Can Scoliosis Shorten Your Life?

Scoliosis is a degenerative, highly variable spinal deformity that often worsens over time and varies in severity. Although predicting how quickly the condition will progress is impossible, growth spurts as a child are often a primary trigger. This is why it’s important to pay attention to any worsening symptoms that your child may be experiencing if they have scoliosis.

Most people with scoliosis can lead healthy lives. However, due to the many symptoms that scoliosis can either exacerbate or create, you may be wondering if scoliosis can shorten your life at all. The experts at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery can help you figure out any treatments you may need for your scoliosis in order to make sure you live a long and healthy life. 

Can Scoliosis Shorten Your Life?

The impact of scoliosis on your body may surprise you. Effects of spinal deformities on the body can range from lung dysfunction to reproductive consequences. Also, if your scoliosis is severe, it may even result in life-threatening complications. For instance, the rib cage can press against the heart and lungs, causing breathing difficulties and making it challenging for the heart to pump blood optimally.

This can also increase the likelihood of lung infections like pneumonia. While everyone’s scoliosis symptoms and treatment plans are different, if left untreated, scoliosis may shorten your life due to these complications. However, this is determined by various factors, including the severity of the disease. If the condition is not treated and worsens over time, you may also experience progressive pain.

Getting the care, treatment, and help you deserve for scoliosis is imperative in making sure you live a long and healthy life with the condition. Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery specialists use advanced technology and specialized equipment to perform minimally-invasive surgery if needed. We can also create personalized treatment plans that will work to reduce symptoms and bring you relief. 

How Does Scoliosis Progress?

A change in the appearance of the back is the first sign of abnormal spine curvature and twisting in scoliosis patients. A visibly curved spine and one shoulder or hip being higher or more prominent than the other are also associated symptoms. Back pain may also be common in adults and some adolescents depending on the severity of the condition.

The earlier scoliosis is diagnosed, the better, as it allows your doctor to determine an effective treatment that can slow down or prevent the progression of the curvature. Most schools have implemented screening programs to assist in the early detection of scoliosis cases, enabling children to seek treatment through observation or physical therapy.

Surgery is an option in acute cases of structural sclerosis, particularly where the curvature exceeds 70 degrees. This is because the spine rotation may cause the ribs to press against the lungs or heart, restricting airflow, lowering oxygen levels in the body, and potentially causing life-threatening consequences. With scoliosis, the more curvature there is, the worse the prognosis, meaning it’s imperative to get help as soon as possible if you or your child are experiencing scoliosis symptoms.

Scoliosis Surgery and Recovery

Make an appointment to see a scoliosis specialist if you or your child show signs of scoliosis. An orthopedic specialist should take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis after physically examining the spine, hips, ribs, and shoulders. X-ray images will aid in determining the direction, shape, and location of the spinal curve. If the curvature degree has progressed to necessitate surgery, your doctor will discuss the best surgical intervention with you to get you the care and treatment you deserve.

In spinal fusion surgery, the affected parts of the vertebral curve are fused to create one sturdy bone using screws and rods to keep the vertebrae in place and stop curvature progression. While scoliosis surgery can reduce a patient’s pain and boost their confidence, spinal fusion is a major procedure that may temporarily disrupt their daily life. Patients should be able to resume regular activities within two to four weeks, but physical activity must be kept to a minimum while the spinal bone fuses.

Get Advanced Scoliosis Care in Florida at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery 

Scoliosis, when left untreated, can impact your quality of life significantly and may even shorten your lifespan. To stay ahead of its progressive nature, begin treatment as soon as possible, as there is a strong correlation between early diagnosis and positive treatment outcomes. Our board-certified spine specialists at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery work hard to employ the latest advances in scoliosis treatment. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure you get the care you need to treat any adverse scoliosis symptoms.

We offer minimally-invasive surgeries and conservative therapies that can be tailored to your treatment regimen. If you’re suffering from chronic pain due to scoliosis, don’t hesitate to call (855) 853-6542 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment today.