Everybody’s spine has a small amount of curvature in the neck, upper back, and lower back. The lordotic (neck and lower back) and kyphotic curves are what give your spine its S shape (upper back). They benefit your body by:
Absorb shock, support the weight of the head, position your head above your pelvis, preserve its structural integrity, and allow for flexible movement.
Your natural, healthy lordotic curve is referred to as lordosis. But lordosis, or swayback, is the term used when your curvature curves too much inward. Your lower back and neck may be impacted by lordosis. This could result in too much pressure being placed on the spine, which would hurt. If it gets bad and you don’t get treatment, it might make it difficult for you to move.
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The severity of the curvature and the cause of the lordosis will determine how the condition is treated. If, when you bend forward, the curve in your lower back reverses, there is no cause for medical concern. Physical treatment and regular exercise can probably help you manage your illness.
However, if the curve does not change when you bend forward, you should consult a doctor. Continue reading to learn what lordosis looks like and how your doctor will make a diagnosis.
Lordosis’s typical causes
People of any age can develop lordosis. Your risk for lordosis can be increased by specific ailments and circumstances. This comprises:
The spinal ailment known as spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the lower vertebrae slides forward onto the bone below. Typically, therapy or surgery is used to treat it. Learn more about the illness here.
Achondroplasia: One of the most prevalent forms of dwarfism is achondroplasia. Discover the causes, symptoms, and remedies.
Osteoporosis: An affliction of the bones that results in a loss of bone density and an elevated risk of fractures. Find more about its causes, signs, and remedies.
Osteosarcoma: is a type of bone cancer that often appears in the upper arm bone close to the shoulder, the thighbone close to the knee, or the shinbone close to the knee. Learn more about the signs, the cause, and the remedies.
In the United States, obesity is on the rise. People who have this illness are more likely to develop major conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Learn more here about obesity.
What variations of lordosis are there?
On the lower back, lordosis
The most typical type of lordosis affects the lumbar spine in the lower back. You can check for this condition most easily by lying on your back on a level surface. With only a small amount of room remaining, you ought to be able to move your hand under your lower back.
If someone has lordosis, there will be more room between their back and the ground. When they stand, there will be a C-shaped arch if they have a severe bend. Additionally, their midsection and buttocks will protrude when viewed from the side.
Neck lordosis
Your neck should resemble a very broad C with the curve directed toward the rear of your neck in a healthy spine. When the neck region of your spine does not curve as it should, this condition is known as cervical lordosis.
This could imply:
- There is an excessive curvature.
- Also known as reverse cervical lordosis, the curvature is oriented incorrectly.
- The rightward movement of the curve.
- Leftward movement of the curve.
What signs or symptoms would lordosis have?
Muscle discomfort is the most typical lordosis symptom. Your muscles are tugged in different directions when your spine curves incorrectly, which causes them to tense or spasm. This pain may radiate to your neck, shoulders, and upper back if you have cervical lordosis. Additionally, the range of motion in your neck or lower back may be restricted.
By resting on a level surface and examining the distance between the curvature of your neck and back and the floor, you can determine whether you have lordosis. If you can easily slide your hand through the opening, you might have lordosis.
If you have other symptoms, such as any of the following, schedule a medical appointment right away:
- numbness \stingling
- pain from electric shock
- inadequate bladder control
- weakness issues in keeping your muscles under control
- these could be symptoms of a more serious problem, like a pinched nerve.
Lordosis treatment options
Except in extreme cases, most patients with lordosis don’t need medical attention. Depending on how bad your curvature is and whether you have any additional symptoms, you may need treatment for lordosis.
Options for treatment include:
Weight loss, to help with posture braces, in children and teenagers medicine, to reduce discomfort and swelling regular physical treatment, to strengthen muscles and range of motion surgery, in severe instances with neurological concerns dietary supplements like vitamin D
