Dealing With Scheuermann's Disease in Te Puke - Mid Back Pain And The Scheuermann's Kyphosis

WHAT IS SCHEUERMANN’S KYPHOSIS

In short, this condition, sometimes called Scheuermann’s Disease, occurs when the front of the upper spine grows slower than the back of the spine. This causes the vertebrae to become wedge-shaped, with the narrow part of the wedge in front. The wedge-shape of the vertebra creates an increase in the amount of normal kyphosis, or front angulation of the thoracic spine. It usually involves multiple vertebrae in a row and effects the end plates or edges of those vertebra.

The wedging of vertebrae in Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is most common in the upper back, but occasionally occurs between the thoracic and lumbar spine, and less commonly in the lumbar spine or lower back. The cause of Scheuermann’s disease is unknown, but is thought to be due to a growth abnormality of the vertebral body. The growth plate on the anterior, or front, stops growing while the back, or posterior continues on a regular growth pattern. The condition that causes this is known as osteochondrosis.

Scheuermann’s disease does not spread and is not really a “disease” but a condition that can arise during growth. It is more common in males and typically appears in adolescents usually towards the end of their growth spurt. If the deformity is severe, patients are more likely to have discomfort or pain along with the deformity as they age.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SCHEUERMANN’S DISEASE IN TE PUKE

Treatment will vary depending on the size of the curve, the flexibility of the curve, the patient’s age and the patient’s preferences. The most important part of treatment with Sheuermann’s is structural chiropractic care. At our Te Puke clinic, we see multiple patients per year present with Scheuermann’s and the majority notice a definite overall improvement in their condition. Through specific and structural Chiropractic care, this will ensure that the joints in the back maintain motion. Motion to these joints is particularly important as with loss of motion degeneration is the result. Keep in mind the phrase ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it.’

For patients with Sheuermann’s regular chiropractic treatment is important to have their spine adjusted as there’s already some degree of spinal degeneration involved with the disease. Chiropractic will not cure this condition however many people have found it to help decrease the curve and definitely help to keep it from getting worse. Additionally, chiropractic treatment will help reduce mid back pain associated with this condition.

In addition to chiropractic treatment exercise may benefit a patient with Sheuermann’s, but should never include contact sports like rugby, soccer or karate. Due to the fragility of the bones from such a condition any trauma should be avoided. Sports like swimming can be low impact and highly beneficial.

For a full evaluation and treatment plan you should consult with a licensed and experienced Chiroprator like Dr. David Guest at Mount Maunganui and Te Puke Chiropractic. After a thorough evaluation you will have a better understanding of any condition you have, including Sheuermann’s Kyphosis, and a treatment plan can be created for your long-term goals.

For the majority of those checked in our clinic with these sorts of problems, there has either been a significant overall improvement or it has completely solved the problem. If you or someone you know is suffering from Scheuermann’s disease in Te Puke or other health problems, call us at 07 574 3099 for a complimentary consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Dr. David Guest is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Mount Maunganui and Te Puke Chiropractic in the Bay of Plenty.  Dr. Guest focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 17 years. You can reach Dr. Guest at david@mtchiro.co.nz or (07) 573 9988.