Scheuermann's disease. Coloured X-ray scan of the vertebrae (bones) of the upper spine of a young patient with Scheuermann's disease. This view is from the side, and the front of the body is at left. Curvature (kyphosis) of the spine is seen at centre, along with a partially collapsed vertebra. This has been caused by osteochondrosis of the vertebrae, the degeneration and calcification of ossification (bone-forming) centres. Scheuermann's disease is considered a juvenile type of osteochondrosis that affect the spine below the neck in teenagers. It causes backache and spinal curvature. In very serious cases, it may cause internal problems and spinal cord damage.