Anatomy: The back is constructed of box-like vertebrae which are held in place partly with the help of the shape of the bones, partly by ligaments and partly by the large and small back and stomach muscles.

Cause: Scheuermann’s disease occurring in approximately 4% of the population (article). A curvature of the back occurs (bending over forwards) due to the vertebrae becoming wedge shaped. There are also characteristic x-ray finds. The cause of the condition is unknown, but evidence tends to suggest that the condition is hereditary (article).

Symptoms: Back curvature localised high in the back (thoracal Scheuermann) gives often only few, if any, symptoms. Back curvature localised in the lower back (thoracolumbal or lumbal Scheuermann) does entail back pain for the majority (article).

Examination: The diagnosis is usually made following a medical examination supplemented with an x-ray (at least 3 adjacent vertebrae with at least 5 degrees wedge form, Schmorlske impressions, flattening of discs, irregular end plates) (article). The crooked back is often mistaken in the beginning for “bad posture”. In some cases, CT or MRI scanning is recommended.

Treatment: The vast majority of cases can be treated with training, attempting to maintain the mobility of the back, counteract the curvature tendency and strengthen the stomach and back muscles. A corset can in some cases be used until the young person is fully grown. An operation can be performed only in very rare cases. The condition has a good prognosis (article), and even after an operation it is still possible to take part in many different forms of sport (article).

Complications: In some cases a crooked back can have other causes (infection, nerve disease, inborn bone change, rheumatic illness, bone disease, metabolic disorder).

Anatomy: The back is constructed of box-like vertebrae which are held in place partly with the help of the shape of the bones, partly by ligaments and partly by the large and small back and stomach muscles.

Cause: The cause of scoliosis in children and adolescents is unknown in the majority of cases (idiopathic). Scoliosis is most commonly seen during the growing years, and is more often seen in girls than boys (Photo).

Symptoms: Scoliosis does not necessarily cause pain or other symptoms.

Examination: It is important that the diagnosis is made as soon as possible as better results are achieved if the treatment is commenced as soon as it is necessary. One should therefore always be aware of the early signs of scoliosis (uneven shoulder or hip level, one or both shoulder blades being prominent, slanting waist). A normal medical examination will usually be sufficient to make the diagnosis. X-rays will reveal the degree of severity of the scoliosis. In some cases, CT or MRI scanning is recommended (article).

Treatment: Treatment is dependant upon the degree of severity. The majority of cases will normally be able to be controlled without treatment (article). It will normally be possible to take part in sports activities without any problems (article). Strength training and stretching of the stomach and back muscles is recommended. Supportive bandaging can be used if the scoliosis becomes worse (> 25-30 degrees) and the young person is still growing. It is normally possible to take part in sport at the usual level despite the bandaging (article). An operation may become necessary if the scoliosis becomes pronounced (> 40-50 degrees), and even earlier in some special cases. Certain forms of sport can be resumed 6-9 months after the operation (article).

Complications: In some cases the presence of scoliosis can have other causes (infection, nerve disease, inborn bone change, rheumatic illness, bone disease, metabolic disorder).