Lordosis The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Lordosis is the inward curve of the spine which is normal. Lumbar lordosis is this curve in the lower back and is important for good posture and flexibility. Excessive curvature can be very uncomfortable and cause more problems. This will cover what is lumbar lordosis by looking at the causes, symptoms and treatments for an exaggerated lumbar curve and how it affects overall spinal health.
Quick Summary
Lumbar lordosis is the natural inward curve of the lower back to absorb shock and support movement; but an abnormal curve can cause posture problems and discomfort.
Causes of lumbar lordosis are genetic, medical conditions like osteoporosis and spondylolisthesis and lifestyle choices like poor posture and lack of exercise.
Treatments for lumbar lordosis are nonsurgical like physiotherapy and bracing to surgical interventions like spinal fusion and lifestyle changes to improve posture and reduce spine strain.
What is Lumbar Lordosis
Lordosis is the inward curve of the spine which is essential for a healthy spine to function. Lumbar lordosis is the C shape in the lower back and cervical lordosis is the C shape in the neck area. These curves are important to allow our bodies to absorb shock, support head weight and facilitate movement and bending. A healthy lordotic curve is important for good posture and flexibility. Without a healthy spinal curve we would be limited in our physical activities.
A normal lumbar spine has a curvature of 40-60 degrees which is important for the head to be in alignment over the pelvis and for spinal stability and structural integrity. The inward curving of the other spine curves ensures the posture is stable and heads are supported through all aspects of spinal curvatures.
Problems arise when there is either an excessive increase or decrease of this lumbar curvature beyond normal range resulting to abnormal lumbar lordosis – a condition that can cause postural problems and discomfort that can affect overall quality of life.
Normal vs Abnormal Inward Curvature
Here are the indicators of normal lumbar curvature:
When lying down there is space between the lower back and the surface beneath
When standing up there is a C shape along the spine
From the side view the belly and buttocks protrude out
These are the signs of a natural curve that allows movement and everyday activities.
In abnormal inward curvature of the spine, it can affect posture. This condition causes the hips and pelvis to tilt forward excessively resulting in more protrusion of the abdomen and buttocks. These changes in alignment can cause discomfort and difficulty in maintaining good posture.
The Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is important for flexibility, mobility and supports everyday activities. It allows us to bend, rotate and lift objects. Without the flexibility of the lumbar spine, we would be limited in our movements.
This part of the spine has spinal bones that bears the weight of the upper body and cushioning during activities like walking or running. Its function is important to our overall spinal integrity which includes not just the lumbar region but also the cervical spine, thoracic spine and protects our delicate spinal cord within its structure for daily living.
Causes of Lumbar Lordosis
Many factors contribute to lumbar lordosis. These can be classified into genetic and developmental. Developmental refer to medical conditions, injuries, lifestyle and posture habits.
The shape of the spine – particularly the curvature – is largely influenced by genetics. Spondylolisthesis or osteoporosis can cause lumbar lordosis while poor posture and lack of physical activity are lifestyle factors that can worsen this condition.
Genetic and Developmental
77% genetic component affects the curve of the lower back when standing as lumbar lordosis. Disorders of muscles and nervous system increases a child’s risk of developing lumbar lordosis. But there is a type called benign juvenile lordosis that many children outgrow without medical intervention. This is called benign juvenile lordosis and usually resolves on its own as the child grows.
Medical Conditions and Injuries
Medical conditions like osteoporosis and spondylolisthesis can cause abnormal curvature as lumbar lordosis. Osteoporosis makes bones more prone to fracture due to weakening and can change the curvature of the spine. Spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra slips out of its position and causes irregular curving in the lumbar spine.
Lifestyle and Posture
Sedentary habits of today’s society like prolonged sitting and minimal exercise affects lumbar lordosis. Excessive curve in the lumbar spine is a result of poor posture habits like slouching while seated.
Exercise and proper postures are key to a healthy spine and thus plays a big role in preventing and managing lumbar lordosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms and diagnosis are important in the management of lumbar lordosis. Common symptoms are muscle pain, visible arch in the lower back, forward tilting of the abdomen and difficulty in movement. In severe cases, people may experience numbness or tingling and leg weakness.
