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.

 

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