Scheuermann’s disease is a disease that in most cases initially causes no symptoms at all, but rather attracts attention by chance. Often, problems only arise after some time if the disease is not treated in time and appropriately or if its course is severe.
Consequences for the spinal column
The typical late effects of Scheuermann’s disease are caused by the deformation of the spinal column that has existed for a long time and the resulting poor posture or strain. Because the vertebrae are at the wrong angle to each other, wear and tear of the individual vertebrae occurs much earlier. This can lead to slipped discs more easily than in healthy people, which then leads to the classic symptoms of this disease.
Furthermore, nerves can be damaged or constricted in their course. This can lead either to pain or to misperceptions (for example, a tingling or numbness). The vertebral joints can also cause pain because their capsules are overstretched and increased pressure is exerted on them.
However, the permanent incorrect posture not only puts the spinal column under incorrect strain, but also muscles and ligaments. For this reason, affected people often complain of pain in the chest or back muscle area, which is due to tension. As a result of this, but also due to the incorrect curvature of the spine itself, more or less pronounced movement restrictions can also occur in the course of Scheuermann’s disease, affecting patients in their everyday lives.
Severe complications
The most serious complication that can occur in Scheuermann’s disease is restricted breathing. Severe deformations of the spinal column and thus of the entire thorax can result in the lungs no longer having enough room to develop. As a result, those affected have to work harder to breathe and still get less air than healthy people.
Another late consequence of Scheuermann’s disease, which is often played down, but is at least as important as the physical complaints mentioned above, is the psychological strain on patients. Young people in particular often suffer extremely badly from a severely deformed back and “being different”. This can go so far as to cause depression.
If there are signs of such a course, parents or friends should therefore be attentive and willing to talk. Occasionally it is also useful to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. If these late effects of Scheuermann’s disease occur, the disease has reached its final stage, and in such a case one also speaks of a “post-Scheuermann syndrome”. At this stage, patients should seriously consider the option of an operation, preferably together with their doctor, despite the existing risks, as these complications can ultimately severely restrict the quality of life.
