Breathing problems are one of the most worrying potential complications of scoliosis, but they occur only in a minority of severe cases. Understanding when and how breathing can be affected allows timely action and reassurance for most families.

How Scoliosis Can Affect the Lungs

In very large curves, especially those involving the thoracic (mid-back) spine, the rib cage can become distorted, reducing the space available for lung expansion. This may lead to:

• Reduced lung volumes.
• Shortness of breath on exertion.
• In severe cases, strain on the heart.

Who Is at Risk?

Breathing issues are more likely when:

• Curves exceed 70–80 degrees in the thoracic region.
• There are additional neuromuscular or cardiopulmonary conditions.
• The curve developed early in childhood, affecting thoracic growth.

Assessing Lung Function at Dorsi

We use a combination of:

• Clinical examination and breathing observation.
• Simple lung function tests (spirometry).
• Imaging to correlate spine and rib cage position.
• X-ray and 3D LiDAR scanning

Where necessary, we collaborate with respiratory physicians and cardiologists.

Non-Surgical Interventions

Even in high-risk curves, lung function can be supported with:

• Thoracic mobility exercises and targeted breathing training. "Schroth Breathing"
• Bracing to optimise posture and chest expansion.
• General fitness and conditioning programmes.

When Surgery Protects Breathing

In some extreme cases, surgery may be recommended partly to prevent further compromise of lung and heart function. The decision is made jointly with spinal and respiratory specialists.

Reassurance for Most Patients

For the vast majority of children and adults with mild to moderate scoliosis, breathing is never affected. Early detection and active management help ensure that they remain in this low-risk group.

Next Steps

If you or your child has scoliosis and you’re worried about breathing, Dorsi Spinal Institute can assess risk, run appropriate tests, and create a protective management plan.

Related reading: see our posts on kyphoscoliosis, Surgery and long-term scoliosis implications.

Written by

Kyphoscoliosis & Breathing—What You Need to Know

Kyphoscoliosis combines sideways curvature and excessive forward rounding of the spine. In more severe cases, especially involving the thoracic region, this can impact breathing. Understanding when to worry—and when not to—is vital.

How Kyphoscoliosis Affects the Chest

The rib cage attaches to the thoracic spine. When that spine is both rotated and excessively curved forwards, the chest can become distorted, reducing lung expansion space. This may lead to:

• Reduced exercise tolerance.
• Shortness of breath on exertion.
• Rarely, cardiorespiratory compromise in very severe cases.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Breathing issues are more likely when:

• Curves and kyphosis angles are very large.
• There are additional neuromuscular or lung conditions.
• The deformity developed early in childhood and affected chest growth.

Assessing Breathing at Dorsi

We use:

• Clinical assessment of breathing pattern.
• Basic lung function tests (spirometry).
• Imaging to link spine and rib cage shape.

Where needed, we involve respiratory and cardiology specialists.

Supportive Interventions

Dorsi programmes may include:

• Breathing exercises and thoracic mobility work.
• Postural and bracing strategies to optimise chest expansion.
• Fitness training within safe limits.

Next Steps

If you or your child has kyphoscoliosis and you’re concerned about breathing, Dorsi Spinal Institute can evaluate risk and create a multidisciplinary plan to protect lung function.

Related reading: see our blogs on kyphoscoliosis, lung health, and when scoliosis affects breathing.

Written by