Question
I'm not sure if you could answer my question but I figured I'd give it a shot.
My boyfriend how is 27 years old has a hunched back...  When I first met him I did not notice it.  He claims it's because he hid it from me.  He went to the doctor for it when he was a lil boy but his parents never followed threw with treatment.
I researched on the internet and I am almost certain he has Scheuermann's kyphosis.  The photos on Google are very similar to his back.  Especially the ones when the patients are bent over.  He also has a very inward curved lumbar area when he stands up straight.  And he may have a slight S shaped curve.   He will not go to the doctor for xrays.
How concerned should he be?  If he were diagnosed with kyphosis is there anyway to correct it??? He thinks if he stands up strait and gets a back-brace from Walgreens it will improve. Also, Is it genetic? I'm afraid to have kids with him.

Answer
Dear Sam,
Wow, its rare to see a person so caring about her loved one. I want you to know I totally understand your concern.  

The symptoms of Scheurmann's Disease may include:
旸ifficulty breathing (in severe cases)
旻atigue
昅ild to severe and sometimes disabling Thoracic and Lower back pain
昍ound back appearance
昑enderness and stiffness in the spine

As far as how concerned should he be, well he should be informed at the very least of the condition as well as the possible consequences so he can decide for himself what, if any follow up he may take.  I would be weary of using back braces for long periods of time unless it is under his doctor's orders as the brace can cause his spinal muscles to weaken while the brace is on for long periods of time.  

If it were me I would do my research, print up some articles and ask him in a gentle way if you could discuss with him what you know. If he says no then I would just leave the articles on a coffee table or kitchen table where he can look at it when he is willing.  

Please note that we should give your boyfriend some benefit of doubt in that it may be difficult for him to face the possibility that he may be suffering from a problem with his spine that may require serious invasive surgery.  

if on the other hand he is completely unwilling to discuss this in any way with you I believe that such a circumstance should have a serious heart to heart discussion as it relates to your boyfriend's health and your relationship and your collective future as it pertains to how you will deal with sensitive matters, especially those which concern health and well being.

As far as the true cause to Scheurmann's Disease is concerned - it is considered to be multi-factorial. Specifically as it pertains to genetic inheritability, there are some genetic associations that have been proposed.

Sam,  
God bless you for your genuine caring. Can you please get back to me and let me know how things progress. Also, can you please rate my answer and consider to nominate me as expert of the month.

Thanks,

Dr. Ron Nusbaum
CEO
Back Clinics of Canada
www.backclinics.ca