Episode 86: Can Scoliosis Affect Lung Function? Scoliosis Breathing Issues?

One common concern among patients with scoliosis is can my curve become big enough that it starts affecting the way my lung functions. In this episode, Dr. Tony Nalda addresses the potential impact of scoliosis on lung function.

There are three main types of scoliosis: idiopathic, neuromuscular, and congenital. Idiopathic scoliosis, the most prevalent form, lacks a known cause, making it a multifactorial condition.

Scoliosis tends to progress during growth phases, leading to physical changes. Symptoms vary among individuals, with postural changes being a common indicator in children, while pain often drives the diagnosis in adults.

Impact on Lung Function

The curvature of the spine in scoliosis affects muscles, tissues, and organs, creating asymmetrical forces within the body that can lead to a functional lung capacity problem. The thoracic curves can alter rib arches and spaces, potentially affecting lung function. The size of the curve, uneven forces, and spinal rigidity may contribute to functional lung capacity problems.

Not all individuals with similar curve sizes experience the same symptoms or lung impairments. Factors such as age, type, curvature, and physical condition contribute to individual variations.

Various methods, including spirometry and functional lung capacity tests, can assess lung function. Testing is important to understand how scoliosis may be affecting an individual's lungs.

Strategies for Lung Health

1. Never let your curve become big. If you never let your curve become large, you're less likely to develop a lung functional concern.
2. Reduce your curve. If you have a significant curve, the smaller you get it, the less likely it is to affect your lungs.
3. Despite surgery being promoted as a means to address potential lung issues associated with scoliosis, the actual impact on lung function remains uncertain, and individual cases may vary.

Each scoliosis case is unique which is why a patient needs to undergo individualized testing. By understanding the relationship between scoliosis and lung function, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their condition, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and maintaining smaller curves to mitigate potential impacts on lung health.

To understand more, check out Dr. Tony Nalda’s podcast.

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