Many adolescents who undergo spinal fusion surgery for progressive scoliosis later report problems such as back pain and stiffness, shoulder and neck tension, lower back pain, and shortness of breath. But why do these symptoms appear even though the spine has been corrected?

One reason is that the mobility of the rib cage—the bony structure surrounding the chest—becomes restricted. Although only the spine is fused, the surrounding ribs also lose some of their natural movement. As a result, the lungs are less able to expand, reducing the amount of air that can be taken in.

When climbing stairs or jogging, the body tries to compensate for this lack of air by using the shoulders and neck, which move more easily, to increase breathing volume. This “compensatory breathing effort” is a major cause of stiffness and tightness in the shoulders and neck.

In addition, the muscles across the entire back become tense, leading to further stiffness and discomfort. If you are struggling with these symptoms, we encourage you to consult with our Physio Center for support.

e-mail : info@physiocenter.jp

2nd floor , Ward E The Jikei University Hospital

3-19-18 Nishi- Shinbashi, Minato- ku, Tokyo 105-0003

TEL +81-3-6402-7755

Kosaku Ota : Physical therapist English speaker.