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Lordosis is an increased inward curving of the lumbar spine (just above the buttocks).

The spine has


three types of curves: lordotic, kyphotic (the outward curve of the thoracic spine at rib-level), and
scoliotic (sideways curving).
A small degree of both kyphotic and lordotic curvature is normal. Too much lordotic curving is called
swayback (lordosis). Too much kyphotic curving causes round shoulders or hunched shoulders
(Scheuermann's disease).
Scoliotic curving is always abnormal. In the natural state of a healthy spine, the cervical spine has a
lordotic curvature, the thoracic spine has a kyphotic curvature, and the lumbar spine has a lordotic
curvature. Loss of the lumbar spine curvature is known as a flat back.
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/types-of-spine-curvature-disorders
What are the types of spine curvature disorders?
There are three main types of spine curvature disorders, including:

Lordosis. Also called swayback, the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward
at the lower back.

Kyphosis. Kyphosis is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50


degrees of curvature).

Scoliosis. A person with scoliosis has a sideways curve to their spine. The curve is often S-shaped
or C-shaped.
What causes spine curvature disorders?
There are a number of health problems that may cause the spine to curve more than normal or be
misaligned.
The following conditions can cause lordosis:

Achondroplasia. A disorder in which bones do not grow normally, resulting in the short stature
associated with dwarfism

Spondylolisthesis. A condition in which a vertebrae, usually in the lower back, slips forward

Osteoporosis, a condition in which vertebrae become fragile and can be easily broken
(compression fractures)

Obesity, or being extremely overweight

Kyphosis. A condition marked by an abnormally rounded upper back

Discitis. Inflammation of the disc space between the bones of the spine most often caused by
infection

Benign (harmless) juvenile lordosis


The following conditions can cause kyphosis:

Abnormal vertebrae development in utero (congenital kyphosis)

Poor posture or slouching (postural kyphosis)

Scheuermann's disease, a condition that causes vertebrae to be misshaped (Scheuermann's


kyphosis)

Arthritis

Osteoporosis

Spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal column of the fetusdoes not close completely
during development inside the womb

Spine infections

Spine tumors
Doctors do not know what causes the most common type of scoliosis seen in adolescents. However,
doctors do know that scoliosis tends to run in families. A disease, injury, infection, or birth defect also
may be to blame.
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Drugs & Medications Search

Considering taking medication to treat Backache? Below is a list of common medications used to treat or
reduce the symptoms of Backache. Follow the links to read common uses, side effects, dosage details and
read user reviews for the drugs listed below.
Your search for Backache returned the following treatments.
DRUG NAME

INDICATION

TYPE

USER REVIEWS

acetaminophen oral

128 User Reviews

Capzasin-HP topical

93 User Reviews

capsaicin topical

85 User Reviews

Tylenol oral

70 User Reviews

Capzasin topical

59 User Reviews

Zostrix topical

17 User Reviews

trolamine salicylate
topical

16 User Reviews

Dendracin topical

16 User Reviews

Tylenol Extra
Strength oral

13 User Reviews

Aspercreme topical

12 User Reviews

Acetaminophen
Extra Strength oral

9 User Reviews

Mapap
(acetaminophen) oral

8 User Reviews

Trixaicin HP topical

8 User Reviews

Trixaicin topical

7 User Reviews

Myoflex topical

6 User Reviews

Non-Aspirin Extra
Strength oral

6 User Reviews

Icy Hot topical

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Back Pain-Off oral

6 User Reviews

Pain Reliever Extra


Strength oral

5 User Reviews

Q-PAP oral

5 User Reviews

Salonpas-Hot topical

5 User Reviews

Mapap Extra
Strength oral

5 User Reviews

Mobisyl topical

4 User Reviews

acetaminophen rectal

4 User Reviews

Vanquish oral

4 User Reviews

Arthritis Pain Relief


(acetaminophen) oral

4 User Reviews

Medrox topical

4 User Reviews

Sportscreme topical

3 User Reviews

Zostrix-HP topical

3 User Reviews

Stopain topical

3 User Reviews

Acetaminophen Pain
Relief oral

3 User Reviews

Salonpas
(capsaicin/menthol)
topical

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Arthricream Rub
topical

2 User Reviews

Tru-Micin topical

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Pain Reliever oral

2 User Reviews

Capzasin-P topical

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capsaicin-camphormenthol topical

