Lumbar lordosis refers to one of the natural curvatures of the spine, and its alteration can lead to clinical conditions such as hyperlordosis or lumbar straightening.
Lumbar lordosis is the natural inward curvature of the spine located in the lower back region. This curvature plays a key role in absorbing and distributing the forces generated during movement, helping to maintain balance and an upright posture.
Under normal conditions, lumbar lordosis has a curvature angle ranging between 20 and 45 degrees, depending on each person’s physical characteristics. This curvature allows the upper body’s weight to be supported and transmits forces toward the lower limbs.
However, if this curvature increases or decreases, postural alterations and lower back pain may arise, affecting a person’s quality of life.
Lumbar hyperlordosis
Lumbar hyperlordosis is an alteration of the natural curvature in the lumbar region—meaning it is increased beyond the normal physiological range. This causes the lower back to appear more arched than usual, which can lead to postural imbalances and chronic pain.
Lumbar hyperlordosis can be related to various factors such as muscle weakness, obesity, poor posture, muscle contractures, or congenital issues like spondylolisthesis, which may predispose someone to hyperlordosis.
Symptoms of this condition include chronic lower back pain, stiffness, muscle tension, visible postural changes, and limited range of motion.
Depending on the cause and severity of the hyperlordosis, treatment may vary and include physical therapy with specific exercises to strengthen the core (abdominal and lower back muscles), and stretch contracted muscles. It is also important to manage weight, especially in individuals with excess abdominal fat, as this helps reduce lumbar curvature.
Postural correction training can help improve body alignment. In more severe cases, lumbar support devices (orthoses) may be required.
Lumbar lordosis straightening
Straightening of the lumbar lordosis refers to the loss of the natural curvature in the lumbar region, resulting in an abnormally straight alignment that reduces the spine’s ability to absorb impacts, increasing the risk of injury and pain.
There are multiple causes of lumbar lordosis straightening, with the most common being overloaded lumbar muscles, sedentary lifestyle, herniated discs, direct trauma to the lumbar region, and muscle spasms.
A person with lumbar straightening may experience constant or intermittent lower back pain, a sense of stiffness, fatigue when standing or sitting, and a greater predisposition to disc injuries.
Managing this condition involves postural re-education to improve postural habits, strengthening and stretching exercises, manual therapies such as massage or spinal manipulation to restore curvature, and possibly pain management with anti-inflammatories and physical therapy techniques.
Lordosis and kyphosis
While lumbar lordosis is a curvature imbalance in the lower back region of the spine, kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature in the upper back.
The curvature of the upper back and the lower spine complement each other to provide stability and flexibility. However, when one is altered, the other may be affected in as a form of compensation. For example, lumbar hyperlordosis may cause an increase in thoracic kyphosis to compensate for postural imbalance.
The balance between both curvatures is essential to prevent biomechanical alterations and long-term injuries, so any alteration in one requires a comprehensive approach to restore proper spinal alignment.
Lumbar lordosis plays a crucial role in the stability and mobility of the spine. When alterations like hyperlordosis or lumbar straightening are present, it is important to seek specialized medical attention and appropriate treatment to minimize the negative effects these conditions can cause.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Spine Clinic, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes
MedlinePlus, NIH, Cleveland Clinic
