Back Pain Due to Sherman's Disease

Sherman's disease (also known as Scheuermann's disease) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by a forward posture. Back pain may be present, often as a result of being bent forward. While the exact cause of Sherman's disease is unknown, it does tend to run in families.

Identification

• Sherman's disease is a structural deformity of the thoracic spine. This condition may appear in adolescents and adults. Scoliosis may also be present with Sherman's disease.

Symptoms

• Some of the symptoms of Sherman's include disease fatigue, stiffness in the spine, scoliosis and poor posture. Back pain also may be present, especially in the upper back. Many people who have Sherman's disease complain of localized tenderness when the upper back is touched.

Treatment

• The treatment of back pain due to Sherman's disease may consist of strengthening exercises and stretching exercises. Activities such as swimming are also encouraged. These exercises will not reduce the curvature of the spine, but will help reduce pain by increasing flexibility and mobility of the spine.

Bracing

• The Milwaukee brace is often prescribed for patients who have a severe forward bend in their spines. This brace is worn to immobilize the spine and encourage it to grow straight. Surgery may be considered for those that have a curvature greater than 70 degrees or for those who have a great deal of back pain due to the forward bend in the spine.

Medication

• Medication may be prescribed to help reduce the pain associated with Sherman's disease. These medications may include anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics. This type of treatment is prescribed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the patient's age, the severity of the pain and the severity of the curvature of the spine.