What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Symptoms of scoliosis include an uneven waist, uneven shoulders, disjointed hip and a protruding shoulder blade, according to Mayo Clinic. The spine also curves or twists in acute cases, and the disease can cause one side of the ribs to protrude more than the other. Severe cases also induce labored breathing and back pain.

Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms are barely noticeable because the curves that develop occur slowly over time. A person from a distance is more likely to notice the symptoms, such as a teacher or coach. Wikipedia adds that a person with a mature skeletal structure is less likely to develop acute symptoms of scoliosis. Pain in the neck, buttocks and shoulder blades are other symptoms.

MedicineNet mentions that the change is especially slow in the spine area, and it is usually not noticeable until it becomes severe. Dangerous forms of scoliosis also create complications for the heart and lungs, causing chest pain and shortness of breath. Wikipedia notes that severe cases can place stress on the heart and restrict physical activity. A nerve pinch in the leg is another symptom, and slow nerve action can occur in certain cases. Some people may notice that their clothes do not fit, or one pant leg may be longer than the other.