What is Lordosis?
Lordosis is the natural backward curve of the spine in the neck and lower back when viewed from the side. Lordosis of the neck and low back is normal in most patients and does not require treatment or surgery. However, some patients can develop excessive lordosis or experience reduced lordosis.
Symptoms
If left untreated, lordosis can cause pain in the neck or back and inhibit one’s ability to move.
Treatment
The process for diagnosing lordosis typically starts with an X-ray and may require advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT scan. Treatment is usually focused on the underlying cause and symptoms a patient is experiencing. Often, patients are managed with medications to help control neck or back discomfort. Physical therapy and exercises can help correct postural or flexibility issues that contribute to abnormal lordosis. Additionally, injections may be an option to reduce pain coming from a particular area within the spine. In cases with severe abnormal lordosis, surgery is sometimes an option to correct the alignment of the spine and reduce pressure on the spinal nerves.