Lordosis

What is lordosis?

Lordosis is the abnormal inward spine curving causing a shape called “swayback.” The condition is occasionally called benign juvenile lordosis in children because the problem is temporary and fixes itself as the child grows.

Lordosis can be caused by various disorders, including:

Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia develops when bones don’t grow properly.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a slippage of one or more vertebrae (spinal bones).

Discitis

Discitis is inflammation in the spaces between your vertebrae that house the spongy, shock-absorbing spinal discs. Discitis can result from infection.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis usually develops in older people, especially women. It causes the bones to lose density, so they’re prone to fractures.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis, a forward rounding or hunching of the back, is a common symptom of advanced osteoporosis.

Excess body weight can also cause lordosis.

What symptoms does lordosis cause?

Lordosis symptoms include:

• Back pain
• Prominent buttocks
• Fatigue
• Reduced range of motion
• Spinal tenderness and stiffness

Severe lordosis can compress your internal organs.

The inward spinal curve typical of lordosis is easiest to see when you lie down on something hard and flat. This reveals the gap between your lower back and the surface.

The first step to diagnosing and treating lordosis is for your Coastal Spine doctor to complete a physical exam and measure the spine’s curve. They might also recommend an X-ray or MRI to examine the spinal structure in detail.

How is lordosis treated?

Some people with lordosis don’t need treatment. But if your spine doesn’t straighten when you bend forward, your symptoms can get worse without proper care. Coastal Spine focuses on minimally invasive lordosis treatments, including:

Observation

In some cases (especially with children), your doctor will check spine growth progress every six months to determine if further treatment is needed.

Bracing

A brace can prevent further curving in patients who are still growing.

Physical therapy

In adults and mature teens, physical therapy strengthens core (abdominal) and back muscles, helping to reduce lordosis pain. Physical therapy can produce remarkable results for some patients in 3-6 months. It doesn’t cure lordosis but helps you manage your symptoms.

Surgery

Your Coastal Spine doctor might recommend spine fusion surgery to stabilize and correct the shape of your spine if the curvature exceeds 75 degrees or you’re in severe pain.

Call Coastal Spine today or book an appointment online to receive expert lordosis assessment and treatment.