Scoliosis is commonly associated with pain, but not always. And even if patients don't suffer from physical pain, heart and lung function is often compromised, and according to the National Scoliosis Foundation, scoliosis has even been associated with reduced life expectancy. Due to the strain on the heart and reduced amount of oxygen, people suffering from scoliosis average a 14-year reduction in their life expectancy. While scoliosis is generally associated with the spine, scoliosis patients can also suffer from headaches, shortness of breath, digestive problems, chronic disease, and hip, knee and leg pain.