What does abnormal spine curve mean?
You will notice that Para Olympic athletes, like amputees, have curves in their artificial limbs to provide support for running events. Once again it does not take rocket science to see that the spines in this diagram are abnormal. Whiplash injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents, sudden whipping of the head, or other injury types ...
What is a severe curvature of the spine?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine (backbone). There is a natural, forward-and-backward curve to the spine. With scoliosis, the spine rotates and develops a side-to-side curve. Curves may be as mild as 10 degrees, or as severe as 100 degrees or more. Most cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t need treatment.
Are all protruding veins abnormal?
Bulging veins are a symptom that can be caused by several medical conditions. Mild cases may only be a cosmetic problem. Other times, bulging veins can be a sign of a more serious problem. Seek immediate medical care if you experience sudden bulging of your veins with any of the following symptoms:
What is abnormal spinal curvature?
BEIJING, Nov. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the human body's central support structure, the spine helps with correct posturing, gait, and movement by linking the shoulder, the hip, and the limbs. Any spinal injury due to an accident or incorrect posturing can cause abnormal curving of the spine.
What is abnormal curvature of the lumbar spine called?
Abnormal curvature of the spine seen from the back is called scoliosis.
What is the medical term for spinal curvature?
Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side.
Which of the following terms means an exaggerated anterior curvature of the lumbar spine?
Lordosis is an abnormal anterior convex curvature of the lumbar spine (swayback). Lordosis (lor-doe-sis) can also be found in the neck (cervical), but it is most common in the lumbar region.
What do you mean by kyphosis?
An increased front-to-back curve of the upper spine is called kyphosis. Kyphosis is an exaggerated, forward rounding of the back. It can occur at any age but is most common in older women. Age-related kyphosis is often due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack.
What do you mean by lordosis?
An excessive curvature of the back that results in a “swayback” appearance like the picture on the left. Some Lordosis is normal in the spine at the neck and low back areas. It is when this curvature becomes excessive that it can cause problems.
What does scoliosis mean?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions in the so-called “sagittal” plane.
What is lumbar kyphosis?
Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessive curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. The condition is sometimes known as roundback or — in the case of a severe curve — as hunchback. Kyphosis can occur at any age but is common during adolescence.
What is the meaning of lumbar lordosis?
Swayback; Arched back; Lordosis - lumbar. Lordosis is the inward curve of the lumbar spine (just above the buttocks). A small degree of lordosis is normal. Too much curving is called swayback. The spine is divided into several sections.
What is the difference between lordosis and kyphosis?
Lordosis (also known as swayback) is when the lower back, above the buttocks, curves inward too much, causing the child's abdomen to protrude and buttocks to stick out. Kyphosis is when the upper spine curves too far outward, forming a hump on the upper back.
Is kyphosis anterior or posterior?
Kyphosis is a physiologic thoracic anterior concave spinal curvature in the sagittal plane, associated with cervical and lumbar lordosis in a physiologic conformation of the spine. Physiologic values for kyphosis during growth are between 20 to 25 degrees and 40 to 45 degrees.
What causes lumbar lordosis?
Lordosis refers to your natural lordotic curve, which is normal. But if your curve arches too far inward, it's called lordosis, or swayback. Lordosis can affect your lower back and neck. This can lead to excess pressure on the spine, causing pain and discomfort.
What is the difference between kyphosis and scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of your spine — often taking the shape of the letter 'S' or 'C'. Kyphosis is more of a forward rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
What are the abnormal curvatures of the spine?
Now that we have explored why the spine is naturally curved in the first place, and the different curvature types that characterize the different spinal sections, let’s explore some abnormal curvatures of the spine that can develop: lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.
What is the term for a spinal curve disorder?
Spinal Curvature Disorders: Lordosis, Kyphosis, & Scoliosis. There are many different types of spinal conditions a person can develop. Some involve an over- or under-pronounced natural curvature, while others involve an unnatural sideways spinal curve that also rotates. Keep reading to understand the difference between lordosis, kyphosis, ...
Why does my lower back hurt?
Pain can also be felt in the lower back if the kyphosis of the upper spine causes a counteractive curvature in the lumbar spine. Congenital Kyphosis. With congenital kyphosis, patients are born with the condition as it develops in utero. This form develops due to a malformation in the spinal column.
