A healthy spinal column naturally resembles the letter "C" when viewed from the side. When the spine is curved abnormally, it takes on the shape of an "S." This condition is often referred to as scoliosis. While many are born with scoliosis, others develop a curvature of the spine as a result of a spine fracture, osteoporosis or disc degeneration. Thanks to modern surgical treatments for scoliosis, spinal curvature complications are less common than they once were.
Heart and Lung Impairment
In severe cases of curvature where the spine is more than 90 percent curved in the chest region, heart and lung functioning can be impaired. According to the UCSF Children's Hospital, the heart may have to work harder pumping, and breathing may be difficult. Heart and lung functioning problems as a result of severe curvature is rare for those who develop scoliosis in adulthood, according to an article about adult scoliosis appearing on Spineuniverse.com.
Difficulties Walking
Scoliosis can cause one leg to appear longer than the other, which can make walking awkward and even cause a limp. When the spine becomes so twisted and hunched it can also affect posture, which too can affect a person's gait.
Pain
About 30 percent of those with scoliosis suffer from back pain, according to USCF Children's Hospital. For many pain is most severe in the lower lumbar region of the back. In some cases arthritis will set in the spinal region over time, causing additional arthritic pain.
