Dextroscoliosis refers to an abnormal, right-leaning curvature of the spine. It is a type of scoliosis.

The spinal column of people with dextroscoliosis may appear to be curved in an S or C shape.

In this article, we look at how a person can relieve symptoms of dextroscoliosis with treatment and exercise.

Dextrosoliosis is a type of scoliosis a term which refers to conditions involving an abnormal curvature of the spine.

Although abnormal curvatures can develop anywhere in a persons spinal column, dextroscoliosis tends to occur in the middle and upper portions of the spine (thoracic spine).

Scoliosis can be caused by neuromuscular stabilization conditions, connective tissue disorders, and genetic conditions. But, approximately 85 percent of scoliosis cases have no known cause (idiopathic).

Types of scoliosis include:

• Congenital scoliosis, which is scoliosis that is present at birth.
• Early onset scoliosis, which is when scoliosis occurs before age 10.
• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which causes both curving and twisting of a child’s spine as they grow.
• Degenerative scoliosis, which occurs in older people because bones get weaker with age.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis, which is caused by a neurological condition.
• Scheuermanns kyphosis, when the front sections of the vertebrae grow slower than the back sections.
• Syndromic scoliosis, which develops because of an underlying syndrome.

Scoliosis impacts an estimated 2 to 3 percent of people in the United States. Most people develop the condition between the age of 10 and 15.

Exercises for dextroscoliosis

One way to reduce pain and compensate for limited movement in the spine is to increase the mobility and strength of the hips.

Stretches and exercises that stretch the spine, expand the chest, and strengthen the muscles of the back also seem to improve scoliosis symptoms.

Popular exercises that may help reduce dextroscoliosis symptoms include:

Gluteal stretch:

1. Laying flat on the back, straighten both legs upward.

2. Bend one leg at the knee and place the side of the shin of the bent leg on the knee of the straightened leg, allowing the bent leg to relax and stretch outward to the side.

3. Clasping the hands around the straightened leg, pull both legs toward the chest as far as is comfortable.

4. Hold for at least 20 seconds.

5. Release both legs slowly and repeat the stretch with the other leg.

Knee to chest stretch:

1. Laying flat on the back, bend both knees.

2. Clasp the hands around one knee and lift it toward the chest while keeping the foot of the other leg flat on the ground.

3. Slowly and steadily straighten the raised leg upward, clasping the back of the leg with both hands.

4. Hold for at least 20 seconds.

5. Slowly bring the leg back down and repeat with the other leg.

Thigh stretch:

1. Lying on the side with both legs fully extended, bend the top leg at the knee.

2. Clasping the foot or ankle of the bent leg, pull it back toward the middle to upper back, keeping the knees in line with each other.

3. Hold for at least 20 seconds.

4. Release the leg slowly and repeat with the other leg.

Lunge stretch:

1. Get into a plank or push up position.

2. Raise one leg and bring it forward, resting the foot next to the hands. The knee should sit directly above the ankle.

3. Bend the knee of the straightened leg, and rest it on the floor.

4. Bend forward at the hips as far as is comfortable.

5. Hold for at least 20 seconds.

6. Release the pose slowly and repeat with the other leg.

Shoulder stretch:

1. Standing with the feet hip-width apart, raise one arm straight up as far as is comfortable.

2. Keeping the upward-reaching arm extended, stretch the opposite arm down as far as is comfortable.

3. Hold for at least 20 seconds.

4. Release both arms and repeat on the opposite side.

Treatment

The best way to treat dextroscoliosis depends on a persons age, symptoms, and the severity of their condition.

Around 600,000 people in the U.S. seek medical attention for scoliosis symptoms.

Of those who seek treatment, an estimated 30,000 children are fitted for a back brace to treat scoliosis, while some 38,000 undergo surgery.

Mild to moderate scoliosis

Scoliosis is confirmed using X-rays. A positive diagnosis of mild scoliosis requires the angle of the spine curvature to be greater than 10 degrees.

Mild cases of dextroscoliosis usually only require medical monitoring. A doctor may examine the progression of the curve every 6 months to a year and ask about symptoms, such as pain or discomfort.

Curvatures with angles between 25 and 30 degrees are classified as moderate scoliosis and typically require some form of treatment.

For moderate cases of scoliosis, doctors may recommend taking X-ray images every 6 months or yearly. In adults with scoliosis, X-rays may only be necessary every 5 years, since they are no longer growing.

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