What is lordosis and what causes it?
Lordosis is often due to an imbalance between the muscles surrounding the pelvic bones.Weak muscles used to lift the leg forward (hip flexors) combined with tight muscles used to arch the back (back extensors), can cause an increased pelvic tilt, limiting movement of the lower back.
What causes loss of lordosis?
Causes of Loss of Cervical Lordosis In some cases, the deformity is simply inherited. In other instances, an injury or some degree of trauma could result in the loss of cervical lordosis . Other potential culprits include stress, neck strain, obesity, thinning of bone tissue, and improper posture.
How do you reverse cervical lordosis?
- Sit up straight with your gaze facing forward.
- Place one hand on your chin, and push your head backward as far as you can comfortably.
- Hold this position for one to two seconds.
- Slowly move your neck backward and forwards.
- Do one to two sets of eight to 10 repetitions.
What is Lordosis also called?
Lordosis in the concave curvature of the spine, and it often refers to the lumbar spine. Colloquially called “swayback,” it can also refer to the neck curvature—known as cervical lordosis—which is related to forward head posture and upper cross syndrome .
What is difference between kyphosis and lordosis?
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.
What is a Kyphotic spine?
Kyphosis is curvature of the spine that causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal. Everyone has some degree of curvature in their spine. However, a curve of more than 45 degrees is considered excessive.
What is the opposite of lumbar lordosis?
Cervical and lumbar hypolordosis, also known as straight back or straight neck, occurs when the spine doesn't have the normal amount of curvature that it should. This reduced curvature results in what is called a straight or flat spine.
Can you have lordosis and kyphosis?
Lordosis (also called swayback) describes an abnormal inward curvature of the lower back (lumbar spine, just above the buttocks). A person can have both kyphosis and lordosis at the same time.
What causes dowager hump?
Bad posture is the leading cause of Dowager's Hump but it's certainly not the only cause. Other possible causes include osteoporosis, a congenital problem, or Scheuermann's kyphosis. No matter the specific underlying cause, Dowager's Hump happens as a result of the weakening of muscles around your thoracic spine.
What is the difference between kyphosis and Scheuermann's kyphosis?
Kyphosis is a spinal condition characterized by an excessive forward curvature of the spine. Scheuermann's Disease, sometimes called 'Scheuermann's Kyphosis' (Figure 1)is a type of kyphosis that occurs in adolescents.
What is lumbar straightening?
In these procedures, a surgeon removes bone from the back of the lumbar spinal column. The surgeon can realign the bones of the spinal column, introducing the necessary lordosis.
What causes kyphosis?
Poor posture in childhood, such as slouching, leaning back in chairs and carrying heavy schoolbags, can cause the ligaments and muscles that support the vertebrae to stretch. This can pull the thoracic vertebrae out of their normal position, resulting in kyphosis.
What is flat back posture?
Flat back posture is when your lower back flattens out, losing the curve in your spine and tipping your pelvis backward. This posture changes the way your muscles work throughout your spine, causing you to stoop forward and poke your chin out.
What is spondylolysis?
Spondylolysis is a stress fracture through the pars interarticularis of the lumbar vertebrae. The pars interarticularis is a thin bone segment joining two vertebrae. It is the most likely area to be affected by repetitive stress.
What is lumbar hyperlordosis?
Lumbar hyperlordosis is a common postural position where the natural curve of the lumbar region of the back is slightly or dramatically accentuated. Commonly known as swayback, it is common in dancers. Imbalances in muscle strength and length are also a cause, such as weak hamstrings, or tight hip flexors (psoas).
When does lordotic curvature increase?
Lordosis may also increase at puberty, sometimes not becoming evident until the early or mid-20s.
What is the term for the curvature of the lumbar spine?
Specialty. Rheumatology, medical genetics. Lordosis is historically defined as an abnormal inward curvature of the lumbar spine. However, the terms lordosis and lordotic are also used to refer to the normal inward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the human spine. Similarly, kyphosis historically refers to abnormal convex curvature ...
What causes a lumbar flexor to be on top of the thighs?
A major feature of lumbar hyperlordosis is a forward pelvic tilt, resulting in the pelvis resting on top of the thighs . Other health conditions and disorders can cause hyperlordosis.
What is the term for the abnormal curvature of the spine?
Similarly, kyphosis historically refers to abnormal convex curvature of the spine. The normal outward (convex) curvature in the thoracic and sacral regions is also termed kyphosis or kyphotic. The term comes from the Greek lordōsis, from lordos ("bent backward"). Lordosis in the human spine makes it easier for humans to bring the bulk ...
How much height loss is normal with lumbar hyperlordosis?
