Most parents ignore their teenagers’ frequent slouching as bad posture. But what if that slouch is a medical condition rather than just a poor habit? Scheuermann's disease, sometimes referred to as Scheuermann's kyphosis, is a structural spinal ailment in which the vertebrae do not grow uniformly, forming a wedge-like shape instead. Standing up straight is not enough to rectify the rounded posture caused by thoracic kyphosis, an excessive forward curvature of the upper back. This problem usually shows up, in teenagers and is frequently overlooked until it becomes noticeable. Early detection of Scheuermann's illness can have a big impact on therapy and management.

What are the early signs?
Having a poor posture like a forward slouch that doesn't go away even after putting in the effort.
A chronic ache in the middle to upper back that gets worse when you sit or stand for extended periods.
A reduction in spinal flexibility that causes discomfort during specific movements.
A sense of continuous fatigue caused due to strain on the muscles.

Due to drooping shoulders patients extend and strain their necks to look ahead.
As the illness worsens, a noticeable hump may emerge when viewed from the side.
In extreme cases, it can lead to difficulty in breathing and eating as a severe curvature may impair lung function.
What are the treatment options?
The treatment depends on the severity of the curve, the severity of the back pain, and the x-ray & MRI findings.

Non-Surgical Treatment:
For mild/moderate curves with controlled back pain:
Physical therapy: Posture correction and pain relief are achieved through strengthening and stretching activities.
Pain management: Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers help.
Posture Training: Using guided approaches to correct posture can assist reduce discomfort.

Surgical treatment:
Surgery might be necessary if the curvature is severe (usually more than 75 degrees) or results in severe pain and functional difficulties. The spinal surgery involves deformity correction via spinal osteotomies and spinal fusion. The procedure realigns and stabilizes the spine using metal screws, rods, and bone grafts. It helps correct the curvature, reduce pain, and stop further progression.