Know About Levoscoliosis

Levoscoliosis is a type of spinal curvature that occurs when the spine curves to the left in a shape. This curve usually starts in the lower back.

The spine is mostly straight. In people with levoscoliosis, however, the spine appears to take on a hard or shape, leaning to the left.

Levoscoliosis, which involves a left spinal curve, is less common than scoliosis that involves a right spinal curve. In fact, a 2014 review estimated that 85 – 90% of adolescents with scoliosis had right curves.

An shaped curve will usually curve left at the lower back (lumbar region) and right at the upper back (thoracic region).

The National Scoliosis Foundation suggest that around 23% of people in the United States have some form of scoliosis. People tend to receive their diagnosis between the ages of 10 and 15, and females are eight times more likely to have scoliosis that needs treatment than males.

Causes:-

For around 80% of people with scoliosis, the condition develops without an apparent cause or reason. Doctors call this idiopathic scoliosis. Medical conditions, wear and tear, and injury can also cause scoliosis and levoscoliosis.

Types of scoliosis and levoscoliosis with known causes include:-

Congenital scoliosis: This develops when conditions present at birth interfere with the development of the spinal bones and configuration.
Neuromuscular scoliosis: This occurs when a loss of muscle control or sensation leads to spinal curvature.
Degenerative scoliosis: This refers to normal wear and tear on the spinal bones and joints that happens naturally with age.
Mesenchymal, or syndromic, scoliosis: This occurs when a more significant syndrome or condition interferes with or limits the connective tissues and joints that stabilize the spine.

Types of scoliosis and levoscoliosis with uncertain or unknown causes include Trusted Source:

Infantile scoliosis: This develops within the first 3 years of life.

Juvenile scoliosis: This affects people aged 4 and 10.

Adolescent scoliosis: This is by far the most common type of idiopathic scoliosis. It affects people aged 11 and 18.

Adult scoliosis: This develops in adults.

Currently, researchers do not think that lifestyle habits such as poor posture, inactivity, or diet play any role in the development of scoliosis. However, they may play a role in worsening symptoms.

Treatments

The most effective course of treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the scoliosis, as well as the persons health and age.

Some common treatments for scoliosis and levoscoliosis include:

Back or underarm brace

Wearing a plastic back brace cannot reverse a spinal curve, but it can help prevent curves from worsening in about 80% of children. Children with spine curvatures of 25 – 45 degrees may need to wear a back brace.

Most people will need to wear the brace for 16 – 23 hours per day, only taking it off to bathe or exercise.

Once the bones have stopped growing or repairing themselves, a back brace will no longer be useful.

Surgery

In severe cases of scoliosis, especially when the spinal curve might damage organs or interrupt movement, a doctor may perform a spinal fusion to try to reverse the curve.

In spinal fusion procedures, a surgeon will realign the curved bones and then attach small pieces of bone tissue along the repaired region. When it heals, it will form a single, straightened bone.

The surgeon may also attach a metal rod to the spine after surgery, to ensure that the bone remains straight while healing. Most people can walk the day after surgery and return to nonstrenuous activities within 2 – 4 weeks.

Chiropractic treatment

People with levoscoliosis who are trying to reduce pain and improve flexibility may benefit from visiting a chiropractor.

It is important to choose a practitioner who specializes in managing scoliosis. Choosing a nonspecialized chiropractor may make the symptoms worse.

Chiropractic treatment cannot cure levoscoliosis. However, it can improve a persons quality of life.

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About the Author: Town PT

Town Physical Therapy is a premier provider of personalized physical therapy services, dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal health and wellness. With locations in Maywood, Bergenfield, Paramus, Clifton, and Emerson, our experienced team offers a wide range of treatments.