Scheuermann's kyphosis

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Kyphosis is a problem where the upper back appears hunched. Scheuermann's kyphosis is developmental, meaning it happens when a child grows. We're here to help.

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Kyphosis is common, particularly as people age. Scheuermann's kyphosis happens while a child's body grows.

Normal vertebrae (the bones in the spine) are shaped like rectangles and stack on top of each other with a disc between them. With Scheuermann's kyphosis, the front of the vertebrae wedge forward, which causes the spine to curve forward.

Scheuermann's kyphosis develops in teenagers while their bones are growing. It happens in about 1% of people in this age group and affects males and females equally.

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Causes and symptoms

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The cause of Scheuermann's kyphosis isn't known. Scheuermann, a Danish radiologist, thought it was caused by problems with cartilage (smooth covering on the ends of bones) and bone growth.

Some researchers think it may be caused by damage in the growth area of the vertebrae. There is also a high genetic predisposition to this disease, which means it tends to run in families.

About one third of people with Scheuermann's kyphosis have scoliosis. Scoliosis is another type of spinal problem that often occurs in teenagers. With scoliosis, an X-ray from the front will show the spine curving like the letter "S" rather than looking like a straight line.

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Usually symptoms start between ages 10 to 15. It's hard to know when the disease starts because X-rays don't show the changes until a child is 10 or 11 years old.

The disease is often found when a child has poor posture or slouches. Sometimes the child might have pain or a feeling of tiredness in the back. Usually there isn't a lot of pain unless the curving of spine is more severe.

Often the disease is found because a teacher or parent will suggest a doctor visit after noticing the spine curving. If an adult starts to show signs of the disease, the pain from the spine curving sometimes becomes unbearable.

People with Scheuermann's kyphosis usually don't have nerve problems. In serious cases, a badly curved spine can squeeze the chest and stomach area, which can put pressure on the heart and lungs. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath and loss of appetite.

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