Spinal Curvature Conditions: Kyphosis and Lordosis Explained

Understanding Kyphosis

Kyphosis (from Greek κύφος, "convex," and the suffix -osis, indicating "state" or "process") refers to a condition where the spine exhibits an excessive outward curvature, often leading to a loss of its natural inward curves in affected segments. This condition causes a visible tilt in the back, often perceived as poor posture.

The symptoms of kyphosis that may or may not occur, depending on the type and extent of the deformity, include back pain, fatigue, a visibly curved back, shortness of breath, discomfort, and even death (in extremely severe and rare cases).

Types of Kyphosis

There are many types of kyphosis, including:

• Postural Kyphosis

  This is the most common type, usually attributed to poor posture. It represents a noticeable but flexible curvature of the spine. It is typically observed during adolescence and rarely causes pain or leads to long-term problems in adulthood.

• Scheuermann's Kyphosis

  This type is more cosmetically significant and can cause pain. It is considered a form of juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine and is commonly known as Scheuermann's disease. Patients suffering from Scheuermann's kyphosis cannot voluntarily correct their posture.

• Congenital Kyphosis

  This condition occurs when an infant's spine does not develop properly in the womb. Vertebrae may be malformed or fused together, which can cause progressive kyphosis as the child develops.

Understanding Lordosis

Lordosis is a condition characterized by an anterior rotation of the pelvis, which causes an abnormal increase in the lumbar (lower back) curvature. The spine curves excessively forward in this region.

This excessive curvature is often associated with weak trunk musculature, particularly the anterior lateral abdominal muscles.

To compensate for changes in the body's center of gravity, women often experience a temporary lordosis during late pregnancy. While this lordotic curvature can cause back pain, the discomfort usually disappears shortly after delivery.

Obesity can also contribute to lordosis and low back pain in both sexes, due to the increased weight of abdominal contents shifting the center of gravity forward.