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At the age of 11, my parents noticed that my posture was worsening, despite my best efforts to stand up
straight. The local hospital took x-rays and I was diagnosed with a condition known as Scheuermann’s
Kyphosis. A person with Scheuermann’s will have vertebrae that are wedge shaped and this causes the
spine to curve beyond its normal range, compared with an average person.
The cause of this condition is generally unknown. It could be hereditary or there may be undiscovered
factors that somehow cause the spine to develop in this manner. It is more common in boys than girls and
starts to become noticeable during puberty when the spine is growing.
When I was diagnosed in 1989, the treatment for me was to have physiotherapy that would teach me postural
exercises. I was also prescribed a specially made Milwaukee brace, which was a metal frame with a protruding
chin piece to hold my head up and support my spine. It was also removable, due to its design, and I would
take it off before sleeping and when I did my exercises.
I wore the brace for 18 months, but a follow up x-ray revealed that my condition was worsening. My spine
was starting to bend to the side, due to having to lean sideways to complete my schoolwork. Physiotherapy
was not having much of an effect either, but I was encouraged to continue with it.
Spinal surgery was suggested and would consist of a metal rod being inserted into my back and attached
to my vertebrae, holding the spine in an upright position as I grew. There were risks involved, such as
the possibility of paralysis if nerves were damaged, possible infection and discomfort and it would mean
a long period of rehabilitation.
My family and GP opted against the use or surgery, so an alternate treatment was discussed – a body cast.
The cast consisted of fibreglass and plaster and was moulded to my body, allowing space for my hips and
breasts to develop. It was heavy, restricted my movements, was unbearably hot in the summer and was
unattractive. This caused a lot of emotional problems as well as a feeling of physical restriction.
I was on the receiving end of verbal abuse at school and became an isolated and withdrawn teenager as
a result.
At the age of 15, treatment stopped at my family’s request. I still had a noticeable curve, but x-rays
revealed that my spine had a smooth bend rather than the classic wedge shaped curve. This meant that my
spine was not an immediate health risk. Normally a wedged spine left untreated can result in the vertebrae
wearing down, causing pain and damage to the nerves.
In my late teens I joined a yoga class, but found the exercises very difficult and uncomfortable due to
my posture. I did not know of any other exercises or therapies at the time that would help and just carried
on life as normal. I pursued counselling to help me come to terms with the psychological effect my condition
had had on me.
In my mid 20s, I joined a gym and discovered Pilates. I found it much more comfortable to do and, even
though it was challenging, the exercises I did alongside weights and core stability training resulted in
a gradual improvement in my overall posture. It was all a matter of developing strength in weak postural
muscles.
My life is much better now and I am currently studying for a degree in Therapeutic Bodywork at the
University of Westminster. I have developed a real passion for what I do and have an interest in back pain
and postural conditions as a result of my experiences.
Despite the difficulties I faced as a teenager living with Scheuermann’s, I have now turned my life around.
I raise awareness of my condition to trainee massage and beauty therapists at my local college, teaching
them what the text books don’t tell them especially with regards to emotional trauma. My condition has
now become something I am no longer ashamed of and, without it, I would not be where I am today doing what
I love.
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