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Scheuermann's Kyphosis Options

Scheuermann's kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, is a medical condition that causes the spine to grow abnormally. It is estimated that from 4 to 8 percent of the United States population has Scheuermann's kyphosis. The condition is usually detected between the ages of 13 and 16. Developing poor posture is a common indicator of Scheuermann's disease. Most cases of Scheuermann's kyphosis are non-fatal. However, the condition can cause back pain. People with Scheuermann's kyphosis have different options for treating the disease.

  1. Physical Therapy

    • Treating Scheuermann's disease with physical therapy is controversial, because the belief exists that the condition does not have negative consequences and therefore does not need to be treated. However, physical therapy is used to treat Scheuermann's disease, and is an option for patients with an immature skeleton. Therapists work on limiting the deformity caused by Scheuermann's kyphosis. They also can use orthotics to help a person with the condition keep good posture.

    Medication

    • Standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin work to relieve mild back pain caused by Scheuermann's kyphosis. Pain medication should be taken when the back pain occurs. If you find yourself constantly taking pain medication to relieve back pain, you should talk to your doctor.

      Those with Scheuermann's kyphosis should avoid carrying heavy weights that put stress on the back, such as backpacks with lots of books. Not participating in strenuous activities also can avoid aggravating back pain associated with the condition.

    Surgery

    • Spinal fusion is a surgical method of treating Scheuermann's disease. The doctor inserts a metal rod in the back in order to straighten the spine. In the majority of cases, spinal fusion is done for cosmetic purposes. However, in rare cases where the spine curves at an angle greater than 75 degrees, surgery is required for medical reasons. In these cases, without surgery the curved spine will prevent organs from operating properly, leading to potentially fatal consequences. To detect whether or not surgery will be required, doctors will take X-rays of the spine and measure the spine's angle of curvature on the X-ray.

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