Healthcare providers use physical exam and imaging to confirm lumbar lordosis. During the exam, they check spinal flexibility and posture and look for abnormal curvature. Medical professionals diagnose lordosis through a physical exam and imaging tests, looking for signs of abnormal curvature and flexibility of the lordotic curve. Imaging like X-rays or MRIs give detailed view of the spine that helps in diagnosing lordosis related problems accurately. Checking the angle and flexibility of the lordotic curve during these diagnostic procedures is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of lumbar lordosis:
Lower back pain
Change in standing or sitting posture
Difficulty in lying flat on back due to the curvature
Muscle tension
Spasms
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a medical expert for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic Procedures
Healthcare providers diagnose lumbar lordosis through a series of steps, starting with physical exam where they visually inspect the spine to look for any abnormal curvature.
To visualize the spinal curvature of lordosis, professionals use X-rays for a clear view and MRIs for detailed view of the spine and surrounding structures.
Treatment Options for Lumbar Lordosis
Management of lumbar lordosis involves non-operative and operative approaches. The goal is to alleviate symptoms and straighten the spinal curve.
Physiotherapy, medications and orthotic bracing are common non-surgical treatments for this condition. In severe cases of curvature, spinal fusion may be needed. Supporting these interventions with modifications like maintaining proper weight and ergonomic changes can add more benefits.
Non-Surgical
Physiotherapy to strengthen core muscles is a non-surgical approach to treating lumbar lordosis as it supports the spine. Tailored braces can be used in managing lordosis by providing support and maintaining proper spinal alignment.
Surgical Interventions
When non-surgical options don’t work in alleviating symptoms, surgical options are considered. To correct severe lumbar lordosis, spinal fusion is a common surgical procedure. It involves permanently connecting two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes like maintaining proper weight and ergonomic changes can reduce the stress on the lower back. Doing mild physical activities like stretching and breathing exercises can also prevent worsening of the condition by strengthening muscles and improving posture.
Exercises and Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy with specific exercises is important in treating lumbar lordosis by strengthening core muscles and increasing flexibility.
Therapeutic exercises to correct lordosis can improve posture and reduce pain. These are stretches that target the lower back, hips and legs to reduce muscle stiffness associated with lumbar lordosis.
Strengthening Core Muscles
Strengthening core muscles especially through exercises like abdominal drawing-in maneuver and the dead bug exercise can support the spine and correct pelvic tilt alignment. This in turn reduces lower back pain that is often associated with lumbar lordosis by strengthening the abdominal muscles.
Flexibility and Stretching
Yoga poses that stretch and flex can improve spinal flexibility and reduce signs of lordosis. Focusing on stretches for hip flexors and lower back and hip flexion contracture, executing these routines frequently can maintain proper posture and reduce muscle stiffness.
Professional Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists tailor treatment to each patient’s needs. They give guidance on how to do exercises properly, so you don’t worsen your condition.
They do chiropractic manipulations and in-office rehabilitation when needed.
Preventing Lumbar Lordosis
Proper posture, regular physical activity and ergonomic practices are key to preventing lumbar lordosis. To improve posture and prevent lumbar lordosis healthcare professionals recommend:
Stretching and specific exercises
Proper body mechanics during activities
Strengthening core muscles
Using supportive aids like back braces or lumbar rolls
To prevent lumbar lordosis from developing, balance between flexibility and muscle strength around the core, hips and gluteal muscles is key. Making ergonomic changes to your work environment can also help maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce stress on your lower back.
Good Posture
To maintain good posture:
Maintain your head directly above the spine
Avoid slouching
Get support for the lumbar region when seated
Make ergonomic changes at your workspace to avoid back strain and maintain natural spine alignment.
Stay Active
Having a regular exercise routine that includes stretching and strengthening exercises is important to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and prevent lumbar lordosis. This overall fitness approach can prevent this spinal condition.
Ergonomic Practices
By doing ergonomic practices such as adjusting desk and chair heights to your needs, proper posture can be maintained. Using furniture that provides support and proper alignment while doing tasks can also reduce the risk of developing lumbar lordosis.
