lordosis n : an abnormal inward (forward) curvature of the vertebral column [syn: hollow-back]

English

Noun

1. An excessive curvature of the spine, causing a hollow in the back.

Synonyms

• hollow back
• saddle back

Derived terms

• hyperlordosis
• lordotic

See also

• kyphosis
• swayback

Lordosis (commonly referred to as swayback, saddle back, or hyper-lordosis) is a medical term used to describe an inward curvature of a portion of the vertebral column. Two segments of the vertebral column, namely cervical and lumbar, are normally lordotic, that is, they are set in a curve that has its convexity anteriorly (the front) and concavity posteriorly (behind), in the context of human anatomy. When referring to the anatomy of other mammals, the direction of the curve is termed ventral. Curvature in the opposite direction, that is, apex posteriorly (humans) or dorsally (mammals) is termed kyphosis. Some animals (notably horses) have naturally concave, lordotic backs.

Cause

Lordotic curvatures of the vertebral column, also known as secondary curvatures are caused mainly because of the difference of thickness between the anterior and posterior part of the intervertebral disc. Those curvatures start to appear during the fetal period, but don't become evident until infancy.

Excessive lordotic curvature is also called hollow back, saddle back, and swayback. Common causes of excessive lordosis including tight low back muscles, excessive visceral fat, and pregnancy. Although lordosis gives an impression of a stronger back, ironically it can lead to moderate to severe lower back pain. Loss of lordosis is sometimes seen with painful spinal conditions. If rigid, usually after spinal fusion surgery, it is known as flat-back.

The familiar overly-concave shape of the horse's back is, by extension, described as lordotic (hence the nickname "saddle back").

Treatment

Lordosis of the lower back may be treated by strengthening the abdominal muscles and hamstrings. Back hyper-extensions on a Roman chair or inflatable ball will strengthen the back muscles. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers may be taken as directed for short-term relief. Physical therapy effectively treats 70% of back pain cases due to scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis and bad posture.

Other

Lordosis behavior refers to the position that some mammalian females (cats, mice, rats, and so on) display when they are ready to mate ("in heat"). It is actually evolutionarily a mating display.

Footnotes

References

See also

• Lordosis behavior
• Kyphosis
• Scoliosis

External links

• What is Lordosis?
• Lordosis - MedlinePlus definition
• Lordosis - SpineUniverse