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Can scoliosis kill you

Updated: 10/3/2023
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15y ago

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Yes you can die from it in severe cases. Once curvature reaches 70's or more, decrease in lung capacity can be noted. In cases where curvature reaches 100 degrees or more, heart function can be impaired from additional pressure. You won't die directly from Scoliosis. But severe scoliosis will cause rapid decline in health and organ damage which could result in death. That's the reason why major surgeries are necessary in order to prevent curves from reach such a severe state. Yes you can die from Scoliosis, in fact, if I had NOT had my surgery in 1989 they said I would have died before I was 21, however, it is very rare to hear of cases where patients have died from having Scoliosis, as treatment is given by the way of a brace or surgery - this is saving lives. Because of the spinal curvature, this puts pressure on the lungs and heart and if left can cause serious problems for the patient. Majority of cases of Scoliosis are AIS (Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis) meaning "unknown" cause, although they have found a gene that they believe to link where the "unknown" Scoliosis comes from, you can also have Congenital Scoliosis where you are born with it.

No, in most cases. However, serious curvature of the spine can cause breathing problems. Prognosis The prognosis for a person with scoliosis depends on many factors, including the age at which scoliosis begins and the treatment received. More importantly, mostly unknown individual factors affect the likelihood of progression and the severity of the curve. Most cases of mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis need no treatment and do not progress. Untreated severe scoliosis often leads to spondylosis, and may impair breathing. Degenerative Arthritis of the spine, http://www.answers.com/topic/sciatica, and severe physical deformities can also result if severe scoliosis is left http://www.answers.com/topic/untreated. Finally, scoliosis can also poorly affect the individuals self-esteem and cause serious emotional problems. Prevention There is no known way to prevent the development of scoliosis. Progression of scoliosis may be prevented through bracing or surgery. Exercise and physical fitness are of paramount importance for all individuals affected with scoliosis. They not only work to maintain flexibility and health, but decrease the likelihood of http://www.answers.com/topic/osteoporosis, which in these individuals, can be extremely debilitating.

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16y ago
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14y ago

I didn't die! I had my surgery preformed in 1994 when I was 19 and they placed a Harrington Rod in my back fused to three vertebrae. As with any surgical operation, you could have complications but if you are young and in good health , then you have nothing to worry about because the team of doctors and nurses are properly trained to make sure everything is 100% during and after the surgery.

Some complications include bleeding, infection, nerve damage and lingering pain. If these complications get out of hand, a second surgery may be needed. Of course, if something such as bleeding or an infection goes unchecked, it can very well lead to serious health issues and possibly death. So long as you are monitored closely after the surgery, you should be fine though.

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15y ago

No,but it can cause health problems such as breathing (due to lungs being crushed by twisted ribs)and even heart problems in later life,but this can be avoided with treatment,usually excersises or even surgery to fuse the spine and insert metal rods(this stabelises the spine)

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14y ago

In extreme cases, yes. Scoliosis can kill you also, however, these days surgery is better and people do tend to receive the care they need.

Scoliosis surgery has many risks as does any surgery, these risks are because of the spinal cord and the closeness that the surgeon needs to get to it while carrying out surgery

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14y ago

no and yes...it is not deadly unless it gets so bad like up to 100 degree curvature and then it starts to affect your heart and lung function which could hinder a person...but my answer is no :) i have scoliosis and just had the surgery to fuse my spine 6 months ago

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14y ago

No. Scoliosis shoulden't usually show up at birth, though, more usually during adolesence. Scoliosis does not usually cause pain, but is repaired more likely for cosmetic reasons.

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11y ago

if you leave it alone and don't get it fixed it can sometimes become fatal but in most cases no it is not

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13y ago

yes it could eventually crush your heart and your lungs and you would die

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10y ago

There is always a very low risk for surgery of any type. Perhaps you should speak to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. They can help you to weigh the benefits vs the dangers.

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