The medical term used to describe a forward-curved spine in the neck or lower back is lordosis. Most of the time, this is not a serious condition, and it does not cause symptoms. However, if you feel uncomfortable or have symptoms, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
Typically, the cervical spine (the medical name for the upper part of the spine in the neck) and lumbar spine (the lower back) are curved slightly forward to the front of the body. The natural lordosis occurs to maintain posture and absorb shock when you move. A lordotic curve occurs when something makes the spine curve more than it should.
Commonly, in people with lordosis, the posture is out of its usual alignment. Sometimes, lumbar lordosis is called swayback. Doctors often diagnose this condition when the curve is more than 60 degrees. Most people who develop this condition do not need treatment, but doctors may recommend some stretches and exercises to improve posture.
Types of Lordosis
Physicians have divided this condition into 2 categories. Examples include:
- Cervical lordosis – This type occurs when the neck is pushed further forward than it should. Rarely, it may negatively affect the ability to use the neck and throat (including swallowing and talking).
- Lumbar lordosis (also known as swayback) – In such cases, the hips and pelvis are pushed forward more than they should be. Some people with swayback may have problems with the bowels and bladder.
What Are The Symptoms of Lordosis?
While most people with lordosis do not have any symptoms, others may experience changes in their posture. For example:
- The head and neck are leaning further forward
- The butt sticking out
- Hips are pushed forward
- Extra space beneath the lower back when you are lying down
In more severe cases, people with this condition may also experience neck or low back pain, which may affect their ability to move. If any of the previous symptoms occur, do not hesitate to see a doctor.
Causes and Risk Factors
Mostly, doctors cannot determine what exactly causes lordosis because they develop on their own. In some cases, the following conditions may contribute to lordosis. Examples include:
- Osteosarcoma
- Kyphosis
- Static encephalopathy
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Achondroplasia
- Spondylolisthesis
While anyone can develop this condition, physicians have identified some factors that may increase the risk. Check some of them below:
- Age – People over 50 years old are more likely to develop lordosis compared to younger individuals.
- Kids who are going through growth spurts
- Pregnant women
- Obesity (excessive body weight)
- Weak core muscles
- Poor posture
- Neuromuscular disorders (such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy)
- Certain infections
- Spinal trauma
What Happens if Lordosis is Left Untreated?
This condition rarely causes complications, but in more severe cases, people may experience the following complications. Examples include:
- Chronic back pain
- Sciatica
- Nerve compression
- Long-term joint damage, which may lead to degenerative disk disease or facet joint arthritis
- Headaches
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Reduced mobility and strength
This article does not contain a full list of complications, but your doctor may recommend some ways to reduce the risk or even prevent them. Usually, early diagnosis and prompt treatment help prevent complications.
How to Prevent Lordosis?
Generally, this condition is preventable. It cannot be prevented when occur without a cause or due to an underlying condition. Doctors usually recommend stretching and specific physical exercise to maintain core strength and prevent lordosis.
Diagnosis
Lordosis diagnosis often begins with a physical examination and questions about the symptoms and medical history that help doctors get more information about your condition. Doctors may also perform some tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. For example:
- X-rays
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- CT (computed tomography) scans
Treatment
While most people with this condition do not need treatment, doctors recommend different options for those who need it. Usually, physicians recommend the following treatments when lordosis worsens. For example:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – This group of medicines is used to relieve neck or back pain that may occur due to lordosis. Doctors often recommend Ibuprofen or Aspirin, which are often taken for about 10 days. Do not administer these medicines for more than this time without a doctor’s approval.
- Physical therapy – During this therapy, physicians will teach you specific exercises and stretches that will help strengthen the muscles around the spine. While they cannot reduce the curve or correct lordosis, you may notice improvements in your posture and get rid of symptoms.
- Bracing – This treatment involves a customized brace that helps support the spine and prevent it from curving further. Most of the time, people should wear their brace for about 20 hours per day.
- Surgery – This condition rarely requires surgery, but if you develop a severe form of this condition, doctors may recommend it. They often recommend a spinal fusion to strengthen the spine and bone grafting to improve healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lordosis, scoliosis, and kyphosis?
While all conditions negatively affect the curve of the spine, there are some differences between them. For instance, lordosis is an increase in the curve toward the front of the body, scoliosis causes the spine to curve and rotate to the side (usually, it occurs in kids and teens), and kyphosis causes the thoracic spine to curve backward.
What is the main cause of lordosis?
The main causes of lordosis include muscle imbalances, poor posture, excess belly weight, and structural spinal conditions (such as spondylolisthesis). However, it may also happen due to other conditions. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
What is the best sleeping position for lordosis?
Sleeping on your back is the best position for people with lordosis. It naturally distributes the weight evenly across the spine.
Can lordosis be corrected with exercise?
Exercises cannot completely correct structural lordosis, but they can strengthen the core and back muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can recommend exercises that are safe and appropriate for your condition.
Is lordosis common in children?
Yes. Mild lordosis is relatively common in children, especially during growth spurts. In many cases, it improves as the child grows. However, if the spinal curve is severe, causes pain, or worsens over time, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Can pregnancy cause lordosis?
During pregnancy, the growing uterus shifts the body’s center of gravity forward, which can temporarily increase the curve of the lower back. In most women, this change improves after childbirth, although maintaining good posture and performing pregnancy-safe exercises may help reduce discomfort.
When should I see a doctor for lordosis?
You should seek medical attention if you experience persistent neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, problems with bowel or bladder control, or if you notice that the spinal curve is becoming more pronounced.
Can lordosis cause nerve problems?
Yes. In severe cases, excessive curvature of the spine may compress nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. Prompt medical evaluation is important if these symptoms occur.
Does everyone with lordosis need surgery?
No. Surgery is rarely necessary. Most people with lordosis can manage the condition with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, stretching exercises, weight management, pain-relieving medications when appropriate, and bracing in selected cases. Surgery is usually reserved for severe spinal deformities, progressive neurological symptoms, or cases that do not improve with other treatments.
Can maintaining a healthy weight help prevent or improve lordosis?
Yes. Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces stress on the spine and helps support proper posture. Combined with regular exercise, good posture, and strong core muscles, weight management may help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of worsening lumbar lordosis. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