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Pain Relief Extra


Strength oral

2 User Reviews

Pain Relief oral

2 User Reviews

Tylenol Sore Throat


oral

2 User Reviews

Athenol oral

2 User Reviews

Aspercreme Heat
topical

2 User Reviews

Icy Hot No Mess


topical

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New Terocin topical

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Pain Relief topical

1 User Reviews

Aspercreme with
Aloe topical

1 User Reviews

Non-Aspirin Pain
Relief oral

1 User Reviews

Tactinal oral

1 User Reviews

Tactinal Extra
Strength oral

1 User Reviews

Feverall rectal

1 User Reviews

ASAacetaminophencaffeine-buffers oral

1 User Reviews

Pain Relief Regular


Strength oral

1 User Reviews

Muscle Relief
topical

1 User Reviews

Children's
Acetaminophen oral

1 User Reviews

Arthritis Pain Relief


(capsaicin) topical

1 User Reviews

capsaicin-methyl
salicylate-menthol
topical

1 User Reviews

Pain Pads topical

1 User Reviews

8 HOUR PAIN
RELIEVER oral

1 User Reviews

Pain & Fever oral

1 User Reviews

Therapeutic Mineral
Ice topical

1 User Reviews

Q-PAP Extra
Strength oral

1 User Reviews

Ice Gel topical

1 User Reviews

Icy Hot Roll topical

1 User Reviews

Ortho-Nesic topical

1 User Reviews

Reliaderm topical

1 User Reviews

Arthricream topical

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Rub topical

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Ziks Arthritis Pain


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Treatment & Care


Back pain may be constant or sudden, mild or debilitating. Get the facts on back pain treatments,
including medication, exercise, and chiropractic care.
Treatment
Back Pain Medication Chart
Find out the benefits and risks of many different back pain medications.
Chiropractic Care and Back Pain
Get answers to your chiropractic questions -- including information on chiropractic treatments to the
controversy surrounding some of these treatments.
TENS and IDET for Back Pain
Learn how electrical nerve stimulation and electrothermal therapy are used to help relieve back pain.
Bioelectric Therapy for Back Pain
For some types of back pain, blocking pain messages sent to the brain can help.

Nerve Blocks for Back Pain


Find out when a nerve block can help ease back pain.
Spinal Stimulation for Back Pain
Read about electrical treatment for back pain.
Types of Back Surgery: Risks and Benefits
Having back surgery can be a difficult choice. Typically, people consider surgery for back pain only after
all other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Back Pain and Acupuncture
Learn how acupuncture can help with back pain and why certain points on the back are chosen for
acupuncture.
TENS for Back Pain
Learn what the TENS machine is, why it is used to treat back pain, how it works, and much more.
Sciatica Pain Relief
Learn about pain relief options for people with sciatica.
Injections for Back Pain Relief
Learn about the different types of injections you can use to help treat back pain and how these injections
are given.
Laminectomy
Laminectomy is one of the most common back surgeries.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
For back pain, some people turn to spinal decompression therapy -- either surgical or nonsurgical. Here's
what you need to know to help decide whether it might be right for you.
Care
Lower Back Pain Home Care
Find out what home treatments may ease low back pain.
Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) involves treatment that focuses on prevention of injuries or disabilities. PT helps to
relieve pain, promote healing, and restore function and movement.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/kyphosis/Pages/introduction.aspx

Kyphosis is curvature of the spine that causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than
normal.
Everyone has some degree of curvature in their spine. However, a curve of more than 45 degrees is
considered excessive.

Sometimes kyphosis doesn't cause any symptoms other than the back appearing abnormally curved or
hunched. However, in some cases the condition causes:

back pain and stiffness

tenderness of the spine

tiredness

Back pain can be particularly problematic in adults with kyphosis because the body has to compensate for
the spinal abnormality.
If you have severe kyphosis, your symptoms may get worse over time. You may also have difficulty
breathing and eating.
What causes kyphosis?
In kyphosis, the normal curve in the middle section of vertebral column (the thoracic vertebrae) is more
curved than normal. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, including:

poor posture (postural kyphosis) slouching, leaning back in chairs and carrying heavy bags can
stretch supporting muscles and ligaments, which can increase spinal curvature

abnormally shaped vertebrae (Scheuermanns kyphosis) if the vertebrae don't develop properly,
they can end up being out of position

abnormal development of the spine in the womb (congenital kyphosis) if something disrupts the
spine's normal development, two or more vertebrae sometimes fuse together

age as people get older, their spinal curvature can be expected to increase

Kyphosis can also develop as a result of a spinal injury.


