In adult-onset scoliosis, pain often arises from pressure on the spinal discs, facet joints, or surrounding muscles. However, scoliosis can cause discomfort in other ways as well. The spinal curvature may irritate or stretch nerves and put stress on joints, leading to inflammation. Additionally, scoliosis impacts posture, which can result in muscle tightness or fatigue, contributing to pain.

Severe scoliosis can restrict lung function, sometimes leading to respiratory failure in adulthood. The abnormal curvature of the spine reduces lung volume, limits diaphragm movement, weakens chest wall muscles, narrows airways, and compresses the bronchi, all of which can make breathing difficult. This spinal deformity often distorts the ribs, preventing them from expanding fully for deep breaths, and may cause breathing challenges, especially during sleep.

Scoliosis can be treated in ways to help correct the curvature such as reducing the angle of the curvature and improving the spinal alignment. Since scoliosis cases can vary greatly person-person, there is no single best approach.

It’s never too late to address scoliosis, but detecting the condition and intervening early is ideal. Treating scoliosis in childhood and adolescence can help prevent its progression and minimize the need for invasive treatments later in life.