Posture Corrections for Lordosis

Introduction

The medical term for the forward-curving spine in the neck or lower back is lordosis. This is because the lumbar spine (the lower back) and cervical spine (the medical term for the portion of the spine in the neck) are naturally bent slightly forward and toward the front of the body. This lordosis aids in maintaining posture and absorbing shock when moving. A lordotic curvature is anything that causes the parts of the spine to curve more than they should. For example, lordosis might result if the spine bends excessively and forces the posture out of its natural alignment. Swayback may be present, a kind of lordosis affecting the lumbar spine. Lordosis in the cervical and lumbar spine is normal. Hyper (excessive) or hypo (insufficient) lordosis must be corrected.

What Causes Lordosis, and What Are They?

1. Hyperlordosis:

• Hyperlordosis is also called swayback, saddleback, hollow back, or anterior pelvic tilt.

• Normal spinal outlines are necessary for the spine to move and function properly.

• People of all ages are affected by hyperlordosis. For example, it is typical for gymnasts and dancers, and birth defects, obesity, and osteoporosis are some disorders that might aggravate lordosis.

• Muscle strength and length imbalances, such as tight hip flexors or weak hamstrings, are another contributing factor.

• Another factor contributing to lumbar lordosis in youngsters is rickets, a vitamin D deficiency.

• Pregnancy, stiff lower back muscles, and great visceral fat (belly fat) are common causes of hyperlordosis. The pelvis tilts to the front when there is too much abdominal fat.

2. Hypolordosis (Flatback):

• Hypolordosis, more frequent than hyperlordosis, is flattening or reducing the lower back's curvature.
• Since the vertebrae are positioned such that the rear of the spine is exposed, the disc is stretched backward and compressed forward.

• The nerve opening may get smaller, possibly narrowing and squeezing them.

• Congenital hypolordosis, poor posture while seated, and trauma are all possible causes of this condition.

• Trauma impairment to the cervical spine is a frequent cause. In addition, teenagers with scoliosis frequently exhibit hypolordosis.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Lordosis?

Many persons with lordosis do not exhibit any physical symptoms. Therefore, one might only know their condition once a diagnosis is made. Changes in posture are typically easier for others to see, such as:

• The neck and head are bent forward more than normal.

• The forward movement of the hips.

• The buttocks are protruding.

• When lying down, people have additional room beneath their lower back.

More severe curvature from lordosis might make it difficult to move as they normally would and create neck or low back pain. Whether lordosis is hyper (too much) or hypo (too little), it can result in moderate to severe lower back discomfort, and pain impairs motion. In the cervical and lumbar spines, lordosis is normal. Although most lordosis sufferers do not require treatment, the doctor may advise stretches and exercises to aid the posture.

How Is Lordosis Identified?

The patient's medical history and physical examination are required to ascertain the following to diagnose lordosis:

1. Time when the excess or reduction in the curve become apparent is asked.

2. Deterioration if present is identified through history.

3. Change in curve's size if any present is identified through patient’s history.

4. The patient is asked to bend to the side to check the spine's alignment, range of motion, and whether the curvature is flexible or rigid.

5. To look for anomalies, the doctor could palpate the spine.

6. X-rays of the entire body and the lower back are possible.

How to Correct Lumbar Lordosis?

1. Lordosis therapy entails developing strength and flexibility to enhance the range of motion.

2. Treatment for lumbar lordosis involves strengthening the hip extensors, a group of muscles on the rear of the thighs that extend the thigh, and stretching the hip flexors, a group of muscles on the front of the thighs that flex the thigh.

3. When standing, the muscles on the front and rear of the thighs can rotate the pelvis forward or backward. In addition, they may remove their weight from the earth via their legs and feet.

4. Back extensions performed on an exercise ball will assist in improving lordosis and strengthen the entire posterior chain.

5. Exercises that strengthen the posterior chain without using the hip flexors on the front of the thighs include stiff-legged deadlifts, supine hip lifts, and other similar exercises.

6. Techniques for neuromuscular re-education are employed to address the issue individually. For example, back extensions performed on an exercise ball will assist in improving lordosis and strengthen the entire posterior chain.

7. With lordosis, people do not have to quit exercising or participating in sports. However, maintaining an active lifestyle can aid in reducing certain symptoms and strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine.

8. One might have to refrain from participating in some physical activities while healing if one requires surgery to correct the curvature in the spine. Ask the surgeon or healthcare professional what to expect.

9. To keep an eye on any changes in the spine, see the doctor as frequently as they advise.

10. Maintaining a good diet and exercise routine will improve overall health.

11. If any changes in the back are noticed, especially if they develop new symptoms like discomfort or a lack of sensation in the limbs, speak with a healthcare professional.

12. Bracing is another option. It is a specially-made brace to stabilize the spine and prevent further curvature. The healthcare professional will advise on how frequently and for how long they should wear the brace. Most wearers must keep their brace on for at least 20 hours each day.

13. It is uncommon to require lordosis surgery. However, to assist in straightening the spine and minimizing the lordotic curvature, the doctor may advise spinal fusion if the curve is too severe or if it keeps worsening over time. For this to recover, bone grafting may also be required. The surgeon or provider will inform about what type of surgery the individual requires and how long it needs to recuperate.

Conclusion

Life will not be significantly affected by lordosis. Most individuals do not require therapy for it. Even then, bad posture may be fixed with simple workouts or over-the-counter drugs. In addition, most individuals only sometimes consider their bones unless something is wrong with them. Lordosis is no exception to this rule, particularly as one may not have any symptoms or be aware of excessive spine curvature. While it might be unsettling to consider that the spine is altering without awareness, lordosis should not significantly impact daily life or the overall capacity to engage in the activities one likes.