Scheuermann’s disease is the most common cause of adolescent structural kyphosis (too much curvature of the thoracic spine – a spine deformity). The thoracic spine is the section below the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. A less common form of this disease can affect the thoracic and lumbar spine. The diseases cause the spine and spinal discs to grow at abnormal rates.

This disease is often mistaken for poor posture. Scheuermann’s disease begins in childhood and affects up to 8% of children between the ages of 10 and 12. It develops before puberty and progresses during growth spurts throughout adolescence. SD is twice as common in boys than girls and progresses until growth is complete. The disease can range from mild to severe.