[Skip to Content]

What Is Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

Scheuermann's kyphosis (kye-FOH-sis) is a condition affecting the upper back. It makes the upper back rounded so it looks hunched over. It's sometimes called Scheuermann's disease.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

The main signs of Scheuermann's kyphosis are:

  • A rounded, hunched back. Sometimes the rounding is hard to see. Other times it can be more noticeable. Kids can't straighten their curve by standing up.
  • Back pain. About half of kids with Scheuermann's kyphosis have back pain.

The signs of kyphosis often become obvious during the growth spurt that happens around puberty.

What Causes Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

The small bones (called vertebrae) that make up the spine are usually rectangular. They stack like bricks with flexible cartilage in between. When a child has Scheuermann's, the front edge of some of the vertebrae in the upper back grow slower than the back edge. These vertebrae become wedge shaped, so when the vertebrae stack up, the spine curves, making the back round out.