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Sway Back

Sway back (also known as saddle back or hollow back) is a condition which describes an exaggerated lordotic curvature in the lumbar spine. A lordotic curve is completely normal and healthy for the lumbar and cervical regions of the spinal column. However, sometimes this curvature is greater than the clinical anatomical norm. In these cases, the patient is said to show signs of lordosis.

Sway Back

Sway Back Terminology

Several other common colloquial names for this condition exist in the diagnostic process. Saddle back was a common term used years ago, since the exaggerated curve resembles the back of a horse, right about where the saddle would go. Hollow back is still used occasionally to describe the abnormal space created in the lumbar spine because of the increased lordotic curve. Proper medical terminology for this condition is lordosis or more technically, hyper-lordosis.

Hollow Back Condition

An exaggerated lordotic curve is usually no cause for concern. Most lordotic curves still fall into the realm of normal variation and will not even be noticed by the patient. Moderate curves will likely produce a visual deformity, but are not typically painful or symptomatic in any way. Severe lordotic curves can be problematic, since the spine loses its ability to adequately distribute both weight and shock. Severe curvatures have limited lordosis treatment options available, with the most common being spinal fusion surgery. Make sure you understand the risks and side effects of this procedure before even considering surgical correction of any abnormal spinal curvature.

Recommendation on Sway Back

Many cultures in the world consider this a trait of beauty, especially among women. A slightly exaggerated lumbar curve is often considered a genetic gift and a highly desirable trait in some societies. Take this into account if you have a mild to moderate exaggerated lordotic curve. Instead of receiving a nocebo effect from the diagnosis of this condition, simply tell your doctor, �Yes, I know I have an exaggerated curve. Isn�t it attractive?� But seriously�

There is rarely any cause for alarm when it comes to most hyper-lordotic spinal curves. Do not allow a care provider to create symptoms when none are appropriate. Remember the facts of this condition to prevent your subconscious from using it as a site to create a psychosomatic pain syndrome. If you do have a serious spinal curve, make sure to research your treatment options carefully. Sometimes, no treatment is better than treatment with severe side effects. This point should be discussed at length with your doctor.
Sway Back to Back Pain Home 9/1/08 Revised 9/25/08