Degrees of Levoscoliosis

Levoscoliosis is a type of scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, in which the curvature occurs to the left. This leftward curve is one of the most dangerous types of scoliosis because the heart can be placed in danger. The symptoms of levoscoliosis may occur in early childhood, or may appear as late as in your 30s. The degree of the spinal curve determines the severity of levoscoliosis.

Twenty Degrees or Less

• Levoscoliosis curves of 20 degrees or less are considered mild curves. These curvatures generally do not require bracing or surgery. Children diagnosed with this type of scoliosis need to be checked every three to six months in order to ensure that there are no changes in the curve of the spine.

Twenty-five to 40 Degrees

• Doctors usually recommend using braces for curvatures that are 25 to 40 degrees, particularly if a child is still growing. Wearing a brace does not prevent or improve a levoscoliosis curve, but it can prevent progression. This degree of curve may or may not progress to the point where surgery is required.

Greater Than 45 Degrees

• Curves greater than 45 degrees are considered to be severe levoscoliosis, and require surgery. A severe curve can leave a very visible deformity, cause back, neck, shoulder and hip pain, and can also interfere with the proper functioning of the heart. During surgery, a surgeon uses a series of rods and screws to straighten the spine and fuse it into place. There is generally a six-month recovery time for scoliosis surgery.

Considerations

• Levoscoliosis usually affects more women than men, and commonly occurs in children rather than adults. This is largely because children's bones are not fully formed, and female bones are normally softer in consistency than male bones. Many people with scoliosis do not even recognize the curvature of their spine until it's pointed out by a physician. Levoscoliosis can leave the shoulders looking uneven and one hip may higher than the other.