While there is no explanation for what causes Scheuermann's disease, there are ways to treat it. For this reason, there are many treatment methods and options available that aim to correct the kyphosis while the spine is still growing, and especially aim to prevent it from worsening. Typically, however, once the patient is fully grown, the bones will maintain the deformity. Scheuermann's disease is self-limiting after growth is complete, meaning that it generally runs its course and never presents further complication. The degree of kyphosis can be measured by Cobb's angle and sagittal balance. Scheuermann's disease on lateral CT of the T spineĭiagnosis is typically by medical imaging. Several candidate genes (such as FBN1, which has been associated with Marfan) have been proposed and excluded. The cause is not currently known, and the condition appears to be multifactorial. They are hence at a statistical greater long term risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis, the reason for this is unknown. Patients with Scheurmann's disease are prone to having a lower than average bone density. In more serious cases, however, the combination is classified as a separate condition known as kyphoscoliosis. In addition to the common lordosis, it has been suggested that between 20–30% of patients with Scheuermann's Disease also have scoliosis, though most cases are negligible. Often patients have tight hamstrings, which, again, is related to the body compensating for excessive spinal curvature, though this is also debated (for example, some suggest the tightness of ligament is the initial cause of the growth abnormality). It has been proposed that this is the body's natural way to compensate for a loss of breathing depth. Most people have forced vital capacity (FVC) scores above average. Many with Scheuermann's disease have very large lung capacities and males often have broad, barrel chests. Many with Scheuermann's disease often have an excessive lordotic curve in the lumbar spine this is the body's natural way to compensate for the kyphotic curve above. However, the degree of thoracic kyphosis among Scheuermann’s patients was not related to back pain, quality of life, or general health. Pain: Scheuermann’s patients had a higher risk for back pain and disabilities during activities of daily living than controls. The curvature of the back decreases height, thus putting pressure on internal organs, wearing them out more quickly than the natural aging process surgical procedures are almost always recommended in this case. In very serious cases it may cause internal problems and spinal cord damage, but these cases are extremely rare. The seventh and tenth thoracic vertebrae are most commonly affected. In studies, kyphosis is better characterized for the thoracic spine than for the lumbar spine. Nevertheless, it is typically pain or cosmetic reasons that prompt sufferers to seek help for their condition. It has been reported that curves in the lower thoracic region cause more pain, whereas curves in the upper region present a more visual deformity. In addition to the pain associated with Scheuermann's disease, many sufferers of the disorder have loss of vertebral height, and depending on where the apex of the curve is, may have a visual 'hunchback' or 'roundback'. The sufferer may feel isolated or uneasy amongst their peers if they are children, depending on the level of deformity. The sufferer may feel pain at the apex of the curve, which is aggravated by physical activity and by periods of standing or sitting this can have a significantly detrimental effect to their lives as their level of activity is curbed by their disability. Scheuermann's disease is notorious for causing lower and mid-level back and neck pain, which can be severe and disabling. The apex of their curve, located in the thoracic vertebrae, is quite rigid. Patients suffering with Scheuermann’s kyphosis cannot consciously correct their posture. It is found mostly in teenagers and presents a significantly worse deformity than postural kyphosis. Scheuermann's disease is considered to be a form of juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine.
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