Read more about the causes of kyphosis.
Treating kyphosis
If you have kyphosis, your treatment depends on how curved your spine is, whether you have any
additional symptoms such as back pain, and the underlying causes.
Children with kyphosis may be able to be treated using non-surgical methods, such as bracing, to limit the
progression of kyphosis as they grow. Treatment for mild kyphosis may not be necessary.

Kyphosis rarely requires surgical treatment. It's only needed in some severe cases to correct the curvature
of the spine.
Read more about treating kyphosis.
Emotional issues
Older children with kyphosis may become concerned or embarrassed about the effect the condition has on
their appearance, or having to wear a back brace.
These concerns can affect different children in different ways. Some children can become socially
withdrawn and they may be reluctant to take part in activities, such as PE, where their condition may be
exposed.
There are no easy answers to these problems, but it can sometimes help to reassure your child that their
feelings will improve with time.
Complications
Complications of kyphosis usually only occur in more severe cases. They include:

persistent pain that can't be controlled with medication

breathing difficulties caused by the spine compressing the lungs and airways

Occasionally, people with kyphosis can have difficulties when the nerves running through the spine
become compressed or pinched. This can disrupt nerve signals and cause symptoms such as:

numbness or weakness in the arms and legs

problems with sense of balance

loss of normal bladder or bowel control

These serious complications require urgent medical attention and surgery would usually be recommended.
Can kyphosis be prevented?
Postural kyphosis can be prevented by being aware of your posture and by taking care of your back. You
should encourage your child to:

avoid slouching

sit correctly sit upright, ensuring that the small of the back is supported

avoid carrying heavy schoolbags that can pull on the back muscles and ligaments; the best
schoolbags are well-designed backpacks

take regular exercise (see below) to help strengthen the back and keep it flexible; activities such
as swimming, running, walking, yogaand pilates are ideal for helping to prevent back problems

Further information:

Physical activity guidelines for children under five years of age

Physical activity guidelines for children and young people

Lordosis is excessive inward curvature, usually in the lower back. This positioning can put excess
pressure on the spine and cause pain. Read this lesson to learn what causes lordosis, what the symptoms
are, and how it's treated.
A Pain in the Back
Back pain is relatively common; you may have experienced it yourself at some point after lifting
something heavy or even just bending the wrong way. But persistent back pain -- the kind that doesn't just
go away on its own after a little bit of time -- can have many causes. One of these is lordosis.
So what is lordosis? It is a condition that causes the spine to curve too far inward. It usually affects the
lumbar region (lower back), but in rare cases affects the neck. Sometimes lordosis is referred to
as swayback because the unnatural curvature causes the butt or stomach to stick out. This unnatural angle
can put extra pressure on the spine and cause pain.

Lordosis causes excessive inward curvature of the lower


back.
Causes of Lordosis
Lordosis can develop due to a number of reasons. Let's take a look at some of them.

Poor posture

Obesity -- weight distribution can cause spine to curve abnormally

Osteoporosis -- bones weaken and become brittle

Discitis -- inflammation of a disc in the back

Kyphosis -- abnormally curved upper back

Spondylolisthesis -- a vertebrae slips out of place

Achondroplasia --- bones don't grow properly; this is a form of dwarfism

Symptoms of Lordosis
Excessive curvature of the spine can cause back pain or pain that radiates down the legs. It can also cause
muscle spasms, tingling or numbness, problems moving certain ways, and bladder or bowel
abnormalities. A person with lordosis can look like they are sticking their stomach and butt outwards, and
when they lay on their back there is an larger than normal gap between the lower back and the ground.
Lordosis in Children
Lordosis is very rare in children, but sometimes children develop lordosis with no apparent cause. This is
called benign juvenile lordosis. Other medical conditions can also increase the probability of a child
developing lordosis; these include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy,
myelomeningocele, and arthrogryposis. If a child's case of lordosis requires treatment, physical therapy,
physical braces, or surgery are typical options.

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