Complications and Risks
If lumbar lordosis is left unaddressed it can lead to continuous back pain, reduced mobility and increased risk of other spinal complications. The excessive stress to the spine can cause pain and discomfort.
Severe lumbar lordosis with persistent lower back pain can prevent you from doing daily activities because of the discomfort and limited flexibility.
Daily Life
Having extreme lumbar lordosis can prevent you from doing simple daily tasks like standing or walking for long periods and greatly affect your quality of life.
Long-Term Health Risks
If lumbar lordosis is left unaddressed it can lead to long term health issues like chronic spinal disorders, disc degeneration and nerve compression. Lordosis is present for a long time it increases the risk of these conditions and back pain.
Our Approach at Bergin Motion
Located at 680 Bayview Drive Unit 8, Barrie, Ontario, Bergin Motion is a personalized and holistic approach to treating lordosis. We know every patient is different and our team of experienced physiotherapists will create a custom treatment plan to address your specific needs.
1. Initial Assessment
Before we start any treatment, our physiotherapists will do a full assessment to understand the severity of your lordosis and how it’s affecting your overall health. This includes looking at your posture, range of motion and strength.
2. Customized Rehabilitation Programs
Our clinic specializes in sport rehab, pelvic floor and neuro physiotherapy. Using these skills, we design customized rehabilitation programs that may include:
Strengthening Exercises: To build core stability and support the spine.
Stretching Routines: To improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Postural Training: To correct alignment and promote healthy spine mechanics.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility.
3. Ongoing Support and Education
We believe in educating our patients to empower them. Understanding how to maintain good posture and incorporate therapeutic exercises into daily routines is key to long term success. Our team will provide ongoing guidance and adjustments to your treatment plan to get you the best results.
Why Bergin Motion?
As a family-owned facility, we offer personalized care and a warm environment. We are committed to the community and passionate about helping people achieve optimal health. Whether you have mild or severe lordosis we are here to support you every step of the way.
Find out how our specialized care can help you on your journey to better health. Contact Bergin Motion today and start your journey to relief from your lordosis and better living1.
Conclusion
Understanding lumbar lordosis including its causes, symptoms and treatments is key to having a healthy spine. By doing preventive measures and getting proper care when needed people can manage and prevent lumbar lordosis to overall wellness.
FAQs
What is lumbar lordosis?
The natural C-shaped curve in the lower back, lumbar lordosis is important for flexibility, movement and shock absorption.
What are the symptoms of lumbar lordosis?
Muscle pain, lower back curvature, protruding belly and difficulty in movement are all signs of lumbar lordosis. In severe cases of lordosis individuals may also experience numbness, tingling or leg weakness.
If you have these symptoms, consult with healthcare professionals for evaluation and treatment.
How is lumbar lordosis diagnosed?
Lumbar lordosis is diagnosed through physical exams and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs by evaluating the alignment and flexibility of the spine, checking posture and curvature of the spine. Medical professionals diagnose lordosis by looking for abnormal curvature and flexibility of the lordotic curve.
What are the treatments for lumbar lordosis?
Treatments for lumbar lordosis includes physiotherapy, medications, bracing and surgery if severe.
Add to these treatments, making lifestyle changes by having a healthy body weight and ergonomic setup may also be additional measures.
How to prevent lumbar lordosis?
Good posture, regular physical activity and ergonomic practices are key to preventing lumbar lordosis. This includes having proper lumbar support when seated and making ergonomic adjustments at your workspace.
Continuous physical exercise helps in preventing this condition.
About the Author
Alex Bergin PT is a certified physiotherapist and one of the owners of Bergin Motion. Bergin Motion is a family-run Barrie Physiotherapy Clinic located in Barrie’s Southend. Alex specializes in acquired brain injury rehabilitation. Alex is a certified NDT practitioner. Neuro Development Therapy is a specialized hands-on treatment technique that promotes mobility, balance, core strength and gross motor skills in a playful and fun and dynamic way. Alex is part of a team at Bergin Motion in Barrie, Ontario that works with all kinds of neurological issues.
Bergin Motion
Is a family owned physiotherapy company built by the Bergin family. Our family has served as physiotherapists in the Barrie area for over 30 years, spanning two generations. We are passionate about this community and helping people achieve their highest potential. Book with us now!