What is levoscoliosis?
Levoscoliosis is a spinal curvature in which the spine curves to the left, like the letter “C.” This curve is most commonly found in the lower back- levoscoliosis of the lumbar spine. Scoliosis of the left spinal curve is less common than scoliosis of the right.
In the lower back (lumbar area), a conventional “S” curve bends to the left, and in the upper back (thoracic region), to the right.
How serious is levoscoliosis? According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, approximately 2% to 3% of Americans are said to be affected by scoliosis. Treatment-required scoliosis is frequently discovered between the ages of 10 and 15 and affects women eight times more often than males.
Types of levoscoliosis with unknown causes include:
- Infantile scoliosis: This occurs during the first three years of life.
- Juvenile scoliosis: This condition affects children aged 4 to 10.
- Adolescent scoliosis: The most common type of idiopathic scoliosis. It primarily affects children aged 11 to 18.
- Adult scoliosis: This condition affects adults.
Complications with Levoscoliosis
The following complications can occur if moderate or severe levoscoliosis is not treated:
- Chronic and often incapacitating back and chest pain
- Breathing and lung problems
- Rib pain and abnormalities in the regulation
- The function of the bowel and bladder
Levoscoliosis Treatments
The cause and severity of scoliosis will determine treatment for Levoscoliosis. It varies according to the patient and their age.
Brace Application
Although a plastic back brace cannot reverse a spinal curve, it can help prevent curves from worsening in about 80% of children. A back brace may be required for children with spine curvatures ranging from 25 to 45 degrees. Most people must wear the brace for 16 to 23 hours daily, excluding downtime for bathing or exercise. A back brace is no longer necessary once the bones have ceased growing or healing.
Surgery
A physician may perform a spinal fusion to reverse the curve in severe cases of scoliosis, particularly when the spinal curve threatens organs or impairs movement. During spinal fusion procedures, a surgeon will realign the curved bones and attach small pieces of bone tissue along the repaired region. It will eventually straighten into a single bone.
After surgery, the surgeon may insert a metal rod into the spine to ensure the bone heals straight. Most patients may walk the day following surgery and resume their regular activities in two to four weeks.
Most people with minor scoliosis do not require treatment, and it does not indicate a severe underlying medical condition.
If people with more severe cases do not receive treatment, they may develop serious complications such as chronic pain and decreased organ function.
