How Scoliosis Affects the Body
This content was medically reviewed by Baher S. Yanni, MD, on December 17th, 2021.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can range from mild to severe. This condition most often affects teens, though its cause is not yet fully understood. Of course, this medical condition affects posture and movement, but severe cases can affect many systems in the body.
How Does Scoliosis Affect the Body?
While each patient and each scoliosis case is different, severe cases can impact:
- Breathing: In severe scoliosis, the curvature of the spine can push into the lungs, restricting lung capacity and the lungs’ ability to expand correctly. In children who develop scoliosis young, breathing can worsen as they age. When patients with scoliosis experience shortness of breath, it is a good idea to test lung capacity.
- Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy refers to radiating pain. When scoliosis compresses some nerves and expands others, the signals between the brain and nervous system are disrupted. Patients with this condition can experience pain, numbness, tingling sensations and even motor control difficulties.
- Digestive systems: By compressing the stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system, scoliosis can make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients and lead to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Scoliosis may cause nausea for some patients. Since it pushes on or takes up room needed by your digestive organs, scoliosis can affect digestion and cause acid reflux.
- Headaches: One of the side effects of scoliosis is that it can prevent the body from circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain correctly, which can cause severe migraines.
- Mental health: The ways scoliosis impacts the body varies from patient to patient. For patients with serious cases, it’s not uncommon to see unevenness in the body, a difference in leg lengths and even deformities. This condition impacts teenagers and children, who may find it hard to fit in with their peers with more severe symptoms. In some cases, the physical appearance of the condition can contribute to depression, self-confidence issues and mental health disorders.
Contact Spine INA Today
If you’re dealing with back pain or scoliosis, Spine INA has a team of medical professionals ready to create a personalized plan for your care. We will work to reduce the pain caused by your back condition and get you back to your regular life as quickly as possible. Schedule an appointment with Spine INA to explore treatment options with our caring and professional staff.
