What we treat Mid back and ribs
Scheuermann's Disease
Scheuermann's Disease is a structural deformity of the spine that typically develops during adolescence. Unlike postural kyphosis, which can be corrected with effort, Scheuermann’s involves a structural change where the vertebrae become wedge-shaped rather than rectangular. This wedge effect leads to an increased forward rounding of the thoracic spine, known as structural kyphosis, often accompanied by back pain and restricted mobility.
Common Symptoms
The most recognizable sign is a rounded upper back (kyphosis or 'hunchback') that doesn't straighten when trying to stand tall.
Persistent aching or sharp discomfort in the thoracic spine, often worsening after long periods of sitting or standing.
Feeling tight and restricted when trying to move the upper body, especially when arching or twisting the back.
How Physical Therapy Diagnoses It
We start by understanding your journey. We discuss when the rounding began, the nature of any back pain, and how it impacts your daily activities. This helps us distinguish structural changes from simple postural habits.
Your therapist will observe your spine from the side and back. A key test is the Adam’s Forward Bend; in Scheuermann’s, the curve remains fixed and prominent even when bending forward, unlike postural issues that often smooth out.
We evaluate the flexibility of your hamstrings and pectoral muscles, which are often tight in Scheuermann’s patients. We also test the strength of your core and back extensors to see how well they support your spine.
While physical therapy identifies the functional impact, a definitive diagnosis requires imaging. If we suspect Scheuermann’s, we coordinate with a physician for X-rays to check for the characteristic 'wedging' of the vertebrae.
Our Approach to Treating Scheuermann's Disease
We utilize specialized manual techniques to improve thoracic mobility and reduce stiffness, focusing on realigning the spine to alleviate excessive curvature.
Building strength in the back extensors and deep core muscles is critical for providing the internal support necessary to prevent the progression of spinal wedging.
We educate patients on ergonomic adjustments and specific movement patterns to ensure spinal health is maintained long after completing their formal therapy program.
SAFE ENTRY-LEVEL RELIEF • START YOUR RECOVERY TODAY • SAFE ENTRY-LEVEL RELIEF • START YOUR RECOVERY TODAY •
1. Lie on your stomach with hands under shoulders. 2. Slowly push your chest up while keeping hips on the floor. 3. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower back down slowly. 4. Repeat 10 times to encourage spinal extension.
1. Sit tall in a chair with feet flat on the ground. 2. Pull your shoulder blades together as if holding a pencil. 3. Keep shoulders down away from ears. 4. Hold for 3 seconds and repeat 15 times.
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This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If it sounds like what you have, an evaluation is where we find out properly.