Scheuermann's Disease
Scheuermann's disease (or juvenile kyphosis) is a structural defect of the spine presenting with characteristic excessive curvature of the back at chest height. It usually manifests in adolescence, typically before 15 years of age. The risk is nearly 5 times higher in men.
The early stages can be difficult to distinguish from simple poor posture. A definitive diagnosis can be made by an orthopedist from an x-ray scan. Untreated, Scheuermann's disease can be painful and cause permanent spinal deformity. However, most cases are discovered in time and treated successfully.
