Scheuermann’s disease, anyone out there have it or know someone that does?

Question

My husband has this and is in pain EVERY day, he is only 27! He has had nerves burned in his back, but that did nothing. He is on Methadone for chronic pain and his Dr. recently prescribed him Percocet 10 with his Methadone. This helps a little bit, but not much.
Does anyone know someone that has done anything that has really helped them, is this a hopeless cause?
I feel horrible for my husband and have in the past told him that I wouldn't blame him if he commited suicide, but I obviously don't want him to do that!
I just don't know what we can do from this point on and it's driving him crazy.

Answer 1

hi,
I also have scheuermann's disease, cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis,herneiated and bulging discs. I'm 41 with 7" harrington rods, 9 screws, 3 metal plates, and had the back of 3 vertebrae removed.

First Scheuermanns disease is when your vertebrae are wedge shaped like a peice of pie, you get it when your a kid, it also causes your shoulders to round foward. Sometimes the vertebrae can slip foward.

Mine causes a pounding pain in my ribs on my back. I have found relief by having 2 down pillows (grandma pillows from k-mart) and percocet 10\650 AT NIGHT. Pain killers during the day give me fog head and seem to make me concentrate on the pain still being there. With not taking them I know the pain will be there, but I can think about other things. Leaning foward also relieves the pain but is not good for you in the long run. I am currently in physical therapy learning some exercises to strengthen the muscles in my back so that the muscles hold me up instead of the spine. They also use a TENS unit and ultrasound. It is helping but is taking a long time, currently 3 x's weekly for 4 months.

Bio-Freeze has been a god send, just rub it on and instant cold. Heat did NOT help. Ask your doctor for a TENS unit, insurance does not like to pay for them but they work. It works by stimulating the muscles which makes them tired and then they don't tense up to cause more pain.

Chronic pain is hell....i've had 16 years of it, but I have good days and make the most of them. My best advice is try not to take the pain killers during the day, somedays are harder than others, somedays i'm in bed at 7:30 from pain. Try and get hubby in a different mind set, distraction works, a game of chess or something he enjoys can take his mind off the pain. I hunt, I have to sit up straight and still in my tree stand, it works for me. I am most comfortable sitting in a rocker. If you have a low back sofa get rid of it, get one with recliners for head support. Set the car seat up straight, it will hurt at first but pays off over time. He does not have to be superman but he needs to know that either he can take an active part in controlling the pain or the pain will control him. You need to be firm with him about sitting up straight even if it hurts him, tears will be shed by both of you. If he says things that hurt you, ignore them, it is the pain talking. Stay away from chiropractors they do more damage than good. Find a good neurosurgeon.

One good day is a god send but it starts with one good minute. Start small.

Answer 2

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