Understanding Lumbar Lordosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Lumbar Lordosis?

Lumbar lordosis, also called swayback, is one of the common spinal disorders affecting people of all age groups and ethnic backgrounds. Although typically, everyone's spine naturally curves at the neck, upper, and lower back, people with lumbar lordosis have an inward curvature either in the lower or upper back. This causes mild to moderate pain and discomfort and can affect movement. In addition, several factors, from posture to pregnancy, can worsen the pain and discomfort associated with this problem. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and early treatment are imperative for people with lumbar lordosis because ignoring the symptoms can cause more damage down the road.

What Causes Lumbar Lordosis?

Typically, lumbar lordosis is caused by muscular problems or structural changes affecting the discs and bones along the spine. Lordosis often makes the buttocks look more prominent. Children with hyperlordosis have ample space beneath the lower back when lying face-up on a hard surface. Some children have marked lordosis, but it usually fixes itself as the child grows. This type of lordosis is called benign juvenile lordosis.

The most common conditions that can cause lumbar lordosis include the following:

• Spondylolisthesis (a spinal disorder in which a bone (vertebra) slips forward onto the bone below it). A person may be born with this disorder, or it may develop in people who participate in particular sports activities that stretch the lumbar spine, such as gymnastics or football. In addition, it may develop along with arthritis in the spine.

• Achondroplasia (a bone growth disorder that causes the most common type of dwarfism).

• Poor posture.

• Obesity.

• Muscular dystrophy.

• Osteoporosis (a bone disorder that makes bones weak and brittle).

• Discitis (infection of the spine's vertebrae).

• Kyphosis (a spinal disorder characterized by excessive outward curvature of the spine).

• Osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer that often occurs in long bones that make up the arms and legs).

• Other genetic conditions

What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Lordosis?

If a person appears to have a swayback or inward curvature of the spine, it is likely to be lumbar lordosis. Other common symptoms include:

• The head and neck lean further forward.

• The hips and pelvis are pushed forward more than they should be.

• The butt sticking out.

• There will be extra space underneath the lower back than usual when lying down on the back.

• Lordosis causing more severe curves can cause neck or low back pain, making it difficult to move.

• Muscle pain and weakness.

• Numbness.

• Tingling sensation.

• Electric shock pains.

• Rare severe cases of lumbar lordosis can interfere with the ability to control the bowels or bladder.

How Is Lordosis Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider diagnoses lumbar lordosis with a physical examination. The provider also looks at the medical history and asks about the symptoms to reach the diagnosis. During the physical exam, the provider asks the person to bend forward and to the side. The provider may also ask the person to lie flat on a table to check the spine for unnatural curvature. It is not a matter of concern if the lordotic curve is flexible (when the person bends forward, the curve reverses itself). However, if the curve does not move, medical evaluation and treatment will likely be needed. If the provider notices lordosis signs in the spine, they may order imaging tests to help them know the exact reason.

These tests may include the following:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine.

• Lumbosacral spine X-ray.

• Computed tomography (CT) scan.

How to Treat Lumbar Lordosis?

Lordosis treatment depends on the condition's root cause and the curvature's severity. Most individuals with lordosis may not require medical treatment unless it is severe. For symptoms like neck or back pain, one may only need over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin or Ibuprofen and stretching and strengthening to improve the symptoms. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking an NSAID for longer than ten days.

If the lordotic curve worsens over time, if it is not flexible, or if the pain is severe, the healthcare provider may suggest the following treatments:

• Exercise: The provider may suggest exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the spine. Exercise cannot cure lordosis, but a few studies have found they are the best way to reduce symptoms like neck or back pain. In addition, strengthening the hamstrings, hips extensors, abs and glutes can improve posture.

• Bracing: A customized brace can help support the spine and prevent it from curving further. Most people usually need to wear their brace for at least 20 hours daily.

• Lordosis Surgery: Surgical correction is rarely needed. Lordosis surgery is done if the curvature interferes with the function of the organs, if the pain is severe, or if other treatment interventions have failed. The provider may recommend a spinal fusion to help straighten the spine and reduce the curve. Bone grafting may be needed to help this heal.

• Nutritional Supplements: Vitamin D may help reduce symptoms.

• At-Home Care: People with lordosis should continue exercising or playing sports. Moreover, staying active can help strengthen the muscles around the spine and help relieve some symptoms. However, if surgery has been performed to repair the curve in the spine, avoid certain physical activities while recovering. Instead, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider, as suggested, to monitor any changes in the spine. In addition, following a healthy diet and exercise plan helps improve overall health.

How to Prevent Lumbar Lordosis?

While there are no guidelines for preventing lumbar lordosis, one can still perform some exercises to maintain good posture and spine health. Staying flexible and strengthening the core is the best way to minimize risks.

What Is the Outlook for People With Lumbar Lordosis?

Lordosis should not have a significant impact on life. Therefore, treatment is usually optional for most people. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy spine as it is responsible for movement and flexibility. Untreated lordosis can lead to long-term discomfort and an increased risk of problems.

Conclusion

Lumbar lordosis is a spinal disorder characterized by an inward curvature of the spine in the upper or lower back. It is caused by muscular problems or structural changes affecting the spine's discs and bones. Lordosis should not significantly impact life or affect the ability to perform daily activities. Usually, treatment is not necessary, but physical therapy or over-the-counter medications can benefit if the curve causes pain. Surgery may be indicated for severe lordosis.