In the neck, upper back, and lower back, everyone’s spine bends slightly. The lordotic (neck and lower back) and kyphotic (upper back) curves are what give your spine its S shape (upper back). They benefit your body in the following ways:

  • Shock absorber
  • The head’s weight should be supported
  • Place your head on top of your pelvis.
  • Maintain and stabilise its structure.
  • Move and bend with ease.

Your natural lordotic curvature is called lumbar lordosis. However, lordosis, or swayback, occurs when your curvature curves too far inward. Lordosis meaning indicates a condition that affects the lower back and neck. For example, excessive pressure on the spine might result in pain and discomfort, impairing your ability to move.

Treatment for lordosis is determined by the severity of the curvature and the cause of the lordosis. For example, suppose your lower back curvature reverses as you bend forward. Then, physical treatment and everyday exercises can most likely help you manage your illness.

However, if the curvature remains the same as you bend forward, you should visit a doctor. Continue reading to learn more about lordosis posture and how your doctor will diagnose it.

What causes Lordosis?

Lordosis may strike anyone at any age. However, the risk of lordosis caused by the spine is increased by several disorders and causes. Causes of lordosis include the following:

  1. Spondylolisthesis: Spinal spondylolisthesis occurs when the vertebrae on the lower spinal column slip forward onto the bone below. Therapy or surgery is frequently used to treat it.
  2. Achondroplasia: Achondroplasia is one of the most common types of dwarfism.
  3. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a bone disease that decreases bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
  4. Osteosarcoma: As a bone cancer, osteosarcoma typically arises on the shinbones, the thighs, or the upper arms.
  5. Obesity: Obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. People with this syndrome are more likely to develop significant diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

What are the types of lordosis?

In the lower back, there is a condition known as lordosis.

The most prevalent lordotic curve is in the lower back, often known as the lumbar spine. Lying on your back on a level surface is the most straightforward technique to check for this condition. With a bit of room to spare, you should be able to move your hand under your lower back.

An individual with lordosis has more space between their back and the surface of the spine. When they stand, a noticeable C-like arch will appear in case of excessive curvature. Their abdomen and buttocks will also protrude from the side.

Cervical lordosis

Your neck should be shaped like a comprehensive C in a healthy spine, with the curve going backwards. If your neck spine does not curve as it should, you have cervical lordosis.

  • This might indicate that the curvature is overly steep.
  • The curvature is in the wrong direction, referred to as reverse cervical lordosis.
  • The curve has moved to the right.
  • The curve has moved to the left.

What do the signs and symptoms of lordosis look like?

Muscle discomfort is the most prevalent sign of lordosis. Your muscles are tugged in different directions when your spine bends unnaturally, causing them to tense or spasm. This pain may spread to your neck, shoulders, and upper back. You may also have trouble moving your neck or lower back.

Whether you’re resting on a level surface, look for a lot of space between the curvature of your neck and back and the floor to see if you have lordosis. You may have lordosis if you can easily slide your hand through the gap.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any other symptoms, such as:

  • numbness
  • tingling
  • electric shock discomfort
  • Weak bladder control
  • weakness
  • difficulty maintaining muscle control.

How is lordosis diagnosed?

To establish if you have lordosis, your doctor will review your medical history, do a physical exam, and inquire about additional symptoms. For example, your doctor will ask you to lean forward and to the side during the physical examination. They’re looking at things like whether the curve is flexible or not, your range of motion, and if your spine is aligned.

Your doctor will prescribe tests after narrowing down the likely reasons, such as X-rays of your spine to check the angle of your lordotic curve. Next, your doctor will assess whether or not you have lordosis by comparing the rise to other parameters such as your height, age, and body mass.

What is the best way to deal with lordosis?

Most patients with lordosis do not require medical treatment unless complicated. The severity of your curvature and the existence of additional symptoms will determine how you are treated for lordosis.

Medication, regular physical therapy to improve muscles and range of motion, weight loss, posture braces, surgery in children and adolescents, and surgery in severe cases with neurological issues

Vitamin D supplements are examples of dietary supplements.

When should you consult a doctor for lordosis ?

You do not need to seek therapy if the lordotic curvature corrects itself as you bend forward (the curve is flexible).

However, you should seek therapy if you bend over and the lordotic curve stays (the curvature is not flexible).

If your discomfort interferes with your day-to-day activities, you should get therapy from Dr Chandril Chugh. For example, the health of our spine determines a great deal of our flexibility, mobility, and everyday activities. Your doctor will advise you on how to deal with the extra curvature. In addition, by treating lordosis early, you can prevent issues later in life, such as arthritis and persistent back pain.