Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesWho Needs Treatment?ExercisesSurgery
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Who Needs Treatment?
Exercises
Surgery
Dextroscoliosisis a form ofscoliosisthat causes the spine to curve to the right, forming a backward “C” or “S” shape. Though abnormal spinal curvature can occur anywhere on the spine, dextroscoliosis is usually found in the middle to upper portion of the back (thoracic spine). Depending on the degree of the curve, dextroscoliosis can range from mild to more pronounced.
About 2% to 3% of the population has some form of scoliosis, affecting children and adults.
This article explores dextroscoliosis symptoms, causes, and treatment.
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Dextroscoliosis: Symptoms of Right Spine Curvature
Dextroscoliosis symptoms vary, depending on the degree and location of the spinal curvature. With mild dextroscoliosis, the spinal curve is less than 25 degrees, and there may be no noticeable symptoms.If the curvature is more pronounced (25 degrees or higher), signs and symptoms can include:
If the spinal curve progresses, symptoms may become more severe and can include the following:
Dextroscoliosis vs. Levoscoliosis
What Causes Dextroscoliosis?
In about 80% of cases, the exactcause of dextroscoliosisis unknown (idiopathic). The term “idiopathic” refers to a condition for which there is no known cause.
In the case of idiopathic dextroscoliosis, the spine develops an abnormal curvature without any identifiable underlying condition or structural abnormality causing the spinal curve. Genetic factors likely play a role in idiopathic dextroscoliosis, as the condition often runs in families.
Sometimes other medical conditions can contribute to the development of dextroscoliosis, such as:
Other causes of dextroscoliosis include:
Dextroscoliosis Risk Factors
Does Everyone Need Dextroscoliosis Treatment?
Not everyone with dextroscoliosis requires treatment. The decision totreat dextroscoliosisdepends on several factors, including your age, the curvature’s severity, and whether you have symptoms or functional limitations. In general, mild cases of dextroscoliosis usually do not require treatment beyond periodic monitoring to ensure that the curvature does not progress over time.
More severe cases of dextroscoliosis may require treatment to prevent curvature progression and manage symptoms. Curves between 20 to 40 degrees may require bracing to help prevent curve progression. Bracing is most effective during childhood and adolescence when the spine is still growing. Curves 40 degrees and above usually require surgical treatment.
Risks of Untreated Dextroscoliosis
Dextroscoliosis is a progressive condition that requires regular monitoring to ensure the curve does not worsen. Left untreated, a spinal curve can progress, and serious problems can develop, such as:
Exercises to Improve Dextroscoliosis
Exercise is an essential component of dextroscoliosis treatment. While exercise will not correct a spinal curve, it can help manage symptoms and improve overall spinal health. Scoliosis-specific exercises combine strength and stretching techniques to help improve flexibility and range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
At-Home
Examples of at-home exercises to manage dextroscoliosis include:
Plank
Bird-Dog
Pelvic Tilt
Before beginning an exercise program, talk to a healthcare provider or qualified fitness professional to develop a safe and effective exercise program for your needs.
With a Physical Therapist
Physical therapyis often a component of dextroscoliosis treatment. If your healthcare provider refers you to a physical therapist (PT), the PT will work with you to develop a personalized exercise program that addresses your specific needs and goals. Exercises a physical therapist may recommend include:
Dextroscoliosis Surgical Treatment
Severe dextroscoliosis may require surgical treatment if the spinal curve causes significant pain or functional limitations and nonsurgical interventions have been ineffective. The type of surgical procedure depends on your age and the location and severity of the spinal curve. Dextroscoliosis surgeries include:
Summary
Dextroscoliosis is a form of scoliosis that causes a right-sided spine curvature. It can occur in children and adults and is often idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. Symptoms of dextroscoliosis can include back pain, muscle stiffness, and limited mobility.
