Levoscoliosis is scoliosis in which the spine curves in the shape of the letter C to the left. It is common for this curve to start around the middle of the lower back. The majority of the spine is in a vertical orientation. There is a more significant curvature to the left side of the divide than to the right side of the spine, resulting in a “C” shape, a kind of scoliosis known as levoscoliosis. Generally speaking, this curvature begins in the lower back. Scoliosis, also known as left-sided curvature, is more common than levoscoliosis, the medical term for right-sided curvature. Here we will discuss levoscoliosis in detail.
What is levoscoliosis?
Levoscoliosis is a form of scoliosis characterized by a leftward curvature of the spine, which may result in the spine forming a “C” shape.
Types of levoscoliosis:
Levoscoliosis comes in a wide variety of subtypes, each of which is associated with its own symptoms. Order, they are as follows:
Levo-convex scoliosis:
The condition of having levoscoliosis in the thoracic spine is referred to as levoconvex scoliosis in the medical field. The curvature of the spine is concave and angled toward the left side of the body. The curve the spine makes outward is referred to as a “convex” curve.
Levoscoliosis in the Upper Back and Chest:
The chest cavity, where the heart and lungs are located, is protected from the environment by the rib cage, one of the twelve segments that make up the thoracic spine. Even in its most subtle form, thoracic levoscoliosis has no impact on the heart or lung function. Levoscoliosis rarely affects the thoracic spine since the abnormal curvature in thoracic scoliosis is typically located on the right side of the body.
levoscoliosis of the Lumbar Spine:
This type of levoscoliosis primarily affects the lumbar and thoracic parts of the spine. The curvature of the spine in the shape of an S is a common symptom of this disorder. The lumbar spine consists of five individual segments. More people suffer from lumbar levoscoliosis than from thoracic levoscoliosis. However, some patients may have mild disease with no organ involvement. The spleen and the intestines are the usual victims of this disease.
In addition, the lumbar spine of a person with levoconvex scoliosis often exhibits a C-shaped curvature. The pressure causes discomfort and other symptoms of this illness that levoconvex curvature places on the internal organs of the abdomen. If something like this were to happen, the spine’s normal curvature would shift to the right side of the body. This illness is challenging to treat since it affects both the cervical and lumbar spine. This condition can cause organ dysfunction in its most severe forms.
Dextroscoliosis and Levoscoliosis:
Most occurrences of levoscoliosis and dextroscoliosis have unknown origins because of diagnostic challenges. The term “idiopathic” describes the most common form of scoliosis. Unknown causes account for the majority of scoliosis cases in children and teenagers. While its exact mechanism or root cause remains unknown, we do know that it has a vital genetic component and is likely to be heritable. Levoscoliosis can be caused by genetics, but it also develops from neuromuscular disorders, congenital disabilities, trauma, and degenerative diseases.
Levoscoliosis treatment:
Suppose an underlying medical problem, such as a tumor or an injury, is to blame for scoliosis in the first place. In that case, scoliosis therapy must be tailored to address that problem first. Idiopathic scoliosis treatment varies from patient to patient based on several criteria, including age, the severity of the curvature, and the likelihood that it may worsen.
Pay attention:
Minor cases of scoliosis in growing children are monitored by rechecking their spines every six months to see if the bend is getting worse. Most of the time, the child doesn’t need medical attention.
Protect your spine:
While a brace won’t fix a curved spine, it can prevent it from worsening as the wearer grows. A plastic brace is worn constantly, though it can be taken off for sports and other physical activities. After your bone growth is complete, a brace will no longer be necessary.
Adjustments made by a chiropractor:
Patients with scoliosis who get chiropractic care may see a reduction in pain and an increase in mobility. Remember that this approach to treating scoliosis is ineffective in curing the condition. Though there is a lack of recent research in this area, one study found that 28 persons with scoliosis who received chiropractic care experienced reductions in pain and other symptoms immediately following treatment and 24 months later. It is essential to contact a chiropractor who specializes in scoliosis.
Surgery:
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure your doctor may recommend if you have a curved spine. If your spine is curved, your doctor can add bone grafts to the area, and once they heal, the bone will heal into a single, solid bone. Metal rods can be attached to the spine before the vertebrae fuse together. This keeps the spine in a straight line. If you are still growing, your surgeon may use a rod that may be moved up or down as necessary.
Exercise:
While exercise won’t directly improve your curvature, it’s still a good idea to participate in it for your overall health. Your scoliosis should only stop you from exercising if your doctor advises otherwise.
Conclusion:
Since most scoliotic curves deviate to the right of the center of the body, levoscoliosis, in which the spine curves to the left, is quite rare. However, people with more severe cases are at more risk of suffering catastrophic difficulties if they do not undergo treatment. Constant pain is one of these side effects, as is a decline in organ function. A back brace can help prevent further curvature in children and teenagers. Adults and adolescents with severe spine curvature may need surgical correction.
FAQs:
What kind of treatment is there for levoscoliosis?
Spinal fusion may be recommended for more severe forms of levoscoliosis when the curvature is causing pain or impeding mobility. The spinal fusion therapy surgeon will first align the bones and then insert one or two small bones into the area between them.
Can levoscoliosis be helped by walking?
Patients with scoliosis gain a lot by engaging in aerobic activities like jogging, walking, and hiking. It’s not a good idea to go for a run. Usain Bolt’s preferred mode of competition, the sprint, maybe more accessible on the spine than long-distance jogging.
How serious is the levoscoliosis condition?
Less common, severe scoliosis nonetheless has the potential to be very uncomfortable. Without treatment, this could pose serious health risks. Levoscoliosis is a hazardous form of scoliosis, according to medical experts, because the heart is located on the left side of the body.