Lordosis
| Lumbar hyperlordosis | |
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| Lumbar hyperlordosis | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics |
| ICD-10 | M40.3-M40.5, Q76.4 |
| ICD-9-CM | 737.2,754.2 |
| MedlinePlus | 003278 |
The term lordosis refers to the normal inward lordotic curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the human spine. The normal outward (convex) curvature in the thoracic and sacral regions is termed kyphosis or kyphotic. The term comes from the Greek lordōsis, from lordos "bent backward"
Lordosis in the human spine makes it easier for humans to bring the bulk of their mass over the pelvis. This allows for a much more efficient walking gait than that of other primates, whose inflexible spines cause them to resort to an inefficient forward leaning "bent-knee, bent-waist" gait. As such, lordosis in the human spine is considered one of the primary physiological adaptations of the human skeleton that allows for human gait to be as energetically efficient as it is.
Lower spine disorders occur when lumbar lordosis is excessive (lumbar hyperlordosis), minimal, or is reversed into lumbar kyphosis. Lumbar hyperlordosis is commonly called hollow back or saddle back (after a similar condition that affects some horses). These conditions are usually a result of poor posture and can often be reversed by learning correct posture and using appropriate exercises.
Normal lordotic curvatures, also known as secondary curvatures, results in a difference in the thickness between the front and back parts of the intervertebral disc. Lordosis may also increase at puberty, sometimes not becoming evident until the early or mid-20s.
In radiology, a lordotic view is an X-ray taken of a patient leaning backwards.
Lumbar hyperlordosis is a condition that occurs when the lumbar region (lower back) experiences stress or extra weight and is arched to point of muscle pain or spasms. Lumbar hyperlordosis is a common postural position where the natural curve of the lumbar region of the back is slightly or dramatically accentuated. Commonly known as swayback, it is common in dancers. Imbalances in muscle strength and length are also a cause, such as weak hamstrings, or tight hip flexors (psoas). A major feature of lumbar hyperlordosis is a forward pelvic tilt, resulting in the pelvis resting on top of the thighs.
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