From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
Lordosis |
|
Classification and external resources |
| ICD-10 |
M40.3-M40.5, Q76.4 |
| ICD-9 |
737.2 |
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.[1] 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. It can also
worsen through puberty sometimes not becoming evident until the
early or mid-20s. Imbalances in muscle strength and length are also
a cause, such as weak hamstrings, or tight hip flexors.
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. Measurement and diagnosis of lumbar
lordosis can be difficult. Obliteration of end-plate landmarks by
interbody fusion has made the traditional measurement of segmental
lumbar lordosis nearly impossible. Because the L4-L5 and L5-S1
levels are most likely to be subjected to fusion procedures or
arthroplasty and contribute to more than half of normal lumbar
lordosis, it is crucial to identify a reproducible and accurate
means of measuring segmental lordosis at these levels.[2][3]
Other
Lordosis
behavior refers to the position that some mammalian females
(including cats, mice, and rats) display when they are ready to
mate ("in heat"). In radiology, a lordotic view is an X-ray taken
of a patient leaning backwards.[4]
See also
References
- Gylys,
Barbara A. and Mary Ellen Wedding (2005), Medical Terminology
Systems, F.A. Davis Company
External
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