Lumbar hyperlordosis (also known as anterior pelvic tilt) has a noticeable impact on the height of individuals suffering from this medical issue, a height loss of 0.5–2.5 inches (1.27–6.35 centimeters) is common.
Why are my iliopsoas tight?
Tightness of the iliopsoas results in a dancer having difficulty lifting their leg into high positions. Abdominal muscles being weak and the rectus femoris of the quadriceps being tight are signs that improper muscles are being worked while dancing which leads to lumbar hyperlordosis.
How to treat lordosis?
Treatment options include: medication, to reduce pain and swelling. daily physical therapy, to strengthen muscles and range of motion. weight loss, to help posture. braces, in children and teens.
What does cervical lordosis mean?
Cervical lordosis is when your spine in the neck region doesn’t curve as it normally should. This can mean:
How to check for cervical lordosis?
You can check for lordosis by lying on a flat surface and checking if there’s a lot of space between the curve of your neck and back and the floor.
Why does lordosis occur in childhood?
This is called benign juvenile lordosis. It happens because the muscles around your child’s hips are weak or tightened up. Benign juvenile lordosis typically corrects itself as your children grow up.
How to help your neck with lordosis?
absorb shock. support the weight of the head. align your head over your pelvis. stabilize and maintain its structure. move and bend flexibly. 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.
What is it called when your curve is too far inward?
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. It can affect your ability to move if it’s severe and left untreated.
What causes lordosis in children?
Other conditions that can cause lordosis in children are normally related to the nervous system and muscle problems. These conditions are rare and include: cerebral palsy. myelomeningocele, an inherited condition where the spinal cord sticks through a gap in the bones of the back.
How to treat lordosis?
Treatment for lordosis may include: Medication to relieve pain and swelling. Exercise and physical therapy to increase muscle strength and flexibility.
What is the name of the disorder where the spine curves inward?
There are three main types of spine curvature disorders, including: Lordosis. Also called swayback, the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back. Kyphosis. Kyphosis is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature). Scoliosis.
How to diagnose a curvature in the spine?
Your doctor can diagnose a spine curvature disorder by taking a medical and family history, examining the curve of your spine during a physical examination, and using imaging tests, like X-rays, to look more closely at the spine.
What causes kyphosis in the uterus?
The following conditions can cause kyphosis: Abnormal vertebrae development in utero (congenital kyphosis) Poor posture or slouching (postural kyphosis) Scheuermann's disease, a condition that causes vertebrae to be misshaped (Scheuermann's kyphosis) Arthritis. Osteoporosis.
Does Scheuermann's kyphosis cause back pain?
Bending forward of the head compared to the rest of the body. Hump or curve to the upper back. Fatigue in back or legs. Postural kyphosis does not typically cause back pain; however, physical activity and long periods of standing and sitting can cause discomfort for people with Scheuermann's kyphosis.
Does chiropractic help with scoliosis?
Exercise programs, chiropractic treatment, electrical stimulation, and nutritional supplements have not been proven to prevent the worsening of scoliosis. It is still ideal to keep as much as strength and flexibility to maintain normal function. This may require more effort and attention in someone with scoliosis.
Can kyphosis cause back pain?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of spine curvature disorder and the severity of the condition. Postural kyphosis does not typically cause back pain; however, physical activity and long periods of standing and sitting can cause discomfort for people with Scheuermann's kyphosis.
What is kyphosis after laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a type of surgical procedure that is done in the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. Laminectomy means "remove the lamina", which is exactly what is done.
What is a normal thoracic kyphosis?
A thoracic kyphosis is normal when measured at 20-40 degrees. The cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) have "lordotic" curves that face the opposite direction - like a backward "C". When the thoracic spine curves outside of the normal range, it creates a "hunchback" look and the shoulders slump forward.
What causes kyphosis in the cervical spine?
The fourth, and the most common cause of cervical kyphosis, is iatrogenic. Iatrogenic means the problem results from the effects of a medical treatment, such as surgery.
Why does kyphosis have a triangle shape?
Because the vertebrae are stacked one atop the other, the triangle shape causes the spine to have a forward curvature. When a child has congenital kyphosis, there are generally additional birth defects in other areas of the body. Most commonly, there are defects of the kidneys and urinary system.
What is the third cause of cervical kyphosis?
The third cause of cervical kyphosis is traumatic, meaning it is the result of an injury to the cervical spine. This may be from a compression fracture of the vertebrae or from an injury to the ligaments in the back of the cervical spine.
Can kyphosis occur after radiation?
A cervical kyphosis may also occur years after radiation therapy for cancer involving the neck. The radiation therapy may affect the growth of the cervical vertebrae in children who received radiation therapy in childhood. Symptoms.
