Medical Encyclopedia

 

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Lordosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Skeletal spine
Skeletal spine
Lordosis
Lordosis

Alternative Names    Return to top

Swayback

Definition    Return to top

Lordosis is an increased curving of the spine.

Considerations    Return to top

The spine has three types of curves:

A small degree of both kyphotic and lordotic curvature is normal. Too much kyphotic curving causes round shoulders or hunched shoulders (Scheuermann's disease).

Too much lordotic curving is called swayback (lordosis). Lordosis tends to make the buttocks appear more prominent. Children with significant lordosis will have a significant space beneath their lower back when lying on their back on a hard surface.

If the lordotic curve is flexible (when the child bends forward the curve reverses itself), it is generally not a concern. If the curve does not move, medical evaluation and treatment are needed.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

If the back is flexible, lordosis is usually not treated and will not progress or cause problems.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you notice that your child has an exaggerated posture or a curve in the back. The condition should be evaluated to determine if thereĀ is a medical problem.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. The child may be asked to bend forward, to the side, and to lie flat on a table so that the spine can be examined in a variety of positions.

Questions about the child's medical history will be asked, including:

In some cases, particularly if the curve seems "fixed" (not bendable), the following or other diagnostic tests may be recommended:

.

Update Date: 2/27/2008

Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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