What could cause a spine to curve forward, compressing the lung and causing difficulty breathing, and how?
Certain people with osteoporosis can have collapse of the vertebrae which might cause this problem. I believe that in this case the problem can be stabilised and sometimes improved by fairly major surgery to stabilise the spine and taking medication to limit the progression of the osteoporosis. This would be most likely in the elderly or people who have used certain steroids for many years. In younger people a condition called scoliosis which involves spinal deformity may also cause lung compression, this may occur in younger people where the quality of bone is better and major surgery would usually be offered. Muscle problems, can also cause the torso to slump forwards, these can be distinguished from the conditions above because the problem can be reduced significantly when the patient lies or reclines. Orthotics and special seating may improve the situation. If the oxygen supply to the brain is sufficiently reduced then brain damage could occur. Alternatively the sheer effort of liv
