The thoracic spine is the spinal region that connects the cervical and lumbar spines. It is the least flexible part of the spine but may be susceptible to Edison thoracic conditions, including Scheuermann’s kyphosis – an abnormal spine curvature that occurs during growth. Usually, the spinal vertebrae are rectangular shaped and stacked on one another like building blocks. In between is a soft cushion (discs) that prevent the bones from rubbing on each other. But with Scheuermann’s kyphosis, the bones’ vertebrae wedge closer in a triangular shape, causing the spine to curve more than normal. It develops in adolescence when growth is still occurring and is likely to affect more men than females.
What causes Scheuermann’s kyphosis?
The cause of this disease remains undiscovered, but there are different theories about its development, according to the Danish radiologist from whom the disease was named. One theory explains that the problem is a result of avascular necrosis, meaning the cartilage of the spinal bone’s ring dies due to a lack of blood supply. The result is interrupted bone growth during development, leading to wedge-shaped vertebrae.
Symptoms of Scheuermann’s kyphosis
The symptoms of Scheuermann’s kyphosis develop around puberty – between 10 and 15 years. It is hard to know when the problem begins since X-rays don’t show changes until a patient is around 10 or 11 years old. The disease is often discovered when parents notice a slouching or poor posture in their child. Alternatively, the adolescent may experience fatigue and mid-back pain; at this point, the pain is rarely severe or disabling unless there is a serious deformity.
Generally, kyphosis develops slowly, and the progressive appearance of a hunchback is what causes many patients to seek medical help. People are more likely to visit a doctor when the round back or curvature becomes increasingly noticeable.
The curve resulting from Scheuermann’s disease is generally rigid and worsens with flexion or bending over. Unlike patients with postural kyphosis, those with Scheuermann’s kyphosis may be unable to correct the curve simply by standing.
Diagnosing Scheuermann’s kyphosis
First, your doctor will examine your medical history to understand when the progression of kyphosis began. You may need to answer questions about your lifestyle, activity level, and whether you have had an injury in the past. They will also review your family history to check for similar problems. Next is a physical exam which allows your provider to rule out other possible causes of the disease and try to determine the cause of your spinal deformity.
The doctor may take an x-ray of the spine to determine the degree of the curve. If the curve is due to poor posture, nothing abnormal will appear on the x-ray. But if the spinal deformity is due to Scheuermann’s disease, the x-ray will show three or more vertebrae wedges at least five degrees each.
Treatment for Scheuermann’s kyphosis
The treatment of this disease depends on various factors, such as a patient’s age, gender, the curve’s severity, and flexibility. If possible, your doctor may use a non-operative treatment such as bracing or casting to straighten the spine. But if your curve exceeds 75 degrees when measured on x-rays, your doctor may recommend surgery.
If you have any thoracic spine condition, visit your specialist at Jeff Pan, MD, for treatment to improve your quality of life.