Lordosis - what is it?

Lordosis is the natural forward bend of the spine, occurring in the cervical and lumbar regions. Physiological lordosis enables the body to maintain correct posture and is also responsible for cushioning the forces acting on the spine. The problem arises when the bend becomes too deepened or shallowed - Then we talk about pathological lordosis. In this article we explain what lordosis is, its types, causes of disorders and treatment options.

From this article you will learn:

• Lordosis - what is it? Basics of anatomy and biomechanics of the spine
• Lumbar lordosis - what is it? Characteristics and clinical manifestations
• Deepened lumbar lordosis - causes, mechanism of formation, treatment
• Deepened lumbar lordosis - treatment
• Shallow lumbar lordosis - what is it? How to recognize it?
• Lordosis - diagnosis and importance of postural assessment
• The role of prevention in maintaining physiological lordosis
• Summary

Lordosis - what is it? Basics of anatomy and biomechanics of the spine

Lordosis is one of the four physiological bends of the spine in the sagittal plane. Along with kyphosis (an arched backward bend), it allows the spine to maintain balance while standing and moving. Physiological lordosis occurs in the cervical and lumbar sections. Its presence is essential for correct distribution of loads on intervertebral discs, intervertebral joints and ligaments. Lordosis abnormalities often accompany other deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, and are associated with complaints of pain and reduced mobility. Pathological changes in lordosis are:

• lumbar lordosis deepened - Excessive curvature of the spine in the lumbar region;
• lumbar lordosis shallowed - The abolition of the natural curvature, which can lead to stiffness and strain.

Lumbar lordosis - what is it? Characteristics and clinical manifestations

Lumbar lordosis what is it? This question is asked by many people who begin to experience lower back discomfort. In medical practice, we talk about it when lumbar curvature deviates from the physiological norm - both in the direction of deepening and shallowing. Changes in this bend can affect not only the function of the spine, but also the entire musculoskeletal system, leading to overload, pelvic realignment or compensatory deformities. Typical symptoms include:

• Chronic pain in the lumbar region;
• Tension the muscles of the back and buttocks;
• Limitation of mobility in the lumbar region;
• gait and posture disorders;
• A feeling of stiffness or instability in the spine.

Deepened lumbar lordosis - causes, mechanism of formation, treatment

Deepened lumbar lordosis is one of the most commonly diagnosed deformities. It can be primary - due to anatomical predisposition - or secondary, associated with abnormal movement patterns, postural defects and even degenerative changes. Deepening of the curvature of the spine in the lumbar region Disturbs the biomechanical balance of the entire figure, leading to overloading, which in the long term can cause pain and mobility limitations. Deepened lumbar lordosis usually develops as a result of chronic strains or untreated dysfunction In the pelvis and lower torso. The main causes include:

• abdominal muscle weakness;
• Contracture of the hip flexor muscles (e.g., hip-lumbar m.);
• Excessive body weight and a shift in the center of gravity;
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity;
• Pregnancy - as a physiological condition that increases the anterior tilt of the pelvis.

Deepened lumbar lordosis - treatment

For a deformity such as deepened lumbar lordosis, treatment is based primarily on Strengthening deep trunk muscles, soft tissue mobilization and postural re-education. Spinal rehabilitation must be conducted by an experienced physiotherapist and tailored to the patient's needs. In cases of severe pain or structural changes, pharmacological treatment and temporary relief of spinal structures can be implemented. Key measures include:

• Motor control and central stability (core stability) training;
• Relaxing the hip flexor and back extensor muscles;
• Strengthening abdominal, gluteal and pelvic floor muscles;
• Gait and posture re-education;
• In some cases - manual therapy and individually tailored exercises.

Shallow lumbar lordosis - what is it? How to recognize it?

Wondering: shallow lumbar lordosis, what is it? This is a condition in which the natural curvature of the lumbar spine is reduced. This type of disorder often occurs in people With rheumatic diseases, after prolonged immobilization or in patients after injuries. Reduced lordosis can also result from improper manual therapy or excessive soft tissue stretching without motor control. Therapy planning should take into account other body axis deformities and coexisting orthopedic conditions. Although a shallowed lumbar lordosis may seem less dangerous than a deepened one, in reality is associated with such consequences as:

• An increase in lumbar stiffness;
• Overloading of adjacent spinal segments;
• reducing cushioning during movement;
• The risk of discopathy.

Lordosis - diagnosis and importance of postural assessment

Proper diagnosis is the basis for effective treatment, and its absence can lead to chronic pain and the development of secondary compensations. An important element is also Determination of pelvic anterior tilt ratio and assessment of muscle balance. It is not uncommon for lordosis to be accompanied by changes in the thoracic (kyphosis) and sacroiliac regions, affecting the entire biomechanics of movement. Diagnostics include:

• Clinical examination in standing and lying posture;
• Functional tests of the musculoskeletal system;
• gait analysis;
• imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess curvature angles.

The role of prevention in maintaining physiological lordosis

Physiological lordosis develops naturally in humans - from about 1 year of age. Any deviation from the norm requires specialized diagnosis and individually tailored therapy. Maintaining physiological lordosis is possible with properly selected physical activity, work ergonomics and postural control. Implementation of prevention at an early stage helps reduce the risk of developing pathological lordosis and related ailments. Special attention should be paid to children and adolescents during the period of intensive growth. Preventive measures include:

• Regular training to strengthen the deep muscles;
• Taking care of hip and spine mobility;
• Avoiding prolonged sitting without breaks;
• The right choice of mattress and an ergonomic chair;
• Postural awareness during daily activities.

Summary

Lordosis is a physiological bending of the spine, which, while maintaining proper structure, plays an important role in maintaining posture and protecting bone and joint structures. Disorders such as Deepened lumbar lordosis or shallow lumbar lordosis should be recognized and treated In cooperation with specialists. Proper diagnosis, targeted therapy and prevention allow us to effectively support the health of the spine and the quality of life of patients. If you are struggling with spinal ailments, get professional help from the team at Neuroport - Neurological and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center, where you will receive individually tailored care and effective therapeutic support.