Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

What it is

Scheuermann’s kyphosis is a structural roundback that develops during the growing years. In a healthy spine the vertebrae are rectangular; in Scheuermann’s, the front of several vertebrae grows more slowly than the back, so they become wedge-shaped and tip the upper back forward into a rigid curve. It is not caused by slouching, and it cannot be corrected just by standing up straight.

What it looks and feels like

It usually shows up in the teen years as a visible rounding of the upper back that does not straighten when your child stands tall or lies down — the sign that it is structural rather than poor posture. Some teens have aching back pain, especially with activity, and the curve is most obvious when bending forward.

How we follow it

Standing X-rays measure the curve and confirm the wedge-shaped vertebrae that define Scheuermann’s. Because the curve can progress while your child is still growing, periodic checks during the growing years let us watch its trajectory.

How we treat it

Most cases are managed without surgery — physical therapy and an exercise program for posture and comfort, and a brace for a growing child whose curve is moderate, which can limit progression while there is growth left. Surgery is reserved for the minority with a severe or progressing curve, or significant pain that hasn’t responded, and it involves straightening and fusing the curved section.

The science — for the curious

Because the curve is structural — built into the shape of the bones — it behaves differently from ordinary slouching: it is rigid and does not iron out with posture alone. The reason bracing is offered only while a child is growing is that a brace works with growth to shape the spine; once growth is finished, a brace no longer changes the curve, and care shifts to conditioning and, rarely, surgery for the most severe curves.

Learn more

Scoliosis Research Society — Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: srs.org

Scoliosis Research Society — Patient Brochures: srs.org/patients

This handout is general education about a common condition and does not replace the personalized advice we discuss in clinic. If anything here does not match what we talked about, what we talked about wins — please ask me.