Complications of Scoliosis 1. When the spine curves, ligaments and other tissues are stretched. This causes backache, discomfort and pain and difficulty sitting for long periods of time. Eventually the patient is unable to sit without discomfort and may become bedridden. If the spine curves too much, the rib cage is deformed and this in turn deforms the lungs.
Breathing becomes less efficient.
A number of operations have been devised to overcome the effects of progressive scoliosis. During the operation, the spine is straightened out as much as possible and metal rods are placed on each side of the spine to keep the spine straight. These metal rods prevent the spine from curving again. Operations for scoliosis are major procedures. They do carry some risk as follows .