Scheuermann’s Disease: A Disorder Of Spine

1. Blog 02: Alignbrace.com Scheuermann’s disease: a disorder of spine Scheuermann’s disease causes abnormal growth in the upper back due to which one side of the vertebrae grow normally and the other side grows slowly as a result causes distinct wedge shape in vertebrae. It leads to bend in the upper back. It creates bad posture due to uneven vertebrae and causes hump-like shape. The causes of this disease are mostly genetic. The symptoms usually grow between the age of 10 to 15. Most common symptoms are: · Limited flexibility · Muscle cramps · Tiredness · Muscle stiffness · Fatigue · Rigid curvature of spine · Tight hamstrings · Slouching and difficulty in bending Scheuermann’s disease treatment: 1) Bracing: the back brace will help in stopping and reversing the spinal deformity. It can be used in the initial phase of the disease. It is the most common and convenient Scheuermann’s disease treatment. The braces provide support to the backbone and is designed in a manner that it does not restrict the mobility. The braces should be worn all the time to stop the progression of the curve on spine. 2) Physical therapy: physical therapy program and exercising also helps in strengthening muscles, maintaining flexibility and removing back and neck pain. There are different exercises which can help in proper posturing. Physical therapy along with bracing will be very effective in rectifying the spinal abnormal growth. 3) Surgery: it is an operative treatment and is required when the problem is severe and the abnormal growth is not reversible. In extreme cases, it is the best treatment for spinal correction. The back braces may have to be used after surgery for protecting the operated area. The type of treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Bracing is helpful in beginning stages and surgery is required if the disease reaches to the stage where no other treatment will be effective. Spine specialist should be consulted for Scheuermann’s disease treatment.