What is Scheuermann’s Disease?

3. Symptoms

Back pain that intensifies through physical activity is the primary symptom of Scheuermann's disease. Some people also experience poor posture with rounded shoulders, but those diagnosed with Scheuermann’s are physically unable to straighten their backs. As such, a pronounced hump or kyphosis develops in the thoracic region. In most cases, the kyphosis is mild and some people show no symptoms at all. Once the body reaches maturity, the disease does not usually progress. But in a small percentage of Scheuermann’s cases, people continue to suffer chronic back pain and progressive kyphosis. About one-third of patients are also diagnosed with scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine.