Lordosis

By: Ali Bayrami XII-B

 What Is Lordosis?

 Lordosis is the natural curve of the lower

back (lumbar) area of the spine. With an
extreme curve, the lower spine will have a
deep curve, causing the abdomen (stomach
area) to stick out and causing the pelvis
(hip areas) to curve back and up. These
extreme curves can be brought on from
bad posture, family genetics (passed from
father or mother), injury, illnesses of the
spine, or surgery to the spine
 Types of Lordosis

 1. Postural Lordosis
 This often comes from being over-
weight and lack of muscle conditioning
in the stomach and back muscles. When
a person carries too much weight in the
front (stomach area) it pulls the back
forward. When the stomach and back
muscles are weak, they cannot support
the spine and the pull from the weight
causes the spine to curve forward.
 Types of Lordosis

 2. Congenital/Traumatic Lordosis
 A trauma / injury to the connecting links of the spine (pars) can cause them to break
(fracture) causing pain in the low spine. In children these often occur from sports
injuries. This can also be seen in children hit by a car or with falls from high areas.

 There can also be a defect in the way these links develop with growth, causing them
to be misshaped and weak. With repetitive activities stressing this weak links, they
can develop a spondylolysis (break in bone connection).

 Whatever the reason the break occurs it needs rest and restricted movement to
heal. If not, over time, the vertebrae (spine blocks) can slip forward and pinch
nerves in the spine. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and
dysfunction of the legs.
 Types of Lordosis

 3. Post-surgical Laminectomy Hyperlordosis

 A laminectomy is a surgical procedure where parts of the

vertebrae (spinal bones) are removed to give access to the
spinal cord or nerve roots. When this is done over several levels
in the spine, it can cause the spine to be unstable and increase
the normal curve to a hyperlordotic (overly curved) position.
This is not a common problem in adults and more routinely is
seen occurring in children with spinal cord tumors following
surgery to remove the tumor
 Types of Lordosis

 4. Neuromuscular Lordosis

 This group includes a large variety of

conditions / disorders that can lead to
many different types of spinal
curvature problems. For each different
disorder there are different treatment
options.
 Types of Lordosis

 5. Lordosis Secondary to Hip Flexion Contracture

 This is a unique group of patients who develop a contracture of

the hip joints causing the spine to be pulled out of alignment.
This contracture can come from a variety of reasons including
infection, injury, or muscle imbalance issues from a several
different disorders.
 How Is Lordosis Diagnosed?

 Typically all that is needed to

confirm and monitor a patient
who may have an abnormal
lordosis is an x-ray of the spine
and clinical exam. Depending on
the causes of the abnormal curve,
a different course for treatment
and follow up will be needed.
 How Is Lordosis Treated?

 Most patients with any sort of lordosis will not require surgery or
treatment except in the most extreme cases. Often, patients are
manage with medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen
(Advil), or Naprosyn (Aleve) taken as needed for occasional back
discomforts. Exercises taught by physical therapy are often very helpful
for good back health and flexibility. These exercises should be use daily
and can often replace the need for medications.

 In the most severe patients with nerve problems, surgery is often

necessary. It will stabilize the back bones and can correct some or all of
the nerve problems with time and the right therapy following surgery.