The normal human spine contains natural lordotic curves. These curves work to absorb shock and help distribute weight along the length of the spinal column. Lordosis is a condition of the back where the lumbar or cervical spines are either minimally or significantly pronounced. This condition is also known as hyper-lordosis. Although considered a pain-free condition, serious lordotic arching has been known to result in health problems. Periodic medical observation should be undertaken for people with severe lordotic curvatures.

On the other hand, an absence of lordotic curves is also a cause for concern as it will render the spine unable to absorb normal everyday shocks.

Causes of Lordosis

Abnormal lordotic curvatures begin during fetal development in the womb, resulting in uneven height and width development of the front and back sides of the intervertebral discs. As a consequence, the irregular tilting of the vertebrae adds more curve to the spine. Some lordotic curvature disorders have been classified as congenital back pain conditions.

There are some cases of lordosis developing in older adults due to spinal degeneration and arthritis conditions. The trauma a spine incurs from a back injury can also cause lordosis. In the surgical procedure involving spinal fusion, pressure added to the vertebrae can either increase or decrease lordotic curves.

Lordosis Symptoms

A person with lordosis exhibits an exaggerated posture. The lower back is arched more, pushing the buttocks out and upwards. Although lordosis is normally a pain-free condition, serious lordotic curvatures can cause pain and limit back movement.

Treating Lordosis

As lordosis causes little to no pain, treatment is usually unnecessary. However, in cases where there is severe lordotic curvature that may cause constriction of the nerves, limited movement or spinal integrity loss, several treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter or prescriptive medication for symptomatic relief.
• Physical therapy to enhance movement ability.
• Using a back brace to control and correct curvatures in children and adolescents.

A back support or back brace can provide a physical reminder to improve posture as it prevents slouching and bad posture. Good posture relies upon a forward curve in the lower back, which is known as the lordosis. If the lordosis is maintained during sitting and activities then the upper part of the spine will be in the best posture to deal with the loads that are placed on the back.

Posture Control Support Rite

This flexible ventilated support helps to improve your posture and can help to correct 'round' shoulders. The support is lightweight and is breathable. It is recommended that a t-shirt is worn under the support

View the posture control support rite

Surgery for Lordosis

The more pronounced the lordotic curve, the more symptoms are manisfested. Serious curvatures can be a cause for health concerns. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to remedy the abnormal curvature. Spinal fusion is one of the most common corrective procedures undertaken to correct severe lordotic curvatures. Other surgical methods are determined by the condition and severity of the existing lordotic curve.

Lordosis Recommendations

Most lordotic curves do not exhibit any symptoms at all. A majority of people who have hyper-lordotic curvatures are often unaware of it. Although some medical observation may be necessary, these conditions normally do not require treatment. In some cases, people who are diagnosed with lordosis suddenly start to manifest symptoms of the condition – an exhibition of the nocebo effect. Even if lordosis exists, it is usually not a cause for concern. Any pain symptoms can be referred to a doctor for proper lordosis treatment.