What are the hazards of spinal scoliosis?

What are the hazards of spinal scoliosis?

Spinal scoliosis, if left untreated, can have detrimental effects on an individual's health, ranging from reduced quality of life to severe complications that may even endanger life. The specific hazards of spinal scoliosis include the following:

1. Impaired Cardio-Pulmonary Function:

Scoliosis often occurs in the thoracolumbar region, and severe curvature can lead to deformities in the chest, resulting in reduced lung capacity and symptoms such as shortness of breath and palpitations.

2. Pain:

Scoliosis can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and limbs, leading to decreased physical mobility and functionality.

3. Poor Chest Development:

In females, scoliosis may cause uneven development of the breasts due to the curvature of the spine.

4. Cognitive Impairment:

Severe scoliosis may compress spinal nerves and arteries, impeding nerve conduction and nutrient transport, which can lead to delayed brain responses, reduced memory, and attention deficits.

5. Fertility Issues:

Scoliosis often accompanies pelvic tilt and deformity, creating an abnormal environment for fetal growth and development, potentially resulting in infertility or abnormal fetal development.

6. Multiple Complications:

Patients with severe scoliosis may experience nerve damage, sensory disturbances in the limbs, numbness, urinary and fecal incontinence, and significant impairment to respiratory, circulatory, and endocrine systems, leading to a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population.

7. Psychological Problems:

Individuals with scoliosis may face social ridicule and mockery due to their appearance, leading to feelings of inferiority and social withdrawal.

Early detection and appropriate intervention are crucial in managing scoliosis to prevent or mitigate these hazards and improve the long-term health outcomes for affected individuals.