Your spine has natural curves from front to back that maintain alignment, balance, and movement. The outward curve in the middle of your back is called kyphosis, and the inward or forward curves at your neck and lower back are called lordosis. While small curves are necessary, extreme curves can devastate your spine and overall health.
Dr. Patrick McNulty of McNulty Spine in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, is one of the nation’s top orthopedic surgeons and leading authorities on spinal curvature issues. Here, he explains the differences and similarities between two conditions that affect the front-to-back alignment of your spine — kyphosis and Scheurmann’s disease.
Kyphosis refers to the normal outward curve in the middle of your spine, but it’s also the name of the condition of an exaggerated curvature of the spine, resulting in a hunched or rounded back.
Losing lordosis often goes hand in hand with kyphosis by flattening the natural curves in your cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.
Several types of kyphosis can affect your spine for different reasons and at different life stages.
Postural kyphosis is the most common type, primarily seen in teenagers. It stems from poor posture, usually corrected with conscious effort and physical therapy. Unlike other forms, postural kyphosis isn’t associated with spinal deformities, making it relatively easy to manage.
Congenital kyphosis occurs due to spinal malformations present at birth ranging from mild to severe. They often require surgical intervention.
Nutritional kyphosis results from deficiencies in essential nutrients, particularly vitamin D and calcium. These deficiencies weaken your bones, leading to abnormal spinal curvature. Addressing the underlying nutritional issues helps manage and may even correct this form of kyphosis.
Post-traumatic kyphosis arises from spinal injuries, such as fractures or dislocations. The severity of the condition depends on the injury's extent and the initial treatment's effectiveness. In some cases, Dr. McNulty may recommend minimally invasive surgery to stabilize and correct the spinal curvature.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann’s disease, is a structural deformity of the spine that affects up to 8% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. It affects more boys than girls (2:1) and causes a pronounced and rigid curve in the upper back.
Unlike postural kyphosis, Scheuermann’s kyphosis doesn’t improve with changes in posture and often requires more intensive treatment.
Scheuermann’s disease is a specific form of juvenile kyphosis characterized by wedge-shaped vertebrae stacked on top of one another. This wedging creates a more pronounced and fixed curvature than other kyphosis types. The exact cause of Scheuermann’s disease is unknown, but most researchers believe it involves genetic and environmental factors.
What’s the link between the two conditions? Kyphosis (particularly congenital kyphosis) and Scheurmann’s disease share similar symptoms, and untreated Scheurmann’s disease could evolve into adult kyphosis.
Common symptoms of Scheuermann’s disease and kyphosis include back pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The curvature may be visible when viewed from the side, often described as a hunchback appearance.
Dr. McNulty diagnoses kyphosis and Scheurmann’s disease with a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.
Dr. McNulty treats kyphosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis based on their severity.
For example, mild cases typically benefit from physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the back muscles and improve posture. Bracing or surgery might be necessary for more severe cases to correct the curvature and prevent further complications.
Managing Scheuermann’s disease and/or kyphosis involves a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. We can help you develop a regular exercise routine, maintain a healthy weight, and practice good posture, which can all help alleviate symptoms and improve your range of motion.
Don’t ignore that hunch in your back; call McNulty Spine or request an appointment online and stop the progression before it worsens.
