Complaints, signs or symptoms of scoliosis are caused by the anatomical changes in the spine typical of scoliosis, but usually appear insidiously some time after the visible changes. Scoliosis can affect different sections of the spine.
Different sections of the spine affected
Differentiating the following forms by major curvature is especially important for scoliosis therapy:
- Thoracic scoliosis = thoracic curvature (scoliosis in the thoracic spine = BWS).
- Lumbar scoliosis = lumbar curvature (scoliosis in the lumbar spine = LWS).
- Thoracolumbar scoliosis = thoracic lumbar curve (scoliosis at the transition area between the thoracic spine and lumbar spine).
- Double-S scoliosis (double curvatures, similar to an “S”).
Sometimes scoliosis is also coupled with a pathological backward curvature of the spine (kyphosis), usually of the thoracic spine – this is called kyphoscoliosis.
Scoliosis: symptoms, complaints and consequences
The onset of scoliosis and minor curvatures rarely cause pain.
The twisting and bending of the spine in advanced scoliosis increasingly limits mobility. Because the ribs can no longer move smoothly, breathing may also be impaired.
Pronounced scoliosis increasingly deforms the rib cage so that the heart and lungs are compressed and therefore function less well. If the scoliosis is in the lumbar spine (LS), abdominal organs may also be affected.
In addition, scoliosis causes pain, especially back pain, but also neck pain and headaches. Since the spine forms a dynamic system with other elements of the skeletal system, its bending also puts stress on other joints, which can lead to early osteoarthritis.
Overall, performance is reduced and quality of life is often impaired. In addition, there is the psychological burden due to the aesthetic impact caused by the disfigurement of the trunk.
In brief: Symptoms of advanced scoliosis
Here again are the main symptoms of advanced scoliosis:
- Restricted mobility
- Impaired breathing
- Deformed chest
- Pain, especially in the back
- Reduced performance
- Load on other joints
