Lordosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The disorder known as lordosis alters the way the spine curves. It happens when the spine curves too much inward, causing the neck or lower back to have an accentuated arch. Lordosis can result in discomfort, rigidity, and trouble moving. It may also have an impact on a person's posture and look. Lordosis can result from a number of things, including heredity, trauma, illness, and way of life choices. Physical therapy, surgery, or medication may be used to treat lordosis, depending on the degree and underlying reason. The causes, signs, diagnosis, course of therapy, and prevention of lordosis will all be covered in this article.
Causes
There are two kinds of lordosis: acquired and congenital. Congenital lordosis results from a deformity in the spine's development that manifests at birth. Later in life, acquired lordosis occurs and is brought on by conditions that alter the structure or function of the spine. The following are a few typical reasons of acquired lordosis:
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Poor posture, such as slouching, sitting for long periods, or wearing high heels
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Obesity, which can put extra pressure on the spine and weaken the muscles that support it
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Pregnancy, which can change the center of gravity and the alignment of the spine
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Aging, which can lead to loss of bone density and muscle strength
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Injury or trauma, such as a fracture, dislocation, or sprain of the spine
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Infection or inflammation, such as osteomyelitis, spondylitis, or discitis
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Degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, spondylosis, or disc degeneration
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Metabolic diseases, such as osteoporosis, rickets, or Paget’s disease
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Neuromuscular diseases, such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida
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Tumors, such as spinal cord tumors, bone tumors, or metastatic tumors
Symptoms
The symptoms of lordosis may vary depending on the location, degree, and cause of the curvature. Some of the common symptoms are:
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A visible arch or gap in the lower back or the neck
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Back pain or stiffness, especially after standing or sitting for a long time
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Difficulty moving, bending, or twisting the spine
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Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms, if the nerves are compressed
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Breathing problems, if the chest is compressed
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Digestive problems, if the abdomen is compressed
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Cosmetic concerns, such as a protruding belly or buttocks
Diagnosis
A physician will inquire about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and way of living in order to make a diagnosis of lordosis. In addition, the physician will do a physical examination to look for physical indicators of lordosis, such as changes in the appearance, range of motion, and flexibility of the spine. The physician could also prescribe certain tests, like:
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X-rays, which can show the shape, angle, and structure of the spine
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MRI or CT scans, which can provide more detailed images of the spine and the surrounding tissues
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Bone density tests, which can measure the strength and quality of the bones
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Blood tests, which can check for signs of infection, inflammation, or metabolic disorders
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Genetic tests, which can identify the presence of inherited conditions that affect the spine
Treatment
The treatment of lordosis depends on the cause, severity, and impact of the condition. The main goals of the treatment are to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent complications. The treatment options may include:
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Medications, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or antibiotics, to reduce pain, inflammation, spasm, or infection
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Braces, such as a back brace or a neck collar, to support and stabilize the spine and prevent further curvature
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Physical therapy, such as exercises, stretches, massage, or heat therapy, to strengthen the muscles, improve the posture, and increase the flexibility of the spine
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Surgery, such as spinal fusion, osteotomy, or laminectomy, to correct the deformity, remove the damaged or diseased tissues, and restore the alignment and stability of the spine
Prevention
Some cases of lordosis may not be preventable, especially if they are congenital or caused by unknown factors. However, some cases of acquired lordosis may be prevented or delayed by taking some preventive measures, such as:
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Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity, which can strain the spine and weaken the muscles
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Practicing good posture and ergonomics, such as standing and sitting straight, using a supportive chair and mattress, and avoiding slouching or hunching
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Avoiding or limiting activities that can injure or stress the spine, such as lifting heavy objects, wearing high heels, or playing contact sports
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Exercising regularly and moderately, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, to keep the spine and the muscles strong and flexible
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Eating a balanced and nutritious diet, rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, to promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis
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Getting regular check-ups and screenings, to detect and treat any conditions that can affect the spine, such as infections, diseases, or tumors
