Lordosis

WHAT IS  LORDOSIS

Everyone’s spine curves a little in your neck, upper back, and lower back. These curves, which create your spine’s S shape, are called the lordotic (neck and lower back) and kyphotic (upper back). They help your body:

• absorb shock
• support the weight of the head
• align your head over your pelvis
• stabilize and maintain its structure
• move and bend flexibly

Lordosis refers to your natural lordotic curve, which is normal. But if your curve arches too far inward, it’s called lordosis. Lordosis can affect your lower back and neck. This can lead to excess pressure on the spine, causing pain and discomfort. It can affect your ability to move if it’s severe and left untreated.

CAUSES OF LORDOSIS

Lordosis can affect people of any age. Certain conditions and factors can increase your risk for lordosis. This includes:

• Spondylolisthesis: It is a spinal condition in which one of the lower vertebras slips forward onto the bone below.
• Achondroplasia: It is one of the most common types of dwarfism
• Osteoporosis: It is a bone disease that causes a loss of bone density, which increases your risk of fractures.
• Osteosarcoma: It is a bone cancer that typically develops in the shinbone near the knee, the thighbone near the knee, or the upper arm bone near the shoulder.
• Obesity: Obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. This condition puts people at a higher risk for serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

TYPES OF LORDOSIS

Lordosis in the lower back

Lordosis in the lower back, or lumbar spine, is the most common type. The easiest way to check for this condition is to lie on your back on a flat surface. You should be able to slide your hand under your lower back, with little space to spare.

Someone with lordosis will have extra space between their back and the surface. If they have an extreme curve, there’ll be a visible C-like arch when they stand. And from the side view, their abdomen and buttocks will stick out.

Cervical lordosis

In a healthy spine, your neck should look like a very wide C, with the curve pointing toward the back of your neck. Cervical lordosis is when your spine in the neck region doesn’t curve as it normally should.

This can mean:

• There’s too much of a curve.
• The curve is running in the wrong direction, also called reverse cervical lordosis.
• The curve has moved to the right.
• The curve has moved to the left.

SYMPTOMS OF LORDOSIS

The most common symptom of lordosis is muscle pain. When your spine curves abnormally, your muscles get pulled in different directions, causing them to tighten or spasm. If you have cervical lordosis, this pain may extend to your neck, shoulders, and upper back. You may also experience limited movement in your neck or lower back.

You can check for lordosis by lying on a flat surface and checking if there’s a lot of space between the curve of your neck and back and the floor. You may have lordosis if you can easily slide your hand through the space.

 other symptoms, such as:

• numbness
• tingling
• electric shock pains
• weak bladder control
• weakness
• difficulty maintaining muscle control

PREVENTION FOR LORDOSIS

 you can perform some exercises to maintain good posture and spine health. These exercises can be:

• shoulder shrugs
• neck side tilts
• yoga poses, like Cat and Bridge pose
• leg raises
• pelvic tilt on a stability ball

Prolonged standing may also change the curve of your spine. According to one studyTrusted Source, sitting significantly decreases changes in the lower back curve. If you find yourself standing a lot, due to work or habits, try taking sitting breaks. You’ll also want to make sure your chair has sufficient back support.

Treatment for arthritis

Comprehensive treatment for arthritis by Dr. Ravi Shinde, Chiropractor at clinics Mumbai / Thane / Pune