Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Lordosis - What are they?

Scheurmann's Disease is a developmental disorder of the spine.  It occurs in a child's teenage years and the progresses if left untreated. It encompasses Scoliosis (Sideways curve), Kyphosis (Shoulders) and Lordosis (Neck and Lower spine)

• Lordosis  - C1 - C8
• Kyphosis - T1 - T12
• Lordosis  - L1 - L5

Postural Kyphosis can be corrected with exercises and back braces.  However in serious cases of Scheurmann's surgery is required. This includes discs being removed, and a rod, wire, bars or screws put in place to correct the spine curvature.

In mild to moderate cases back braces may be used, yoga and pilates exercises and painkillers to manage pain. This won't correct the curvature like Postural Kyphosis.

In my case, My last scan report of my curvature is deemed to be mild. Although my bulging disc is now a herniated disc.  Doctors have told me my curvature is not bad enough for surgery.  But they don't have to live with the pain, spasms and stiffness I have to live with every day. 

I was 28 when my back was looked into by a physio, even though I knew I had it.  Nothing was done early on.  The physio told me if I didn't address the problem I would be in a wheelchair by the time I was 40.

Now I do very gentle yoga/stretches, have a deep tissue massage every month, and take lots of pain killers.