Is scoliosis considered a serious illness?
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, whether scoliosis is considered a serious condition mainly depends on the degree of the spinal curvature. If the angle of the spinal curvature exceeds 40 degrees, it may be considered a significant condition; however, if the curvature angle is less than 20 degrees, it is generally not considered serious. If discomfort or symptoms arise, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, maintaining proper sitting and standing posture in daily life is important, as well as avoiding prolonged weight-bearing on one side or twisting of the spine.
Generally speaking, whether scoliosis is considered a serious condition mainly depends on its severity. Mild scoliosis is usually not regarded as a major illness, while severe scoliosis may be considered serious. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely medical treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Mild scoliosis refers to a Cobb angle between 10° and 20°. Within this range, patients typically do not experience significant discomfort or visible physical deformities. The condition can often be managed and prevented through exercise and postural improvements.
Severe scoliosis refers to a Cobb angle greater than 45°. In such cases, scoliosis may cause noticeable physical deformities, such as uneven shoulders or chest wall deformity, and may affect cardiopulmonary function, potentially leading to breathing difficulties and impaired mobility. Surgical intervention is often required to correct the spinal deformity.
In daily life, it is important to maintain proper sitting and standing posture, avoid prolonged one-sided weight-bearing or spinal twisting, and undergo regular spinal examinations to detect and correct poor posture promptly, thus preventing the onset and progression of scoliosis.
