?Who does lordosis affectLordosis can affect anyone.Some groups are more likely to develop lordosis, including:Adults older than 50.Kids going through growth spurts.Women who are pregnant.How does this condition affect my body?Lordosis changes your posture. How it affects your body depends on where you have it.Cervical lordosis: Pushes your neck further forward than it should be or usually is. In very rare cases, this can affect your ability to use your neck and throat, including talking or swallowing.Lumbar lordosis (swayback): Pushes your hips and pelvis further forward than they should be. This can make you stand with your stomach pushed forward and your butt stuck out behind you. If you lie flat on your back, there will be more space underneath your back than usual. Rare severe cases of swayback can interfere with your ability to control your bladder or bowels.If the curve in your spine is severe enough it might make it difficult (or impossible) to move your neck or back.Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of lordosis?Many people don’t have any physical symptoms of lordosis. In fact, you might never know you have it until you’re diagnosed.It’s usually easier for other people to notice changes in your posture, such as:Your head and neck leaning further forward than usual.Your hips pushed forward.Your butt sticking out.Extra space beneath your lower back when you’re lying down.Lordosis that causes more severe curves can cause neck pain or low back pain and make it difficult to move the way you usually can.What causes lordosis?Most cases of lordosis are idiopathic — the medical definition for having no cause. They develop on their own. Swayback that affects kids usually has no cause. This can also be identified in people with increased thoracic kyphosis.Some medical conditions can cause lordosis, including:Spondylolisthesis.Achondroplasia.Osteoporosis.Osteosarcoma.Muscular dystrophy.Kyphosis.Static encephalopathy.Diagnosis and TestsHow is lordosis diagnosed?Your provider will diagnose lordosis with a physical exam.They’ll look at your posture and check your spine for any unnatural curvature. They’ll check to see if the lordotic curve is flexible. If it moves with you when you bend your neck or low back you’ll be less likely to need treatments or surgery.They might also screen you for scoliosis and kyphosis and other conditions that affect your back and spine.What tests are done to diagnose lordosis?If your provider notices signs of lordosis in your spine, you might need some imaging tests to help them know exactly what’s going on inside your body, including:X-rays.MRI.CT scan.Management and TreatmentHow is lordosis treated?How lordosis is treated depends on where it is along your spine, and if it’s causing any symptoms.Most people don’t need any treatment. If you have symptoms like neck or back pain, you’ll probably only need over-the-counter NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen) and stretching and strengthening to treat your symptoms. Talk to your provider before taking an NSAID for longer than 10 days.You’ll likely need to visit your provider every few months to monitor the lordosis to make sure the curve hasn’t gotten more severe.If the lordotic curve gets worse over time, or if it’s not flexible, your provider might suggest a few treatments, including:Physical therapy: Your provider might suggest exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around your spine. Exercises can’t reduce the curve or cure lordosis, but studies have found they’re the best way to reduce symptoms like pain in your neck or back. Strengthening your hamstrings, hips, abs and glutes (the muscles in your butt) can all improve your posture.Bracing: You’ll wear a customized brace to support your spine and stop it from curving any further. Your provider will tell you how often you should wear your brace, and for how long you’ll need to wear it. Most people need to wear their brace for at least 20 hours a day.Lordosis surgery: It’s rare to need lordosis surgery. If the lordotic curve is severe enough — or it keeps getting worse over time — your provider might recommend a spinal fusion to help straighten your spine and lessen the curve. You might also need bone grafting to help this heal. Your surgeon or provider will tell you which kind of surgery you’ll need and how long it will take you to recover.How do I take care of myself?You don’t have to stop exercising or playing sports with lordosis. In fact, staying active can help strengthen the muscles around your spine and help reduce some symptoms. If you need surgery to repair the curve in your spine, you might need to avoid certain physical activities while you’re recovering. Talk to your surgeon or provider about what to expect.Visit your provider as often as they suggest to monitor any changes in your spine.Following a healthy diet and exercise plan helps improve your overall health.Talk to your provider if you notice any changes in your back, especially if you experience new symptoms like pain or a loss of feeling in your limbs.Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have lordosis?Lordosis shouldn’t have a big impact on your life. Most people don’t need treatment for it. Even if you do, you’ll likely only need over-the-counter medications or exercises to improve your posture.Kids who have lordosis usually grow out of it as their spine grows and develops with the rest of their body.
