Final stage
The final stage of Scheuermann’s disease is when the spinal column has reached its final deformation due to the vertebral malformations. It is the last of a total of 3 stages that are passed through in the course of the disease. Scheuermann’s disease is then mainly associated with restricted movement, visual irregularity and often pain.
At this stage, the muscles have already been affected by the long period of malpositioning and other wear and tear processes of the spine are also underway. At this point, physiotherapy only serves to maintain and reduce the pain of the muscles. An improvement of the spinal column position can no longer be achieved through exercises.
Late effects
Due to the versatility of Scheuermann’s disease and the fact that the disease is often diagnosed late, all kinds of late effects can occur. Due to the permanent malposition due to the spinal malformations, sections of the spine are subjected to significantly more strain than in healthy patients. This results in a higher susceptibility to further spinal column injuries, such as a herniated disc or trapped nerves, which can then lead to pain and discomfort.
The musculature can also atrophy, shorten or cramp due to the malpositions. The malalignment can also lead to restrictions in movement, which can severely restrict the everyday life of the affected person. If the spinal column is severely deformed, the function of organs can be impaired, so that Scheuermann’s disease patients complain of problems with breathing or digestion. All these factors contribute to the fact that psychological problems are also considered to be late complications of Scheuermann’s disease.These include depression and reduced self-esteem. In order to limit late effects as much as possible, it is important to offer those affected as much support and therapy options as possible so that a normal everyday life is possible.
Summary
All in all, Scheuermann’s disease is a common disease of the spinal column, which occurs primarily in children and adolescents. Due to the slow progression of the disease process, the disease is only detected relatively late. However, it is true that early diagnosis with an appropriately well-prepared therapy can usually have a very positive influence on the course of the disease, so that there are few or no malformations of the vertebrae. The fact that the cause of the disease is unknown makes it difficult to take precautionary measures, but in principle it is not wrong to do preventive exercises for the spine regularly.
