08/28/2026
Two of the biggest myths about scoliosis: that it always means surgery, and that it's purely cosmetic. Dr. Han Jo Kim sets the record straight on both. The reality is that significant progression can be life-altering — leg pain, weakness, even permanent neurological deficits and spinal cord compression. In severe cases, standing or walking becomes difficult. Visible signs like a hump on the back or a trunk shift often signal that a curve is advancing. And it goes deeper than appearance: as the spine shifts, it can crowd the lungs and make it harder for the heart to pump blood and deliver oxygen. Scoliosis is far more than a cosmetic concern — and understanding that early makes all the difference.
https://drkimspinemd.com/scoliosis-surgery/