Scoliosis creates a C or S-shaped appearance that can impact multiple body systems beyond just your back. This spinal condition affects approximately 2-3% of the population, with degrees of severity and potential complications depending on the curve’s location and size.
At New York Spine Specialist, we have extensive experience diagnosing and treating scoliosis in patients across NY and NJ. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the curve itself but also the wide-ranging effects scoliosis may have on your overall health and quality of life. With Dr. Lattuga rated in the top 1% of doctors in NY/NJ, our team provides personalized care for each patient’s unique situation.
Effects on the Skeletal System
Scoliosis primarily affects your spine, causing it to curve laterally and often rotate. This abnormal curvature creates asymmetry throughout your skeletal system as your body attempts to maintain balance.
When your spine curves, it can lead to uneven shoulders, with one appearing higher than the other. Similarly, your hips may become misaligned, with one hip higher or more prominent. Even your rib cage may show asymmetry, with one side protruding more than the other, creating a visible “rib hump” when bending forward.
The skeletal changes don’t stop at your trunk. Many people with scoliosis experience leg length discrepancies, where one leg appears shorter than the other. This happens not because the legs themselves differ in length but because the pelvic tilt created by scoliosis makes them functionally uneven.
Over time, severe, untreated scoliosis can lead to degenerative changes in the spine. According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, curves that exceed 50 degrees may continue to progress even in adulthood, potentially leading to accelerated disc degeneration and arthritis in the affected spinal segments.
Impact on the Respiratory System
When scoliosis affects the thoracic (mid-back) region, it can significantly impact your breathing. The curve and rotation of the spine may reduce the space available for your lungs to expand fully.
In moderate to severe conditions, the rib cage deformity may compress the lungs, restricting their capacity. This compression can lead to decreased lung function, making it difficult to take deep breaths, especially during physical activity. Some patients report feeling winded more easily than their peers or experiencing shortness of breath with exertion.
Very severe curves (typically over 70 degrees) may cause chronic respiratory insufficiency. In these cases, the restricted lung capacity leads to reduced oxygen levels and raised carbon dioxide retention. This respiratory compromise becomes more concerning as curves progress, particularly in early-onset scoliosis cases where lung development may be affected.
Regular monitoring of respiratory function becomes important for patients with significant thoracic curves. Early intervention and treatment help preserve lung function and prevent long-term respiratory complications.
Neurological Complications
While many people with scoliosis don’t experience neurological symptoms, severe curves can potentially affect the nervous system. The abnormal spinal alignment may put pressure on nerves exiting the spinal column.
This nerve compression results in radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations that spread down the arms or legs, depending on which spinal region is affected. Some patients report muscle weakness in the extremities or problems with coordination and balance.
In rare and extremely severe cases, the spinal cord itself may become compressed, leading to more serious neurological issues. This complication is more common in congenital scoliosis or curves associated with certain neuromuscular conditions rather than in idiopathic scoliosis (the most common type).
Careful neurological assessment forms an important part of scoliosis evaluation, especially when symptoms suggest possible nerve involvement. Early detection of neurological complications allows for timely intervention to prevent progressive nerve damage.
Cardiovascular Considerations
The heart, like the lungs, can be affected by severe thoracic scoliosis. When the chest cavity becomes significantly deformed, it may place additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
The strenuous breathing caused by restricted lung capacity leads to pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the lung vessels). Over time, this pressure strains the right side of the heart, potentially leading to right-sided heart dysfunction if left untreated.
Most patients with mild to moderate scoliosis don’t experience significant cardiovascular complications. However, those with curves exceeding 70-80 degrees and restrictive lung disease may require careful monitoring of both pulmonary and cardiac function.
Regular cardiopulmonary evaluations become increasingly important as curves progress, particularly for patients with early-onset or congenital scoliosis. These assessments help ensure any cardiovascular changes are identified and addressed promptly.
Comprehensive Scoliosis Care
Living with scoliosis requires understanding not just the spinal curve itself but its potential effects throughout your body. At New York Spine Specialist, we provide thorough evaluations to assess how scoliosis may be impacting your overall health and quality of life.
Our team, led by Dr. Lattug, offers expert care across multiple hospital affiliations, including New York Presbyterian Hospital, Hudson Regional Seacaucus, Northwell, and Bayonne Hospital. We pride ourselves on our multilingual approach, with staff fluent in Spanish, Italian, French, Korean, Cantonese, and Mandarin to better serve our diverse community. Whether you’re seeking an initial diagnosis or management of an existing condition, we provide personalized treatment plans designed to address your specific needs. Contact us today at (551) 550-7246 or through our contact form to schedule a consultation.
