Scoliosis is a spinal condition that impacts the alignment of the spine. It is characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine, which can appear like it's shaped as an "S" or "C" when viewed from behind. While scoliosis may not cause any symptoms at all in mild cases, more severe scoliosis may lead to visible deformities and other uncomfortable side effects. Here are five common symptoms of scoliosis that you should watch out for.

1) Uneven shoulders or hips

One of the most common symptoms of scoliosis is having uneven shoulders or hips. People with scoliosis may have one shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other, or their waist might seem crooked. This can be obvious even when wearing loose clothing.

2) Unusual posture

People with scoliosis may have an abnormal posture, leaning slightly to one side or having a tendency to bend their head and neck forward. This is caused by the spine's uneven curvature, leading to muscular imbalances and tension in certain areas of the body. You may also experience aches and pains due to the postural imbalance.

3) Back pain

Because scoliosis affects the spine, another symptom of scoliosis is mid or low back pain. This pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of scoliosis. You may also experience pain in your neck due to your abnormal posture.

4) Difficulty breathing  

In some severe scoliosis cases, the curvature of the spine can compress the rib cage and make it more difficult to take deep breaths. This symptom may be less noticeable in mild scoliosis patients, but for those with more severe scoliosis, difficulty breathing is a common complaint. You may find it difficult to inhale and exhale properly due to the restriction in the chest area.

5) Uneven arms or legs 

In severe scoliosis cases, the spine may be so curved that it affects other parts of the body, such as arms and legs. This can lead to one limb appearing shorter or longer than its counterpart, which is often seen in scoliosis patients.

The imbalances caused by scoliosis can also cause fatigue because the body needs to work harder to maintain balance. If you experience any of these scoliosis symptoms, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help reduce the severity of scoliosis and its long-term effects on your health.