Nonsurgical treatments for dextroscoliosis include regular monitoring, exercise and physical therapy, and bracing. Surgery is usually performed for severe and progressive cases. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to preventing further curvature progression and minimizing the risk of complications.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens.Grauers A, Einarsdottir E, Gerdhem P.Genetics and pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:45. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0105-8Weill Cornell Medicine. Center for Comprehensive Spine Care.Scoliosis: Symptoms, types & treatments.Scoliosis Research Society.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Sung S, Chae HW, Lee HS, et al.Incidence and surgery rate of idiopathic scoliosis: A nationwide database study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(15):8152. doi:10.3390/ijerph1815815Lee GB, Priefer DT, Priefer R.Scoliosis: Causes and treatments.Adolescents. 2022; 2(2):220-234.doi:10.3390/adolescents2020018National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Weiss HR, Karavidas N, Moramarco M, Moramarco K.Long-term effects of untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A review of the literature.Asian Spine J. 2016;10(6):1163-1169. doi:10.4184/asj.2016.10.6.1163MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome.Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218Berdishevsky, H., Lebel, V.A., Bettany-Saltikov, J.et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises – a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis11, 20 (2016). doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9Berdishevsky H, Lebel VA, Bettany-Saltikov J, et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises - a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:20. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9Scoliosis Research Society.Scoliosis surgery techniques.Senkoylu A, Riise RB, Acaroglu E, Helenius I.Diverse approaches to scoliosis in young children.EFORT Open Rev. 2020;5(10):753-762. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.5.190087Kose KC, Bozduman O, Yenigul AE, Igrek S.Spinal osteotomies: indications, limits and pitfalls.EFORT Open Rev. 2017;2(3):73-82. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.2.160069
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens.Grauers A, Einarsdottir E, Gerdhem P.Genetics and pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:45. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0105-8Weill Cornell Medicine. Center for Comprehensive Spine Care.Scoliosis: Symptoms, types & treatments.Scoliosis Research Society.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Sung S, Chae HW, Lee HS, et al.Incidence and surgery rate of idiopathic scoliosis: A nationwide database study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(15):8152. doi:10.3390/ijerph1815815Lee GB, Priefer DT, Priefer R.Scoliosis: Causes and treatments.Adolescents. 2022; 2(2):220-234.doi:10.3390/adolescents2020018National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Weiss HR, Karavidas N, Moramarco M, Moramarco K.Long-term effects of untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A review of the literature.Asian Spine J. 2016;10(6):1163-1169. doi:10.4184/asj.2016.10.6.1163MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome.Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218Berdishevsky, H., Lebel, V.A., Bettany-Saltikov, J.et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises – a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis11, 20 (2016). doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9Berdishevsky H, Lebel VA, Bettany-Saltikov J, et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises - a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:20. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9Scoliosis Research Society.Scoliosis surgery techniques.Senkoylu A, Riise RB, Acaroglu E, Helenius I.Diverse approaches to scoliosis in young children.EFORT Open Rev. 2020;5(10):753-762. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.5.190087Kose KC, Bozduman O, Yenigul AE, Igrek S.Spinal osteotomies: indications, limits and pitfalls.EFORT Open Rev. 2017;2(3):73-82. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.2.160069
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens.Grauers A, Einarsdottir E, Gerdhem P.Genetics and pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:45. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0105-8Weill Cornell Medicine. Center for Comprehensive Spine Care.Scoliosis: Symptoms, types & treatments.Scoliosis Research Society.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Sung S, Chae HW, Lee HS, et al.Incidence and surgery rate of idiopathic scoliosis: A nationwide database study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(15):8152. doi:10.3390/ijerph1815815Lee GB, Priefer DT, Priefer R.Scoliosis: Causes and treatments.Adolescents. 2022; 2(2):220-234.doi:10.3390/adolescents2020018National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Weiss HR, Karavidas N, Moramarco M, Moramarco K.Long-term effects of untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A review of the literature.Asian Spine J. 2016;10(6):1163-1169. doi:10.4184/asj.2016.10.6.1163MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome.Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218Berdishevsky, H., Lebel, V.A., Bettany-Saltikov, J.et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises – a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis11, 20 (2016). doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9Berdishevsky H, Lebel VA, Bettany-Saltikov J, et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises - a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:20. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9Scoliosis Research Society.Scoliosis surgery techniques.Senkoylu A, Riise RB, Acaroglu E, Helenius I.Diverse approaches to scoliosis in young children.EFORT Open Rev. 2020;5(10):753-762. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.5.190087Kose KC, Bozduman O, Yenigul AE, Igrek S.Spinal osteotomies: indications, limits and pitfalls.EFORT Open Rev. 2017;2(3):73-82. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.2.160069
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens.
Grauers A, Einarsdottir E, Gerdhem P.Genetics and pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:45. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0105-8
Weill Cornell Medicine. Center for Comprehensive Spine Care.Scoliosis: Symptoms, types & treatments.
Scoliosis Research Society.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Sung S, Chae HW, Lee HS, et al.Incidence and surgery rate of idiopathic scoliosis: A nationwide database study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(15):8152. doi:10.3390/ijerph1815815
Lee GB, Priefer DT, Priefer R.Scoliosis: Causes and treatments.Adolescents. 2022; 2(2):220-234.doi:10.3390/adolescents2020018
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
Weiss HR, Karavidas N, Moramarco M, Moramarco K.Long-term effects of untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A review of the literature.Asian Spine J. 2016;10(6):1163-1169. doi:10.4184/asj.2016.10.6.1163
MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.
Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome.
Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218
Berdishevsky, H., Lebel, V.A., Bettany-Saltikov, J.et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises – a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis11, 20 (2016). doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9
Berdishevsky H, Lebel VA, Bettany-Saltikov J, et al.Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises - a comprehensive review of seven major schools.Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016;11:20. doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0076-9
Scoliosis Research Society.Scoliosis surgery techniques.
Senkoylu A, Riise RB, Acaroglu E, Helenius I.Diverse approaches to scoliosis in young children.EFORT Open Rev. 2020;5(10):753-762. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.5.190087
Kose KC, Bozduman O, Yenigul AE, Igrek S.Spinal osteotomies: indications, limits and pitfalls.EFORT Open Rev. 2017;2(3):73-82. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.2.160069
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