Morbus Scheuermann’s Disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine / Scheuermann’s kyphosis
Description of Morbus Scheuermann

The front part of the vertebral doesn’t finish calcification until the age of 17-18. Growth disturbances can increase the vertebra’s wedge shape resulting in kyphosis (forward curved spine, usually thoracic). The condition is called Morbus Scheuermann after the Danish doctor who described the condition in the early 1900s. The condition causes a mechanical weakening of the spine, and since compression of the front edge of the spine can further increase the wedge shape, hard lifting work and extreme gymnastic forward-bending exercises are ill-advised for young people. In the growth period, there should be a fair amount of available movement in this area, and as it is reduced, pain becomes provoked by backloading work or sports. It is believed that Morbus Scheuermann is a chronic inflammatory state between what is called corpus (the body of) and the end plates of discus inter-vertebralis (between the vertebrae and discus). If this is the case, nothing can be done to change this condition.

Specifics

  • X-ray examination should be conducted to exclude other diseases.
  • Mb. Scheuermann rarely produces symptoms once growth is finished.
  • If the condition is located high in the thoracic spine, the back in adulthood is very strong and people with the disorder will have less inclination for back problems than others as the thoracic spine is more important for stabilizing than moving.
  • If a person is over 20-25 years, specific back training programs will not have a big effect, but will be effective to minimize other problems. However, a specific back training program is, in turn, effective for young people who are still growing, to prevent as much as possible an excessive kyphosis. Remember, the condition can’t be stopped or cured. However, if you train while growing, you can minimize the condition.
Symptoms
  • Fatigue in the spine by exertion, for example sitting in school a whole day.
  • Weakness and pain associated with exertion of the back / spine
  • Changes in the normal curvature of the spine.
Examination
  • Analysis / inspection / palpation / ROM.
  • Scheuermann’s kyphosis characteristics include misalignment which can be measured with measuring tape.
  • X-ray examination will provide the diagnosis.
Treatment
  • Specific back training program.
Rehab for the condition

Specific training for Scheuermann