Most of the time, people who develop scoliosis do not need treatment. However, regular checkups are recommended to monitor any changes in the spine and make sure the curve caused by levoscoliosis or dextroscoliosis does not worsen. Both conditions are types of scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine). In normal circumstances, the spine is curved from front to back. However, this condition makes the spine rotate and curve to one side.
One of the most common forms of scoliosis is pediatric and adolescent scoliosis. Those who develop it after puberty have adult scoliosis. Moreover, levoscoliosis occurs when the spine curves to the left, and dextroscoliosis happens when the spine curves to the right. While most people with mild forms of scoliosis do not need treatment, in moderate to severe cases, doctors often recommend wearing a brace or undergoing surgery to repair it.
How Do Levoscoliosis and Dextroscoliosis Affect My Body?
One of the most obvious ways these conditions affect your body is an abnormal curve in your spine. While levoscoliosis negatively affects the lumbar spine, dextroscoliosis mostly affects the thoracic spine. However, people can develop these conditions in different areas of the spine. In severe cases, the curve puts extra stress on the back muscles and nerves. Some people may also have problems with the following organs. These include the heart, lungs, and spinal cord.
In addition, these types of scoliosis can occur in any main part of the spine. These include:
- Cervical spine (the neck)
- Thoracic spine (the upper back that goes from the bottom of the neck to the bottom of the ribs)
- Lumbar spine (the lower back)
Generally, scoliosis is not a common condition, and it mostly affects teenagers. Moreover, this condition may run in families, and approximately 30% of people with scoliosis have a relative (including a parent, sibling, or grandparent) with this condition.
What Are The Symptoms of Levoscoliosis and Dextroscoliosis?
Usually, scoliosis does not cause any symptoms (such as pain or discomfort). Most people find out they have levoscoliosis or dextroscoliosis when a doctor diagnoses one of them. However, you can notice some changes in the posture in a person with one of these types of scoliosis. These include:
- Uneven hips when you sit or stand
- An abnormal curve in the spine
- Uneven shoulders
If you notice any of these changes, do not hesitate to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Furthermore, there is a common myth that slouching, hunching, or lifting poorly can damage the spine and negatively affect posture, but this is not true. Anything listed previously cannot cause scoliosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Check causes of levoscoliosis and dextroscoliosis below:
- Idiopathic scoliosis – In this case, healthcare professionals cannot identify the exact cause of the condition because it runs in families.
- Congenital scoliosis – This type of scoliosis occurs very rarely, and it is often present at birth (congenital).
- Degenerative scoliosis – This form of scoliosis happens due to wear and tear of the spine as you age. It is one of the most common causes of adult scoliosis.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis – This type of scoliosis is caused by certain abnormalities in the muscles and nerves that support your spine. Usually, it happens in those who already have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy.
While scoliosis can affect anyone, it mostly occurs in kids and teens. Girls are slightly more prone to scoliosis compared to boys. Most of the time, teens and children develop scoliosis in the thoracic spine, but adults in the lumbar spine.
What Happens if Levoscoliosis and Dextroscoliosis are Left Untreated?
Those who develop a moderate to severe type of scoliosis and ignore or leave it untreated may also experience the following complications. Check some of them below:
- Cardiac and respiratory strain – A severe thoracic curve may restrict the rib cage, which reduces lung capacity. As a result, it may lead to chronic dyspnea (shortness of breath) and heart strain or even failure.
- Nerve compression – The spinal canal can become narrower when the spine twists. Thus, you may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and long-distance walking problems.
- Chronic pain – People who do not get treatment for this condition for a long period may develop long-term (chronic) pain.
- Bladder and bowel problems – A severe form of scoliosis can cause spinal cord compression, which may lead to a loss of control over the bladder and bowel.
This document does not contain a full list of complications, but you can consult with your doctor about measures to reduce the risk or even prevent them. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent these types of scoliosis (especially the congenital form).
Diagnosis
Mostly, the diagnosis of levoscoliosis and dextroscoliosis starts with a physical examination in which doctors will look for signs that resemble these disorders. Sometimes, they will perform a test called Adam’s forward bend test that usually helps doctors diagnose kyphosis. This is a condition similar to scoliosis that makes your shoulders slump forward.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals may also use a device called a scoliometer to examine your spine. It often helps determine the degree of the curve more accurately compared to a visual examination. When they suspect scoliosis, you may also need to perform the following imaging tests. For example, X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, and CT (computed tomography) scans.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure this condition. That’s why the treatment goal is to make sure the curve does not worsen over time. Check below some treatments often recommended by doctors for people with moderate to severe scoliosis:
- Bracing – This treatment involves a customized brace that helps support the spine and slow down its progression. Commonly, people should wear their brace for about 20 hours each day.
- Surgery – This treatment is rarely recommended for people with scoliosis. Doctors often prescribe it when the curve is severe enough, or it continues to worsen over time. Most people need a spinal fusion and bone grafting to straighten the spine.
- The Schroth method – This is a type of physical therapy that is sometimes used to treat scoliosis. During this procedure, a therapist will teach you specific exercises and posture-correcting movements that may help slow down the progression of the spinal curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between levoscoliosis and dextroscoliosis?
Levoscoliosis is a spinal curve that bends to the left, while dextroscoliosis is a spinal curve that bends to the right. The difference is based on the direction of the spinal curvature rather than the severity of the condition.
Is scoliosis always painful?
No. Most people with mild levoscoliosis or dextroscoliosis do not experience pain. However, moderate or severe curves, especially in adults, may lead to back pain, muscle fatigue, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms.
Can scoliosis get worse over time?
Yes. The spinal curve may progress, particularly during periods of rapid growth in children and teenagers. In adults, scoliosis can also worsen due to age-related degeneration of the spine. Regular medical checkups help monitor changes.
Can adults develop levoscoliosis or dextroscoliosis?
Yes. Adults may develop scoliosis due to degenerative changes in the spine, osteoporosis (bone loss), previous spinal injuries, or untreated scoliosis that began during childhood.
How severe does a spinal curve have to be before surgery is considered?
Surgery is usually reserved for severe curves, often greater than 45–50 degrees in growing children or when the curve continues to progress, causes significant pain, affects breathing, or interferes with daily activities. The decision depends on several individual factors.
Can exercise correct scoliosis?
Exercise alone cannot straighten or cure scoliosis. However, specific exercise programs, such as the Schroth method, along with physical therapy, may improve posture, strengthen the muscles that support the spine, reduce discomfort, and help slow curve progression in some people.
Are sports and physical activities safe for people with scoliosis?
In most cases, yes. Many people with mild or moderate scoliosis can safely participate in sports and regular physical activities. Exercise is generally encouraged unless a healthcare provider recommends temporary restrictions due to severe curvature or after surgery.
Can scoliosis affect pregnancy?
Most women with levoscoliosis or dextroscoliosis have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Mild to moderate scoliosis usually does not affect fertility or the baby’s development. Women with severe scoliosis should discuss pregnancy planning with their healthcare provider.
When should I see a doctor about possible scoliosis?
You should see a healthcare provider if you notice uneven shoulders or hips, a visible spinal curve, one shoulder blade protruding more than the other, or persistent back pain. Early evaluation allows for timely monitoring and treatment if needed.
Can braces completely straighten the spine?
No. Braces are designed primarily to prevent the spinal curve from worsening while a child or teenager is still growing. They generally do not completely correct an existing curve but can significantly reduce the need for surgery in many cases. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