Why is lumbar lordosis a risk for osteoporosis?
When obesity is the cause of lumbar lordosis, this is because carrying extra weight stresses the lumbar spine and is related to lumbar spinal disease.
What causes back pain and mobility issues?
Lordosis can affect people of all ages, and when it affects the lower back, it can cause varying levels of back pain and mobility issues. Some causes of abnormal lordosis include conditions such as spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, and obesity. Spondylolisthesis.
Which type of spine condition is most commonly associated with a round back?
Kyphosis involves an abnormal forward curvature that most commonly affects the thoracic spine and gives the posture a roundback appearance. Scoliosis involves an abnormal sideways curvature that can develop anywhere along the spine and gives the posture an overall asymmetrical appearance.
Why is the spine important?
The spine’s natural curves are important for facilitating its strength, flexibility, and ability to evenly distribute stress. While there is a normal range of natural curvatures, when curves fall beyond these normal ranges, conditions such as lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis can be the cause. Before we get into the specifics ...
What are the conditions that cause abnormal curvature of the back?
The conditions associated with an abnormal curvature of the back are scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these conditions are and how they differ.
What is the curvature of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine toward the front of the body called
The curvature of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine toward the front of the body are called lordosis. When the curve of the lower back is excessive, the condition is known as hyperlordosis or sometimes simply referred to as lordosis. (This condition can also be referred to as lumbar hyperlordosis, swayback, hollow back or saddle back.)
What is the backward curve of the spine called?
Just as the cervical and lumbar curves of the spine are referred to by a name, so is the thoracic curve. The backward curvature of your upper back is called kyphosis or the kyphotic curve. When the backward curvature of your upper spine is exaggerated it’s a condition known as hyperkyphosis. (It is also commonly referred to as roundback or hunchback.) You may recognize this condition from the famous story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This abnormal curvature of the spine is often visible and can cause an individual to look as if they are hunched forward, hence the term hunchback.
What are the conditions of the spine?
Today were going to talk about three conditions of the spine known as scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis. Each of these conditions relates to an abnormal curvature of the spine. Let’s take a look at what each of them are and who is at risk for them.
Is scoliosis a condition?
Scoliosis is probably the most well known condition of the three. You may even remember going to the nurses office in primary school to get checked for scoliosis. That’s because scoliosis often develops in children or young teenagers (although babies can be born with it).
What is curvature spine?
Curvature spine refers to a range of conditions in which there is a spinal deformity. While the condition might be mild and require no more than regular monitoring and self-care, it can be painful, severe, debilitating, and even life-threatening.
What is the most common form of spine curvature?
The medical term for the most common form of a curvature spine is scoliosis. This refers to a condition in which there is a sideways spinal curvature creating either a C shape or an S shape. Two other kinds of spinal curvature are also fairly common: kyphosis is a condition that results in a characteristic rounded upper back ...
What causes kyphosis in the spine?
Kyphosis can also result from osteoporosis and infections of the spine. Other causes include Scheuermann’s disease which results in misshaped vertebrae; arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout; congenital defects including spina bifida; and tumors.
What is the treatment for scoliosis in young people?
Scoliosis In young people, scoliosis treatment is focused on reducing the extent of progression of the condition, perhaps with the use of a back brace, while in older people in whom the condition is no longer progressing, the main focus of treatment is in reducing the pain.
How to help a back pain?
This might be assisted by analgesics and anti-inflammatories, through exercise and physical therapy is usually highly beneficial. It is important to use exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in the back that support the spinal column.
Can a back brace be used for kyphosis?
In more severe cases a back brace might be needed, and some patients might require surgery. Kyphosis Physical therapy is used to treat mild to moderate kyphosis. Generally, the aim is to use exercises designed to stretch the cervical spine. Where necessary analgesics and anti-inflammatories are used to relieve pain.
What causes a curvature in the spine?
Lordosis – Lordosis can be caused by Achondroplasia (oftentimes associated with dwarism), Spondylolisthesis (lower back vertebrae pushing forward), osteoporosis, obesity, discitis (inflammation in the spinal discs) and benign juvenile lordosis.
What are the three common spinal curvatures?
