Scheuermann’s disease: non-surgical improvement in whole spine sagittal alignment in the treatment of a symptomatic patient using Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 31; no. 11; pp. 965 - 970
• Main Authors: Ehsani, Niousha Navid, Oakley, Paul A., Harrison, Deed E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2019; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Back pain; Biophysics; Case reports; Case Study; Chiropractic medicine; Low back pain; Posture; Scheuermann’s disease; Thoracic hyperkyphosis; Thoracic hyperkyphosis; Low back pain; Scheuermann’s disease
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.31.965

[Purpose] To present the dramatic improvement of sagittal posture in a young male with Scheuermann’s disease suffering from pain ailments as treated by Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique. [Participant and Methods] An 18 year old reported low back pain and headaches for several years. Full spine radiographic assessment revealed pronounced thoracic hyperkyphosis, anterior head translation, posterior thoracolumbar sagittal balance, and a reduced sacral base orientation. The patient was treated by Chiropractic BioPhysics methods incorporating mirror image® exercises, traction, as well as spinal manipulation. [Results] Assessment after 35 treatment sessions over 14-weeks revealed a dramatic improvement in postural parameters. The thoracic kyphosis reduced by 13°, and was accompanied by a reduction in forward head posture, reduction in posterior sagittal balance, and an increase in sacral base angle to normal. The low back pain and headaches were alleviated. [Conclusion] This case adds to the accumulating evidence demonstrating CBP methods offers an effective approach to reduce the burden of postural disorders including those with Scheuermann’s disease. Since thoracic hyperkyphosis is a serious disorder, the routine comprehensive assessment via full-spine radiography is essential for the quantification of relevant postural parameters.