Three Health Issues Associated With Scoliosis

The tell-tale curvature of the spine is one of the most commonly associated signs of scoliosis. However, what you may not realize is that this condition can contribute to other health-related issues in the body. Understanding the extent to which scoliosis can cause other severe issues in the body can inform a plan to prevent those issues from worsening. This is critical because the heart and lungs can be significantly impacted by severe cases of scoliosis.

The spinal surgeons at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery specialize in treatments to help scoliosis patients through various intervention types. Knowing the full extent of your options for this spinal condition can help you make more informed treatment decisions.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is characterized by a curvature of the spine and is commonly diagnosed in adolescence. Most cases start relatively mild, but the curvature can deepen as children grow. Severe cases of scoliosis can be debilitating and can impact other areas of the body.

Treatment modalities for scoliosis vary depending on the severity of the condition. In some instances, no treatment is necessary, while bracing or surgical intervention is needed in others.

Three Health Issues Associated With Scoliosis

The challenge of scoliosis is that it sometimes perpetuates other health issues. Managing these conditions may require intervention from other medical professionals, even while working on getting your scoliosis under control.

Compromised Lung Function

Severe cases of scoliosis can significantly impact lung function. The condition sometimes causes deformities in the chest wall, restricting the lungs or even causing them to change shape. This shift in shape can also impact the position of the bronchi, which are responsible for funneling air to the lungs. When the lungs and/or bronchi change shape, the result can be stunted lung growth and an inability to reach maximum lung capacity.

Heart Complications

The heart may also be impacted when the lungs are affected by scoliosis. The lack of proper distribution of oxygen and the decreased air intake may result in added stress on the heart. Moreover, if the lungs change shape due to the curvature of the spine, shifting internal organs may crowd the heart.

Poor Posture

While this is not as extreme an issue as compromised heart or lung function, it can still be impactful. Depending on the severity of scoliosis, individuals with the condition may attempt to overcompensate to offset the imbalance. Sometimes, this means tilting the head to one side or constantly hunching the shoulders. Some individuals lean primarily to one side or stand with one foot flat at all times. This can perpetuate balance and body alignment challenges and cause soreness or pain from holding the body in specific positions to compensate for the spine’s curve.

Consult With a Back and Spine Specialist at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery Today

Scoliosis treatment has come a long way in the past few decades. The back and spine experts at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery are on top of the latest cutting-edge approaches to managing this condition and helping you to improve your spinal health in every way. We are committed to treatment protocols that allow you to continue living your life while we implement solutions to correct the condition as much as possible.

Our treatment plans are highly specialized so that you have peace of mind knowing that our approach is targeted at your specific condition and its progression. Give us a call at (855) 853-6542 to learn how we may be able to help you. You can also contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our back and spine experts here at OLSS.