Lordosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Lordosis is a disorder of the spine, which is when the lower part (lumbar) curves excessively.
The human spine generally has a slight curvature in the neck, upper back and lower back.
The existence of this arch is useful for the body to support the head, help maintain body structure, and facilitate movements such as bending.
In lordosis, excessive lumbar curvature causes excessive stress on the spine. As a result, complaints of pain and discomfort appear.
If not handled properly, this condition can interfere with movement.
Type
There are several types of lordosis bone disorders. Here’s an explanation.
Postural lordosis
Postural lordosis disorders are generally caused by overweight or weak back muscle problems. As a result, the spine is not properly supported.
When someone is overweight, the stomach area tends to have a greater burden. In effect, the lumbar was moving forward.
Congenital Lordosis or Trauma
Congenital lordosis generally occurs due to congenital defects or problems when the fetus is in the womb.
As a result, the bones that the fetus has are weaker and can bend excessively.
Apart from congenital defects, lordosis can also be caused by trauma or injury, for example falling from a high place or injury during sports.
Hyperlordosis Postoperative Laminectomy
As the name implies, this spinal deformity occurs after a laminectomy procedure.
Namely, a surgical procedure in which the spine is removed to provide access to the spinal cord or nerve roots.
One of the side effects of this action is an imbalance in the spine, causing the bones to tend to be more curved.
Neuromuscular Lordosis
This type of spinal deformity is caused by conditions that cause curvature of the spine. For example, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.
Lordosis Secondary to Hip Flexion Contracture
This type of lordosis usually occurs in people who have hip contractures. Hip contractures cause shortening of the joints and muscles.
This can occur due to various causes, such as infection, injury, or muscle balance problems due to other disorders.
Lordosis
| Medical specialist | Orthopedic surgeon. |
| Symptom | Muscle pain, tense muscles, limited neck/back movement, tingling, numbness, difficulty controlling urination. |
| risk factor | Obesity, pregnant women, injuries, poor posture, history of spinal surgery, muscle, nerve and bone disorders. |
| How to diagnose | Medical interview, physical examination, supporting examination (x-ray, MRI) |
| Treatment | Medicines, use of braces, physical exercise/physiotherapy, surgery, lifestyle modifications. |
| Drug | Painkillers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen). |
| Complications | Prolonged pain that interferes with quality of life. |
| When to see a doctor? | Changes in the appearance and shape of the spine are accompanied by disturbing pain. |
Symptom
In general, the symptoms of lordosis are muscle pain and tension. This is because the abnormal curvature of the spine causes the back muscles to pull in different directions.
This disorder can also be easily seen from its appearance. The upper body to the abdomen with lordosis will appear to be moving forward and the buttocks are moving backward.
When viewed from the side, you will see a curve at the waist. In addition, some of the symptoms of lordosis that may appear, such as:
- difficulty moving the neck or lower back
- tingling
- numbness or numbness
- pain like an electric shock
- feeling weak
- difficulty controlling urination
Even when sleeping, people with lordosis will have difficulty lying on their backs.
This is because it is difficult for the upper back area to stick to the floor due to being blocked by protruding buttocks.
Reason
Lordosis spinal disorders can affect everyone at various ages. In some cases, this condition has no known cause.
However, in some cases, it is known that there is an underlying cause for lordosis, namely:
Injury or Trauma
A history of injury or trauma to the spine can be one of the causes of excessive lumbar curvature.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition when the spine shifts from where it should be.
As a result, the bones become misaligned and make the lower spine more curved.
Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia is a bone growth disorder that makes sufferers appear stunted.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis or porous bones is a loss of bone density that increases the risk of injury or fracture.
This can later affect the curvature of the spine.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can affect bad posture.
There is excessive pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of lordosis.
Muscle and Nerve Disorders
Muscle and nerve disorders such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy can also cause lordosis.
Risk Factors
Some of the risk factors that increase the occurrence of lordosis spinal abnormalities are:
- obesity
- bad posture
- pregnancy
- perform spinal surgery procedures
- injury
- have muscle, nerve and bone disorders, such as in muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, achondroplasia
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of lordosis, don’t hesitate to consult an orthopedic surgeon.
In making a diagnosis, the doctor will advise you to do a medical interview, physical examination, and also supporting examinations.
Medical Interview
The doctor will ask questions about the complaints you are experiencing and the risk factors you have, for example, a history of falls or a history of surgery.
Physical examination
The doctor will ask you to make several movements such as bending to assess whether the shape of the spinal curvature is normal or not, until there is a problem with limitation of movement.
Supporting investigation
Investigations, such as imaging tests, are used to support the diagnosis.
Some of the imaging tests that may be done:
Spine X-Ray
One of the basic supporting examinations that is often carried out is an x-ray examination which is useful for determining the degree of curvature of the spine.
CT Scan
In addition to an X-ray examination, a CT scan may be recommended. A CT scan can provide a more detailed picture of muscles, fat, and organs compared to an X-ray.
MRIs
An MRI examination can provide a more specific picture of the spine. This inspection procedure uses a combination of magnets, radio frequency, and a computer.
Bone Scan
Bone scan examination can be done if there is suspicion of bone pain caused by inflammation, changes in joint structure, or malignancy.
Blood Test
Blood tests may be ordered if a metabolic problem is suspected. However, actually blood tests are not included in the diagnostic examination of lordosis.
Treatment
Treatment for lordosis depends on the degree of curvature, the cause, and how severe the symptoms are.
In most cases of general lordosis does not require specific therapy.
Here are some recommended treatments and ways to deal with lordosis.
Taking Painkillers
Complaints of pain that appear can interfere with daily activities. For this reason, doctors can recommend painkillers to reduce pain and swelling.
Some drugs that may be recommended are ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Physical training
Physical exercise that is done independently or physiotherapy assisted by a therapist can help strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.
You can do gymnastics, yoga, or stretching to help overcome lordosis complaints.
If in doubt, ask your doctor or therapist what kind of movement or exercise you need to do each day.
Use of Braces
The use of a back brace or corset can help stabilize the back and prevent the spine from curving too much.
Before deciding to use this tool, make sure you consult with your doctor first.
Usually, the use of a brace is recommended for people who have a curvature of more than 30 degrees.
Surgical Actions
Spinal surgery procedures may be performed if conventional methods show no improvement, or in cases with a severe degree followed by manifestations of nervous disorders.
Lifestyle Modification
Losing excess weight, for example by maintaining food intake and regular exercise, will indirectly help improve posture.
Prevention
Actually, there are no specific guidelines on the prevention of lordosis. Having an ideal body weight is one of the things that can be done to help maintain health and posture.
Discuss with your doctor if you have trouble starting a diet program.
In addition, there are several movements or exercises that can help maintain posture as well as how to prevent lordosis. Exercises can be in the form of:
- shrug
- neck exercise
- yoga, such as doing the cat and bridge pose
- feet up
- pelvic floor muscle exercises ( pelvic tilt )
Standing for too long can also change the curvature of the spine. So, if you’re standing for too long, try to sit down for a while and stretch.
Don’t forget to use a support pad or choose a chair that helps maintain the shape of the spine.
Complications
Complications from true lordosis are not life threatening. However, if left unchecked can reduce a person’s quality of life.
If not handled properly, this spinal disorder can cause prolonged pain and interfere with the sufferer’s daily life, including when resting.
When to See a Doctor?
You need to see a doctor immediately if there are changes in the appearance and shape of the spine accompanied by complaints of pain that interferes with activities.