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Dextroscoliosis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

April 20, 2021 by The Healthy Talks

Have you ever seen someone leaning more towards the right side? Did you ever wonder which medical condition could that be? Well, let’s make it easy for you!

A spine with an abnormal curve towards the right side is a typical presentation of dextroscoliosis patients.

And this dextrocurvature is more common than its levo counterpart. Besides, it is more common in children 10 to 15 years of age, because that is the time for the bones to grow.

But wait, what is dextroscoliosis?

What are the other dextroscoliosis symptoms? Is there any treatment for dextroscoliosis? And most importantly, what are dextroscoliosis causes?

Calm down! You will get to know all about dextroscoliosis and you will also learn a few new terms like dextrocurvature, dextroconvex scoliosis.

So let’s begin!

What Is Dextroscoliosis

dextroscoliosis
Dextroscoliosis

Well, Dextro means to the right and scoliosis refers to an unusual sideways curve in the spine.

So, What is dextroscoliosis?

In simple words, it is the curvature of the spine towards the right side of the body. As opposed to levoscoliosis, in which the spine curves towards the left side.

Even though dextroscoliosis is more common, it is less dangerous than levoscoliosis. This is because there is no risk to the heart in the case of dextrocurvature scoliosis.

It typically occurs in the thoracic region but can also and atypically takes place in the lumbar region known as lumbar dextroscoliosis.

Moreover, dextroscoliosis usually acquires a C-shaped curve or sometimes forms an S shape when there is a curve in the lower spine as well.

Now let’s see what is meant by dextroconvex scoliosis.

Dextroconvex Scoliosis

The term is more commonly known as lumbar dextroscoliosis and it is an atypical form of dextroscoliosis.

Dextroconvexity means the convex side of the curvature in the spine is on the right side of the body, more precisely known as dextroconvex curvature.

Now it’s common sense, when the convex part is on the right side, the concave (inner side of the curve) will be at the left in case of dextroscoliosis.

Furthermore, in mild dextroconvex scoliosis, the patient does not present with any symptoms at all.

However, in severe cases, the abnormal spine presses upon the lumbar muscles and organs, for example, the right kidney, intestine, and part of the liver, causing pain and other symptoms related to the affected organ.

Mild Dextroscoliosis

Mild dextroscoliosis is the term your doctor will use if you have more than a 10-degree curve to the right, commonly in the thoracic spine.

It is not an emergency, hence the doctors wait and watch for any progression in your condition.

Plus, people with mild dextroscoliosis are routinely monitored and need no treatment. 

Note: Mild dextroconvex scoliosis is when there is only a slight curve and no organ has become the victim of an abnormally curved spine in the lumbar region. It is also known as mild lumbar dextroscoliosis specifying the position and shape of the curve.

Lumbar Dextroscoliosis

As the name implies, lumbar dextroscoliosis is the dextroscoliosis of the lumbar spine.

The term is interchangeably used with dextroconvex scoliosis. And both the terms come under the dextroscoliosis definition, but specifically for the lumbar spine.

Dextroscoliosis Causes

Did you know, the female gender is at higher risk of developing dextroscoliosis than boys?

The cause and reason for which is not exactly known.

However, the following are some of the known dextroscoliosis causes;

  • Inherited
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Degenerative changes
  • Due to any other disorder, maybe metabolic disorders or a tumor.
  • Trauma to spine
  • Poor posture or carrying heavy backpacks can also cause dextroconvex scoliosis in children.
  • Idiopathic

Dextroscoliosis Symptoms

Following are the dextroscoliosis symptoms that can help in early diagnosis followed by early treatment of scoliosis.

In mild dextroscoliosis there is;

  • A noticeable curve in the spine, but in some cases, it can go unnoticed.
  • Different shoulder height with scapula protruding outwards.
  • Uneven hips with the left hip above the right side.
  • Unequal waistline
  • One leg shorter than the other
  • Prominent ribs. Meaning, the ribs of the affected side bulge outwards.
  • Bad posture with head and body tilting to the right side.

In severe dextroscoliosis the patient presents with;

  • Dextroscoliosis pain
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Chest pain
  • Back pain
  • Resistance in daily chores
  • Difficulty to pass urine and defecate

Diagnosis of Dextroscoliosis

Diagnosis can help differentiate between dextroscoliosis and levoscoliosis.

The process of examination and diagnosis is similar to levoscoliosis. The only difference is that the physical examination and X-ray show a right side curvature of the spine rather than the left.

This physical examination test is also known as Adam’s forward bending test. It is characterized by straight knees, bent down back with dangling arms.

Dextroscoliosis Treatment

There are different options for dextroscoliosis treatment varying from person to person.

In mild dextroscoliosis and a less than 25-degree curve, the doctors monitor the patient’s back for six months to one year. If the condition worsens, only then, further steps are taken.

However, in moderate cases associated with dextroscoliosis pain and 25 to 40 degrees curve, the doctor might suggest a back brace to prevent the curve from progressing further.

Note: In mild and moderate dextroscoliosis, exercises can help in improving the symptoms of scoliosis.

However, in severe dextroscoliosis, spinal fusion surgery is the only option.

Don’t worry, the spinal fusion success rate is very high and most of the time it doesn’t require repeated surgery.

Following are other therapies to treat dextroscoliosis symptoms;

  • Massage therapy
  • Hot and cold therapy
  • Electrostimulation therapy
  • Nutritious diet
  • Physiotherapy

FAQs

What is dextrorotatory scoliosis?

It is another word for dextroscoliosis. And it refers to the condition when the spine laterally curves towards the right side.

It can be typical, affecting the thoracic spine, or atypical that affects the lumbar spine, also known as dextroconvex scoliosis.

What is mild thoracic dextroscoliosis?

Mild dextroscoliosis commonly occurs in the middle and upper spinal regions, that is, the thoracic spine.

A mild form of scoliosis has no major clinical symptom and can easily be treated by physical therapy without any surgery.

Conclusion

So that was all about dextroscoliosis. The terms we have mentioned are a bit hard to remember. However, if you know the meaning of these terms, remembering them wouldn’t be an issue.

In short, dextrocurvature refers to the right side curve and dextroconvex scoliosis means the right-side curvature of the spine in the lumbar region.

Note: We recommend you visit a chiropractor expert in scoliosis to know more about your condition and treatment.

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Filed Under: Spine Health

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