Symptoms
As with many diseases, there are no clear symptoms indicating Scheuermann’s disease. Diffuse back pain is often the main symptom in the early stages. Scheuermann’s disease typically develops in three stages: Initial stage: During the first stage of Scheuermann’s disease there are usually no symptoms.
In most cases, this stage is only recognized in an X-ray image. Training stage: During the second stage of Scheuermann’s disease, there is increased pain. Deformities form on the vertebral bodies.
The formation of wedge-shaped vertebrae can lead to the formation of a so-called hunchback in the thoracic spine region and a so-called flat back in the lumbar spine region. End stage: Pain is most frequent in the end stage. The deforming growth process is complete.
The malformation of the vertebral bodies leads to an overload of the adjacent structures, such as ligaments, vertebral joints and muscles. Permanent overloading leads to premature wear and tear and thus arthrosis of the spine (degenerative changes). Consequences of the disease can be:
- Hunchback in the thoracic spine
- Flat back in the lumbar spine
- Limited mobility in flexion and rotation
- In about half of all cases, back pain occurs predominantly in the thoracic spine.
- Disc problems and back pain, especially in the lumbar spine, can also be added later.
In most patients, the disease usually progresses painlessly during childhood and adolescence.
Only in adulthood, between the ages of 20 and 30, does back pain, various muscle tensions or additional damage to the spine occur. The reason for this is the long-term overloading of the vertebral bodies that have changed shape and are growth-disturbed.Frequently, in addition to the disease, a distinct hollow back as well as a hunchback is formed. These cause severe pain in both arms and legs. Significant movement restrictions and stiffness in the entire spine are also observed.
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