Spinal Curve Problems. Here are three common spinal curvature issues: Lordosis – Lordosis, also referred to as swayback, is categorized by an inward curve in the lower part of your spine. Kyphosis – Kyphosis, as we’ve discussed previously on the blog, is a condition that affects the upper portion of your spine.
What causes scoliosis in adults?
Scoliosis – Medical experts don’t know what causes the most common type of scoliosis seen in juveniles, but scoliosis in adults is generally caused by disease, acute injury, spinal infection or a late-developing birth defect.
Why does the curvature help with shock?
The curvature acts as a cushion for shock and stress, similar to how you bend your knees when you land from a jump. This helps distribute the weight so one area isn’t overwhelmed by the force. But over time the vertebrae, discs and cartilage wear down.
What is the difference between kyphosis and scoliosis?
Kyphosis involves an abnormally rounded upper back with more than 50 degrees or curvature. Scoliosis – Scoliosis involves a sideways curvature of the spine. The curve is generally “S” shaped or “C” shaped.
Why do I lose curvature in my spine?
Unhealthy Curvatures of the Spine. When a person loses one or more of their healthy spinal curvatures, it can be due to certain lifestyle choices and/or the development of a number of spinal conditions. Abnormal lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis are three common spinal conditions that can lead to a loss of the spine’s natural curvatures as they are ...
Why does the spine bend?
While the spine has healthy curvatures that give it added strength, flexibility, and allow it to evenly distribute stress, it can also develop unhealthy curves. When a spine’s curves bend to the side, include rotation, or are over-or under-pronounced, this can indicate the development of a spinal condition.
How many sections does the spine have?
The spine has three main sections, each with a characteristic spinal curvature. As healthy spines have curvatures that are natural and normal, people can wonder if their spine has an unnatural curvature and how to tell the difference. Keep reading to find out what constitutes an abnormal spinal curvature in need of assessment and treatment.
Why do intervertebral discs degenerate?
When the spine’s intervertebral discs start to degenerate, either due to age, or the cumulative effect of negative lifestyle choices, their ability to provide the spine with structure and support is compromised , and this commonly leads to the development of a number of spinal conditions, including degenerative scoliosis.
How many vertebrae are there in the cervical spine?
Each of these spinal sections consists of individual bones, called vertebrae. The cervical spine is home to 7 vertebrae; the thoracic spine has 12, and the lumbar spine has 5.
Why do discs help the spine?
In addition to guarding against degeneration of the vertebrae caused by the spinal bones rubbing up against one another, the discs also facilitate the spine’s flexibility, thanks to its soft gel-like interior that allows for flexible motion.
What is the canal in the center of the spine?
The holes in the center of each vertebra form the spinal canal, and this canal is where the spinal nerves pass through; the spine and brain work in tandem to form the body’s central nervous system (CNS), controlling many of the body’s essential functions. If you were to run your hand down the center of a spine, you would feel bony protrusions, ...
Scoliosis
Lordosis
Kyphosis
- The main symptoms of kyphosis a body shape in which the head is bent forwards, a curved or humped upper back, and general weakness in the back and legs. Generally, mild kyphosis doesn’t cause pain through certain forms of it can be painful and debilitating. Patients with Kyphosis often report discomfort following exercise. Kyphosis can also result from osteoporosis and infe…
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of more spine curvature conditions involves taking a detailed medical history and a physical examination of the curvature of the spine along with various imaging tests. X-rays are a useful way of detecting any spinal abnormalities and for assessing the extent of the curvature. MRI and CT scans are often used to provide a more detailed picture of the condition. A modern t…
Treatment
- Treatment generally depends on the type and severity of the curvature spine; 1. Scoliosis In young people, scoliosis treatment is focused on reducing the extent of progression of the condition, perhaps with the use of a back brace, while in older people in whom the condition is no longer progressing, the main focus of treatment is in reducing the pain. This might be assisted by analg…
Finally
- Curvature spine refers to a range of conditions in which there is a spinal deformity. While the condition might be mild and require no more than regular monitoring and self-care, it can be painful, severe, debilitating, and even life-threatening. If you believe that you or a member of your family might suffer from any of the conditions described ab...
For More Information About Curvature Spine
- If you would like additional information about this or to discuss how we may be able to help withyour queries please contact us using the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.