When Scoliosis Affects Breathing—Complications & Health

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.

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.
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, lung health, and long-term scoliosis implications.

Written by

Dr Matthew ABJ Potts BSc MSc DC ISPRM

Clinical Director

Doctor of Chiropractic

Specialist Scoliosis Consultant

Fellow of the British Scoliosis Society

Member of the Scoliosis Association (UK)

Chair of the Clinical Advisory Board at Meloq AB

Member of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Editorial board member of international journals CICRJ & Rehabilitation Science

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