All you Need to Know About Lordosis

Lordosis? Does the mere name add a few wrinkles on your forehead? Worry not! All that

you are required to know in order to fight lordosis are stated below.

There are a number of health problems that may cause the spine to curve more than normal or be

misaligned.

The following conditions can cause lordosis:

• Achondroplasia. A disorder in which bones do not grow normally, resulting in the short stature

associated with dwarfism

• Spondylolisthesis. A condition in which a vertebrae, usually in the lower back, slips forward

• Osteoporosis, a condition in which vertebrae become fragile and can be easily broken

(compression fractures)

• Obesity, or being extremely overweight

• Kyphosis. A condition marked by an abnormally rounded upper back

• Discitis. Inflammation of the disc space between the bones of the spine most often caused by

infection

• Benign (harmless) juvenile lordosis

Ref: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/types-of-spine-curvature-disorders

What are the symptoms of lordosis?

Each child may experience symptoms differently. The major clinical feature of lordosis is a

prominence of the buttocks. Symptoms will vary depending if lordosis occurs with other defects,

such as muscular dystrophy, developmental dysplasia of the hip, or neuromuscular disorders.

Back pain, pain down the legs, and changes in bowel and bladder habits are not commonly

associated with lordosis. A child experiencing these types of symptoms requires further medical

evaluation by a physician.

The symptoms of lordosis may resemble other spinal conditions or deformities, or may be a

result of an injury or infection. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is lordosis diagnosed?

The physician makes the diagnosis of lordosis with a complete medical history of the child,

physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Your child's physician obtains a complete prenatal

and birth history of the child and asks if other family members are known to have lordosis.

Diagnostic procedures may include the following:

• x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce

images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. This test is used to measure and

evaluate the curve. With the use of a full-spine x-ray, the physician or radiologist

measures the angle of the spinal curve. A determination for treatment can often be made

based on this measurement.

• bone scans - a nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic

changes in the joints; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone

pain or inflammation. This test is to rule out any infection or fractures.

• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of

large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs

and structures within the body. This test is done to rule out any associated abnormalities

of the spinal cord and nerves.

• computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging

procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-

sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT

scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and

organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

• blood tests

Early detection of lordosis is important for successful treatment. Pediatricians or family

physicians, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs that lordosis may be

present.

Treatment of lordosis:

Specific treatment for lordosis will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history

• the extent of the condition

• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• expectations for the course of the condition

• your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the curve and prevent deformity. Management

of lordosis will depend upon the cause of the lordosis. Simple exercises may be sufficient if

lordosis is associated with poor posture. However, lordosis occurring as a result of a hip problem

may be treated as a part of the hip problem.

Ref: http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/orthopaedics/lordosis.html

Now that you know all about lordosis, fear not if it invades you! you know exactly how to handle it!