Understanding Lordosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

When your spine naturally curves, it forms what is known as a lordotic curve. However, an exaggerated inward arch in this curve can lead to a condition called lordosis, commonly referred to as swayback. This condition can occur in both the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions of the spine.

What is Lordosis?

The spine normally maintains subtle curves in the neck, upper back, and lower back, which together create a natural 'S' shape. These beloved curves serve several important functions for our bodies:

• Absorb shock during movement
• Support the head's weight
• Align the head directly over the pelvis
• Stabilize the spine's structure
• Facilitate flexible movement

However, when these curves become excessively pronounced, they can cause health issues such as back pain and limited mobility. If you notice that your curve remains prominent even when bending forward, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Lordosis can affect individuals of all ages. Several factors and medical conditions may contribute to its development, including:

• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra slips out of position, often requiring therapy or surgery for treatment.
• Achondroplasia: A common form of dwarfism that may influence spinal curvature.
• Osteoporosis: A disease that weakens bones and increases fracture risk, potentially impacting spinal health.
• Osteosarcoma: A form of bone cancer that could affect spinal alignment.
• Obesity: Excess weight can place additional strain on the spine, leading to lordotic curvature.

Lumbar Lordosis

The most prevalent form of lordosis occurs in the lower back. A simple test for lumbar lordosis involves lying flat on your back on a hard surface. If your back has a noticeable gap, indicating excessive space between your lower back and the surface, lordosis may be present. This curvature can be easily observed as a C-shape when standing sideways.

Cervical Lordosis

Cervical lordosis refers to an abnormal curvature in the neck region. This can manifest in various forms:

• Excessive curvature
• Reversed curvature
• Curvature deviating to the left or right

The primary symptom associated with lordosis is muscle pain, resulting from abnormal spinal curvature that leads to muscle strain and spasms. If the cervical region is affected, discomfort may extend to the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and mobility may be restricted. You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Numbness
• Tingling sensations
• Electric shock-like pain
• Weakened bladder control
• Loss of muscle control

In many cases, lordosis appears during childhood without an identifiable cause, often termed benign juvenile lordosis. This type typically resolves on its own as children grow. However, it may also signal issues such as:

• Hip dislocation due to trauma
• Cerebral palsy
• Myelomeningocele
• Muscular dystrophy
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Arthrogryposis

Prenatal women may experience back pain and prominent curves in their spine; this is often due to the body adapting to changes in balance and weight distribution. Research indicates that this is a normal response, and discomfort generally diminishes after childbirth.

A healthcare provider will assess your medical history and conduct a physical examination to diagnose lordosis. This may include:

• Evaluating the curve's flexibility
• Testing your range of motion
• Checking spinal alignment for irregularities

Further imaging tests like X-rays may be ordered to determine the angle of your lordotic curve, considering factors like age, height, and body mass.

Most cases of lordosis are manageable and may not require medical intervention. If treatment is necessary, options may include:

• Medications to alleviate pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to bolster muscle strength and flexibility
• Weight management to support good posture
• Braces for children and adolescents
• Surgical options in severe cases
• Nutritional supplements like vitamin D

For most individuals, lordosis does not lead to serious health issues. Nonetheless, maintaining spinal health is vital for overall mobility and flexibility. Untreated lordosis may lead to complications affecting:

• The spine
• The hip girdle
• The legs
• Internal organs

While there are no specific guidelines for preventing lordosis, engaging in exercises to enhance posture and spinal health can be beneficial, including:

• Shoulder shrugs
• Side tilts of the neck
• Yoga poses like Cat and Bridge
• Leg raises
• Pelvic tilts on a stability ball

Moreover, prolonged standing can adversely affect spinal curves. Regularly switching to sitting and ensuring ergonomic chair support are advised.

If your lordotic curve corrects itself upon bending (indicating flexibility), medical intervention is not typically necessary. However, persistent curves that do not correct or pain disrupting daily activities warrant professional evaluation. Early treatment is crucial in preventing complications like arthritis and chronic back pain.