Can a laminectomy cause kyphosis?
If the joints are damaged during the laminectomy, the spine may begin to tilt forward . This is what is responsible for causing an "iatrogenic" problem such as kyphosis. An iatrogenic cervical kyphosis can also occur after a failed attempt at a cervical spine fusion.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
- Kyphosis and lordosis are diagnosed using similar methods. Diagnosis might include looking at family and personal medical history, a physical exam of the spine, imaging, and neurologic evaluation.
Treatment
- Treatment for excessive kyphosis or lordosis will depend on the cause and severity of the condition.
Prevention
- Kyphosis and lordosis related to posture are preventable by practicing proper postureand being aware of your back health. Additional prevention measures include: 1. Avoid slouching, and sit correctly (sit upright, ensuring the back is supported). 2. Avoid heavy backpacks that put stress on the back muscles and ligaments. According to Harvard Medical School, a backpack should not h…
Summary
- Kyphosis and lordosis are different spinal curvatures. In excessive kyphosis, the spine curves forward, rounding the upper back. In excessive lordosis, the spine curves backward, resulting in swayback. Both conditions can be painful. There are a variety of causes for each condition. Diagnosis is through a physical exam, medical history, and imaging...
A Word from Verywell
- Most of the time, back pain is manageable and goes away without doctor-prescribed treatment. Back pain is less common in children and teenagers. Reach out to your doctor, or your child’s doctor, for back pain that lasts for days and doesn’t resolve with rest. Back pain accompanied by fever which causes inflammation and swelling, radiates into the legs and belo…
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you have both lordosis and kyphosis?
It is possible to have both lordosis and kyphosis. Both are common in people with scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine that starts right before puberty.12Having all three types of abnormal curvatures severely affects spine function and limits treatment options. - How do you correct kyphotic posture?
Kyphosis caused by bad posture can be corrected with education about proper postureand retraining people to sit and stand correctly. Strengthening of back muscles with physical therapy can also help improve posture.
Overview
Lordosis is historically defined as an abnormal inward curvature of the lumbar spine. However, the terms lordosis and lordotic are also used to refer to the normal inward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the human spine. Similarly, kyphosis historically refers to abnormal convex curvature of the spine. The normal outward (convex) curvature in the thoracic and sacral regions is als…
Types
Normal lordotic curvatures, also known as secondary curvatures, result in a difference in the thickness between the front and back parts of the intervertebral disc. Lordosis may also increase at puberty, sometimes not becoming evident until the early or mid-20s.
In radiology, a lordotic view is an X-ray taken of a patient leaning backward.
Signs and symptoms
Lumbar hyperlordosis (also known as anterior pelvic tilt) has a noticeable impact on the height of individuals suffering from this medical issue, a height loss of 0.5–2.5 inches (1.27–6.35 centimeters) is common.
For example, the height loss was measured by measuring the patient's height while he or she is standing straight (with exaggerated curves in the upper and lower back) and again after he or sh…
Causes
Possible causes that lead to the condition of lumbar hyperlordosis are the following:
• Spines – Natural factors of how spines are formed greatly increase certain individuals' likelihood to experience a strain or sprain in their back or neck. Factors such as having more lumbar vertebrae allowing for too much flexibility, and then in cases of less lumbar the individual not reaching their necessity for flexibility and then pushing their bodies to injury.
Diagnosis
Measurement and diagnosis of lumbar hyperlordosis can be difficult. Obliteration of vertebral end-plate landmarks by interbody fusion may make the traditional measurement of segmental lumbar lordosis more difficult. Because the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels are most commonly involved in fusion procedures, or arthrodesis, and contribute to normal lumbar lordosis, it is helpful to identif…
Treatment
Some corrective exercises can be done to alleviate this issue, it may take several months to fix (provided that the person sits less, stands with a neutral pelvis and sleeps on their back).
Since lumbar hyperlordosis is usually caused by habitual poor posture, rather than by an inherent physical defect like scoliosis or hyperkyphosis, it can be reversed. This can be accomplished by stretching the lower back, hip-flexors, quads and strengthening the abdominal muscles, hamstri…
See also
• Hyperkyphosis
• Kyphoscoliosis
• Lordosis behavior
• Pott's disease
Footnotes
1. ^ Dorland, William (1965). Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (24 ed.). Saunders. p. 851. ISBN 9780721631462.
2. ^ Stedman, Thomas (1976). Stedman's Medical Dictionary, Illustrated (23 ed.). Williams & Wilkins. p. 807. ISBN 0683079247.
3. ^ Medical Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005