Scoliosis is one of the most pervasive spinal disorders, with millions of cases around the globe. One of its most commonly diagnosed types, Dextroscoliosis, comes from the Latin word “de” meaning “right” and the Greek word “skolios” meaning “curved.” Therefore, Dextroscoliosis is a pathological condition in which the spine is abnormally curved towards the right side of the body.
This condition is highly pertinent, as it can lead a patient from mere discomfort to serious health issues, depending on the severity. This paper will cover the meaning of Dextroscoliosis, its causes, signs, and symptoms, as well as how to cope with the condition.
Understanding Dextroscoliosis
The spine of an average human is almost symmetrical with gentle curves that enhance movement, and facilitate balance. Dextroscoliosis is a pathological condition of the spine in which the spine curves to the right side in a ‘C’ or ‘S’ shape.
This can occur in the following regions of the spine:
- Thoracic Dextroscoliosis: curvature in the mid and upper regions of the back, and most common.
- Lumbar Dextroscoliosis: curvature in the lower back.
- Thoracolumbar Dextroscoliosis: curvature in mid and lower back.
The location and severity of the vertebral column curvature, if any, generally dictate the symptoms and treatment.
Causes of Dextroscoliosis
Dextroscoliosis has many possible causes. While many causes remain unknown, several risk factors and underlying conditions might help promote it.
- Genetics – Family history of scoliosis increases the chances of having the condition.
- Birth defects – Physical malformations present at the time of birth.
- Neuromuscular conditions – Illnesses like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can cause spinal curvature.
- Spine degeneration – Age-related conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.
- Injury – Trauma from accidents involving the spine.
- Posture – Slouching in chairs doesn’t cause spinal curvature. However, it often worsens curvature if it already exists.
Symptoms of Dextroscoliosis
With the absence of loss of motion, the spine can perform the same functions, but the symptoms will differ depending on how severe and where the curvature exists. Individuals with mild dextroscoliosis may be asymptomatic, while others experience severe symptoms. The most common symptoms include:
- Differently aligned shoulders and hips.
- Unilateral protrusion of the shoulder girdle.
- Spinal column deviation in ventral flexion.
- Lateral rib cage deformity.
- Postural dorsal Kyphosis, especially after the elongate periods of motion for standing or sitting.
- Decreased motion in the back.
- Insufficient lung function which leads to shortness of breath in more advanced cases.
What techniques are used to diagnose Dextroscoliosis?
As with any other disease, an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Most doctors will incorporate:
- A Physical Examination which involves Posture analysis, shoulder-check, hips-check, and the mobility of the spine.
- The Adam’s Forward Bend Test which is a test that asks the patient to bend forward and observes if the spine develops a more pronounced curve.
- X-radiography which is one of the standard methods for assessing the curvature of the spine in the so-called Cobb angle.
- MRI or computed tomography which are more advanced techniques that a specialist will suggest when there are indications of a more serious spinal issue or of nerve roots’ involvement.
Levels of Severity
The general angle of curvature in the spine enables one to determine the degree of dextroscoliosis for any individual:
- Mild – A curvature of the spine which is considered to be the most ‘umbrella’ and the spine is most flexible, not exceeding 20 degrees.
- Moderate – A more advanced state of curvature and the figure is more ‘thick’ with the spine curving between 20 and 40 degrees.
- Severe – The curve is the most extreme and the ‘thick’ figure is more than 40 degrees.
These options are focal points around which a specialist proposes a remedy for dextroscoliosis.
Treatment Options for Dextroscoliosis
Not each case of dextroscoliosis is serious enough to demand a robust and extensive set of treatments. The patient’s age, the severity of the curve, and the accompanying symptoms are factors which determine what is the best approach to take.
1. Keeping a Close Eye
In lighter circumstances, especially in the pediatric and teenage population, doctors might find that recommending regular follow-ups plus x-ray evaluation is more beneficial than aggressive methods.
2. Bracing
In line with the whole treatment plan, a spinal brace is a sensible option as it keeps the curve from getting worse in growing children and adolescents. If the curve is within the range from 20-40 degrees, the implementation of the brace is appropriate.
3. Physical Therapy with Exercises
In these cases, the primary goal is managing pain and maintaining a range of motion. No exercise can ‘cure’ dextroscoliosis, but rests, exercises and mobilization can control the symptoms.
4. Pain Management
For pain relief, prescription of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or muscle relaxants as a pain relief option can be assessed.
5. Surgical Treatment
Severe cases, (40-50 degrees and above) particularly the ones that are progressing, are candidates for spinal fusion surgery. In such cases, the vertebrae that need to be fused vertebrae are determined, and then with rods and screws, are straightened and stabilized in a fixed position.
Living With Dextroscoliosis
The thought of getting diagnosed with dextroscoliosis is scary to a lot of people, but with the right treatment, it is possible to live a full, active, and healthy life. A framework of the most essential guidelines can be proposed:
- To keep the spine healthy, it is beneficial to remain within the boundary of a healthy weight.
- To improve the strength of the core and back muscles, exercises like swimming, Pilates, and yoga are all great options.
- Be aware of your body alignment while standing, sitting, and walking.
- Prolonged walking with heavy, unevenly divided loads and backpacks should be avoided.
- Remember to follow the recommendations of the physician and answer all the required questions during the routine check-up.
Risk Factors
If not taken care, serious dextroscoliosis may cause:
- Chronic back pain.
- Nerve pain, such as numbness or weakness.
- Breathing problems, with less ability to fill the lungs.
- Spinal curvature which may affect the person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
Most of these complications, however, can be avoided with early intervention and treatment.
Conclusion
Overall, dextroscoliosis, is the type of scoliosis with a spine curvature to the right, and abnormal curvature of the spine to the right. While mild cases may not require much treatment, more severe types can cause discomfort, functional restrictions, and may also impair the heart and lung’s functioning. Recognizing the condition, its causes, and treatment methods is the first step to effective management. With appropriate management, individuals with this diagnosis can lead a full, active, and healthy life.
FAQs About Dextroscoliosis
1. Is dextroscoliosis the same as scoliosis?
Not exactly. While dextroscoliosis is a right-sided curve, scoliosis is the overarching term for any abnormal curvature of the spine.
2. Can exercise cure dextroscoliosis?
The condition itself cannot be cured, but exercise can help to improve posture, alleviate pain, and lessen the symptoms.
3. What is the difference between dextroscoliosis and levoscoliosis?
Dextroscoliosis is when the curvature is to the right, while levoscoliosis is when the curvature is to the left.
4. For Dextroscoliosis, is surgery mandatory?
No. Surgery is only an option for ‘extreme cases’ and for cases which interferes with the individuals’ basic functioning and ‘health’ and worsens with time, especially when the curve is crossing the 40-50 degree threshold.
5. Can adults develop Dextroscoliosis?
Yes, while the condition is more commonly observed in adolescents as noted, adults suffering from ‘ageing’ and ‘trauma’ and ‘degenerative’ spine issues may also develop the condition.
6. What is the pain like for Dextroscoliosis?
Mild cases may lead to very minimal pain, while in more progressive and acute cases, there is chronic back pain and stiffness and all other signs related to the nerves.
7. Is Dextroscoliosis life threatening?
For the most part, no, in oppressive cases which are not treated, it is possible for the lungs and heart to function, which is why it has to be treated.
