Scheuermann’s disease

Scheuermann’s disease is a growth-related maldevelopment of the spinal column, resulting in uneven growth of the individual vertebral bodies. These finally take on a wedge shape instead of the typical cylinder shape. In most cases, this malformation results in the formation of a rounded back, since the thoracic spine curves too much forward.

However, Scheuermann’s disease can also affect the lumbar vertebrae, whereby the spinal column flattens, which is the reason for the so-called flat back. Scheuermann’s disease is therefore a disease that develops in adolescence and comes to a halt in adulthood when growth stops. The diagnosis is usually made by the physician by questioning the patient about the typical symptoms and an x-ray, which makes the wedge-shaped changes in the vertebral bodies visible.

Although Scheuermann’s disease often goes unnoticed and does not necessarily cause problems in mild cases, many adolescents struggle with it. The choice of therapy in treatment is physiotherapy. Through physiotherapeutic exercises, it helps to straighten the spine and strengthen the muscles. Medication can be prescribed for severe pain. The exact content of the therapy is determined individually for each patient and adapted to the symptoms.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that usually develops in childhood and adolescence during growth spurts. Individual vertebral bodies grow much more strongly and irregularly, resulting in more or less pronounced scoliosis. It is therefore very important for parents to regularly check their children’s backs for irregularities.

This is easily done by bending the child forward and visually examining the back. If something appears conspicuous, such as a crooked spine or a protruding costal arch, a doctor should be consulted. Treatment as soon as possible is important because scoliosis can be counteracted well in its early stages and worse adhesions can be prevented.

By treating scoliosis at an early stage, the quality of life of children can be significantly improved and maintained in the long term. When selecting the treatment, the doctor uses the so-called Cobb angle, which indicates the degree of curvature.

If the curvature is less than 20%, good results can usually be achieved with physiotherapy. The main focus is on exercises to strengthen and stretch the spine and trunk muscles.
In case of a larger curvature, the additional wearing of a special corset, which passively bends the spine and counteracts the curvature, is inevitable.
In the case of very severe curvatures, surgery on the spine, whereby the spine is straightened and stiffened, can sometimes not be avoided.