Levoscoliosis
Levoscoliosis is considered a form of scoliosis. The standard definition of scoliosis is the curvature of the spine in one direction or another. Levoscoliosis is the curvature of the spine to the left side of the body. Levoscoliosis has the same signs and symptoms as the classical scoliosis, but due to the location of the heart there are added health concerns due to with the left curvature in the thoracic spine (midback). The spinal column has nothing to do with the function of the heart, but this curvature can put pressure on the ribcage causing deformation, subsequently impacting functionality of the lungs and ultimately the heart.
The symptoms of levoscoliosis can appear at any time and is primarily observed by back pain and/or changes in posture. Postural changes can include: one shoulder higher than the other, a protruding shoulder blade, uneven hips, etc. If one suspects levoscoliosis you should make an appointment with a healthcare professional (chiropractor or medical doctor) who can diagnose the scoliosis with a physical exam including X-Ray to confirm the findings. Once confirmed, your healthcare practitioner will be able to develop a treatment plan that will best suit your needs.
One plan for the treatment of scoliosis is a SpineCor soft brace. In adults, the brace has been shown to reduce pain and stop the progression of the curve. Even more impressive, the brace has shown to have significant correction or stabilization of the spinal column in children. These results are unique because the SpineCor brace is able to provide stimulation of muscles on the opposite side (right) of the levoscoliosis. This stimulation of weakened muscles results in strengthening and therefore helps in the correction and stabilization.
Other Types of Levoscoliosis
Levoconvex scoliosis or levoscoliosis lumbar spine is a left curvature of the spinal column in the lower back, L1 to L5.
Thoracic levoscoliosis is a curve in the upper back, T1 to T12. Thoracic levoscoliosis will have more affect on the rib cage as the ribs connect to the spinal column, therefore, this type of scoliosis needs to be monitored closely because of the relationship to the lungs and heart.
A child diagnosed with mild levoscoliosis may stabilize on its own or progress to a much larger curve. Therefore, a child needs to be closely monitored by someone that has specialized training in scoliosis such as chiropractor or orthopaedic specialist. Even with a mild levoscoliosis parents need to take the time to know all of the risks and treatments available to your child.