See the section on Scheuermann’s on the website. Most individuals with Scheuermanns live with it without surgery but this requires an understanding of what can be managed and what you have to live with.
You will always “fight” some amount of thoracic pain. This pain can be improved with a thoracic extension strengthening program. WIth prolonged activity, the extensor muscles will fatigue and your pain will increase. The more conditioned the muscles are, the less pain you will have.
Use of medication such as NSAIDs can be helpful. Manipulation can also help. The use of an exercise ball every night to stretch the thoracic spine can be helpful.
You will find that Scheuermann’s disorder has some benefits. You can ski better as your weight will be over the front of the skis and riding a bike should be acceptable.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
