The spine has a natural curve from front to back that shapes the body; it rounds the shoulders and curves inward at the lower back, according to University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Scoliosis, an inherited disorder usually noticed around the time of adolescence, is an abnormal curvature of the spine from side to side. Diagnosis is made when the curve measures greater than 10 degrees on x-ray analysis. In adolescence, it affects girls and boys equally, but it is more likely to become progressive in women as they age.
Shoulders and Head
When a physical exam shows one shoulder higher than the other, scoliosis should be suspected, according to the Merck Manuals. On a person with scoliosis, clothes--particularly shirts and jackets--may not hang right from the shoulders. One shoulder blade may be more prominent than the other. In moderate to severe cases of scoliosis, where the curve measures greater than 30 degrees, the head may not be centered directly over the rest of the body.
Ribcage and Hips
The ribs can be affected by scoliosis as well as the spine, due to twisting. One side of the ribcage may be higher than the other or may become more prominent on one side, according to iScoliosis.com. With adolescent girls, one breast may appear larger than the other. The waist can be uneven, with one hip being higher and sticking out more prominently than the other. If scoliosis is severe enough, the whole body may appear to tilt to one side. The unevenness of the hips can lead to a limb length discrepancy, with one leg appearing longer than the other.
Respiratory Constriction and the Heart
As scoliosis progresses, it can affect the ribcage in a way that makes breathing difficult. The ribcage deformity acts to physically constrict the lungs, causing the lungs to lose efficiency. According to MayoClinic.com, this leads to shortness of breath and an increased chance of developing pneumonia. The constriction of the ribcage can also affect the heart, making it hard for it to pump effectively. If the curvature occurs in the lower spine, the body organs can be pushed up into the chest cavity, with the same effects.
Back Pain
The curvature of the spine can cause back pain as a result of sitting in the same position or standing for extended periods of time. The greater the curvature of the spine, the more severe scoliosis is. According to UCSF Medical Center, less than 10 degrees of curvature is considered normal. 10 to 30 degrees is considered mild to moderate and is simply observed over time for progression. With 30 to 50 degrees curvature, some type of treatment is indicated, such as a back brace, in hopes of slowing progression. Over 50 degrees, scoliosis is considered to be severe and may require a type of surgery known as spinal fusion.
Long Term Complications
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, having scoliosis for years can cause some chronic problems, such as back stiffness, muscle weakness and a loss of height. Kyphosis, a bowing of the back, can occur, especially in elderly women. Osteoporosis, a loss of bone density, can develop. There can be degeneration of the disks and joint pain. An arthritic condition called spondylosis can develop in adults with untreated scoliosis, causing thinned disks, inflamed joints, bone spurs and, eventually, pain.
