Lordosis Treatment

Lordosis treatment is rarely necessary, except for atypical painful lordotic curves. Lordosis is an exaggerated inward curve in the spine. It is most common in the lumbar region, but can also occur in the cervical area. This condition is sometimes called swayback, saddle back or hollow back, especially when it affects the lumbar area. Normally, Lordosis does not cause any pain or symptoms.

lordosis

A lordotic curve is completely normal and healthy for the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine. These curves help to distribute stress on the spine and act as shock absorbers.

Symptoms of Lordosis

A person with an atypical lordotic curvature might demonstrate an exaggerated posture. Their buttocks will protrude more than usual. The lower back will dip inwards more than normal. The condition is almost always symptom and pain free. Occasionally, the person might have pain, especially if the curvature is severe. More frequently, the normal range of motion might be reduced with a significant curvature.

Causes of Lordotic Curvature

Lordotic curves can be caused by several factors:

* Kyphosis in the thoracic spine.

* Obesity can put uneven pressure on the spine, causing curvature.

* Achondroplasia. Bone growth disorder (Dwarfism).

* Congenital condition.

* Osteoporosis can compromise the integrity of the spinal column, causing curvature.

* Posture. Extended periods of bad posture contribute to excessive lordotic curvature.

* Spondylolithesis can cause abnormal lumbar curvature.

Diagnosis of Lordotic Curvature

Lordotic curves are most often discovered by a physical exam. X-ray or MRI imaging will usually be performed to determine the exact extent of the curvature. MRI or CT Scan will also show any neurological effects that the curve is producing. The curvature is measured in degrees, the same as an angle. The degree of the curvature, as well as the symptoms produced, will determine which lordosis therapy might be advisable.

Lordosis Treatment Options

Most atypical lordotic curves do not cause any discomfort or problematic concerns. Therefore, they do not require any special treatment. Sometimes, the lordotic curvature is severe. In this case, the patient might experience nerve compression, also called a pinched nerve, limited range of motion or loss of spinal integrity. If the curvature is severe, then treatment is prescribed.

Conservative Treatments:

* Pain management drugs

* Physical Therapy

* Back Brace

Lordosis Treatment / Surgery

Severe lordotic curves can cause serious health problems. Usually, the greater the lordotic curve, the more symptoms the patient will experience. In this case, surgery might be necessary to correct the abnormal curvature. There are several procedures used, with the determination made mostly by the condition causing the lordotic curve. Spinal fusion is the most common form of corrective surgery indicated for extreme lordotic curvature.

Recommendation for Lordosis Treatment

99% of lordotic curves are not symptomatic. They should be monitored by a doctor, but not actively treated. Many people have an abnormal lordotic curve and do not even know it. Unfortunately, some are diagnosed with this condition and then proceed to suffer symptoms. This is a classic example of the nocebo effect of a medical diagnosis. If you have lordosis and do not suffer from symptoms, relax. You will be fine. If you do start to feel some pain, seek professional guidance to prescribe a plan for lordosis care.

Lordosis Treatment to Back Pain Home 7/11/06 Revised 9/23/08