyphosis receive the appropriate treatment during their growth period. When they are done growing, the spine will not naturally continue to curve. Any child complaining of back ache or having a rounded back should be taken to see his or her doctor.

Why Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Kyphosis Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Hospital has a highly experienced team of spine surgeons and diagnosticians who implement the latest international standard infection control measures. The spine surgery team has decades of experience in treating Scheuermann's Kyphosis in Lucknow India.